Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Greensboro NC 27401 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Technician College near Greensboro North Carolina

Greensboro NC x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Greensboro NC in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Work Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Greensboro NC hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers have to take care of their equipment and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Greensboro NC medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Greensboro NC The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Greensboro NC radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Greensboro NC employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Greensboro 27401 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Greensboro NC home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Programs

As soon as you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Greensboro NC x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Greensboro NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the North Carolina xray technician colleges you are evaluating have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the Greensboro NC healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Greensboro NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Greensboro NC home. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Greensboro NC colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Greensboro NC, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready several approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Greensboro NC

Enrolling in the best x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Greensboro NC.

Some Background on Greensboro North Carolina

Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro (/ˈɡriːnzbʌroʊ/ ( listen);[4] formerly Greensborough) is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina.[1] It is the 3rd-most populous city in North Carolina, the 68th-most populous city in the United States, and the county seat and largest city in Guilford County and the surrounding Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 269,666,[2] and in 2015 the estimated population was 285,342.[5] Three major interstate highways (Interstate 85, Interstate 40 and Interstate 73) in the Piedmont region of central North Carolina were built to intersect at this city.

In 1808, "Greensborough" (the spelling before 1895) was planned around a central courthouse square to succeed Guilford Court House as the county seat. The county courts were thus placed closer to the geographical center of the county, a location more easily reached at the time by the majority of the county's citizens, who depended on horse and foot for travel.

In 2003, the previous Greensboro – Winston-Salem – High Point metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was re-defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. This region was separated into the Greensboro–High Point MSA and the Winston-Salem MSA. The 2010 population for the Greensboro–High Point MSA was 723,801. The combined statistical area (CSA) of Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point, popularly referred to as the Piedmont Triad, had a population of 1,599,477.

Among Greensboro's many notable attractions, some of the most popular include the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe water park, the Greensboro Science Center, the International Civil Rights Museum, the Weatherspoon Art Museum, the Greensboro Symphony, the Greensboro Ballet, Triad Stage, the Wyndham Golf Championship, the headquarters of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Greensboro Coliseum Complex which hosts various sporting events, concerts, and other events, the Greensboro Grasshoppers of the South Atlantic Baseball League, the Carolina Dynamo of the Premier Development Soccer League, the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League, the Greensboro Roller Derby, and the National Folk Festival.

At the time of European encounter, the inhabitants of the area that became Greensboro were a Siouan-speaking people called the Saura.[6]:7 Other indigenous cultures had occupied this area for thousands of years, typically settling along the waterways, as did the early settlers.