Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Greenville NC 27833 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician School near Greenville North Carolina

Greenville NC x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Greenville NC so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students start 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 location and cost must be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Greenville NC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:

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

Radiographers must take care of their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Greenville NC medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Greenville NC The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Greenville NC radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in North Carolina or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number approve other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Greenville NC employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Greenville 27833 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Greenville NC residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools

After you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Greenville NC x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Greenville NC employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the North Carolina radiology tech programs you are reviewing have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Greenville NC medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Greenville NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Greenville NC home. Those who have decided 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. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Greenville NC schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Greenville NC, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Since there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Select the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Greenville NC

Selecting the best radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Greenville NC.

Some Background on Greenville North Carolina

Greenville, North Carolina

Greenville is the county seat and the most populous city in Pitt County, North Carolina, United States. The principal city of the Greenville metropolitan area, and the 10th-most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Greenville is the health, entertainment, and educational hub of North Carolina's Tidewater and Coastal Plain. The city's official population as of the 2013 United States census estimate is 89,130 residents[3] while the Greenville Metropolitan Area includes 174,263 people.[4] In January 2008 and January 2010, Greenville was named one of the nation's "100 Best Communities for Young People" by the America's Promise Alliance.[5][6] In June 2012, Greenville was ranked in the top ten of the nation's "Best Small Places For Business And Careers" by Forbes magazine.[7] In 2010 Greenville was ranked twenty-fourth in mid-city business growth and development by Forbes Magazine.

The city is also known as "BMX Pro Town USA",[8] as it is home for many top professional BMX riders. Greenville is the home of East Carolina University, the third-largest university and fastest-growing campus in the University of North Carolina system, and Vidant Medical Center, the flagship hospital for Vidant Health and the teaching hospital for the Brody School of Medicine. The city has the fifth-highest percentage of residents in North Carolina – almost 30 percent – who have obtained bachelor's degrees.[9]

Greenville was founded in 1771 as "Martinsborough", after the Royal Governor Josiah Martin. In 1774 the town was moved to its present location on the south bank of the Tar River, three miles (4.8 km) west of its original site. In 1786, the name was changed to Greenesville in honor of General Nathanael Greene, the American Revolutionary War hero. It was later shortened to Greenville.[10]

During Greenville's early years, the Tar River was a navigable waterway; and by the 1860s there were several established steamboat lines transporting passengers and goods on the river. Cotton was the leading agricultural crop, and Greenville became a major cotton export center. Before the turn of the century, however, tobacco surpassed cotton and became the leading money crop. Greenville became one of the state's leading tobacco marketing and warehouse centers.[10]

For over a century, Greenville was recognized only as an important tobacco market and the home of a small state-supported college, charted by the Legislature in March 1907 and named East Carolina Teacher's Training School, a co-ed institution. By the mid 1960s, East Carolina College had become the third-largest state-supported college, and enrollment approached 8,000 students — twice the 1960 enrollment figure. In 1967, it became East Carolina University. ECU Medical School admitted its first four-year class in 1977. At the turn of the century, enrollment at ECU topped the 18,000 mark, and now exceeds 27,500 students.[11]