How to Select a Radiologic Tech School near Hatteras North Carolina
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Hatteras NC so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Hatteras NC clinics, hospitals, private 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 must maintain their equipment and routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Hatteras NC health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical 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 finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Hatteras NC radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After 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 working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number offer other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Hatteras NC employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may increase 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 rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Programs
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Hatteras NC home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Hatteras NC x-ray technician colleges. 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 school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Hatteras NC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Ask if the North Carolina radiology tech schools you are evaluating have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Hatteras NC health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Hatteras NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Hatteras NC residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose 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 commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Hatteras NC colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Hatteras NC, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Choose to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must organize several strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.Choose the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Hatteras NC
Picking the ideal radiology technician school is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiology tech in Hatteras NC.
Some Background on Hatteras North Carolina
Cape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras /ˈhætərəs/ is a thin, broken strand of islands that arch out into the Atlantic Ocean away from the US mainland, then back toward the mainland, creating a series of sheltered islands between the Outer Banks and the mainland. For thousands of years these barrier islands have survived onslaughts of wind and sea. Long stretches of beach, sand dunes, marshes, and maritime forests create a unique environment where wind and waves shape the topography. A large area of the Outer Banks is part of a National Park, called the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It is also the nearest landmass on the US mainland to Bermuda, which is about 563 nautical miles (648 mi; 1,043 km) to the east-southeast
The treacherous waters off the coast of the Outer Banks is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, Over 600 ships wrecked here as victims of shallow shoals, storms, and war. Diamond Shoals, a bank of shifting sand ridges hidden beneath the turbulent sea off Cape Hatteras, has never promised safe passage for ships. In the past 400 years the graveyard has claimed many lives, but island villagers saved many. As early as the 1870s, villagers served in the US Life-Saving Service. Others staffed lighthouses built to guide mariners. Few ships wreck today, but storms still uncover the ruins of the old wrecks that lie along the beaches of the Outer Banks.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects parts of three barrier islands: Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island. Beach and sound access ramps, campgrounds, nature trails, and lighthouses can be found and explored on all three islands.[1]
The community of Buxton lies on the inland side of the Cape itself, at the widest part of Hatteras Island. It is the largest community on the island, and is home to the governmental offices and schools for the Island.
Cape Hatteras is a bend in Hatteras Island, one of the long thin barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks. It is the site where the two great basins of the East Coast meet.[2] The cape's shoals are known as Diamond Shoals.
More Cities of Interest in North Carolina
Business Results 1 - 10 of 1
3 Reviews 