Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Havelock NC 28532 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Program near Havelock North Carolina

Havelock NC x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Havelock NC so you can become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the ideal college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Havelock NC clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 maintain their equipment and regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Havelock NC medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Havelock NC The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college 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 two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Havelock NC radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification 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 employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several offer other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Havelock NC employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Havelock 28532 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Havelock NC home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Havelock NC x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Havelock NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the North Carolina xray tech schools you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Havelock NC medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Havelock NC healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Havelock NC home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school 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 typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Havelock NC colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Havelock NC, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have 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 Want to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Technician College near Havelock NC

Enrolling in the best radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are assessing before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Havelock NC.

Some Background on Havelock North Carolina

Havelock, North Carolina

Havelock is a city in Craven County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 20,735 at the 2010 census.[4] The city is home to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, the world's largest Marine Corps air station,[5] and home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Havelock is also home of the 4 time NCHSAA 3A State Champions in football.

Havelock is part of the New Bern Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Havelock is one of eight cities in the world named after Sir Henry Havelock, a British officer in India, who distinguished himself in 1857 during what was known as the Indian Mutiny. The area was originally named "Havelock Station" in the late 1850s, when the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad built a depot where its right-of-way crossed what is now Miller Boulevard.

The town was the initial landing point for a Civil War battle known as the Battle of New Bern. On March 11, 1862, Brigadier General Ambrose Burnside's command embarked from Roanoke Island to rendezvous with Union gunboats at Hatteras Inlet for an expedition against New Bern. On March 13, the fleet sailed up the Neuse River, anchored at Slocum Creek, and disembarked infantry on the river's south bank. Elements of the Rhode Island Heavy Artillery came ashore near the present-day location of the Officers' Club on Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and also near the Carolina Pines Golf and Country Club. After the capture of New Bern, the Federals transited Havelock on their way to the Battle of Fort Macon. Despite several Confederate attempts to reclaim New Bern and the surrounding area, the Federals did not withdraw until after the end of the war. During one of the attempts, however, the Union-built blockhouse fort on Havelock's Slocom Creek was burned in 1864. A diorama model of the Civil War fort is on exhibit at the Havelock Tourist & Events Center along with other displays of Havelock and Cherry Point history.[6]

Existing records indicate that the production of naval supplies including turpentine and tar were very important in the local economy during the 19th century. With the invention of the steam engine, the demand for tar and turpentine slowly evaporated as fewer wooden ships were constructed. Many distillers of turpentine turned to the production of moonshine to make ends meet.[7]