Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Louisburg NC 27549 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician Program near Louisburg North Carolina

Louisburg NC x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Louisburg NC in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

Radiology Tech Job Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Louisburg NC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Louisburg NC health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Louisburg NC The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Louisburg NC radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several approve other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Louisburg NC employers prefer to 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 examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Louisburg 27549 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Louisburg NC home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Programs

When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Louisburg NC x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Louisburg NC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the North Carolina radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Louisburg NC health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Louisburg NC healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Louisburg NC home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Louisburg 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 converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Louisburg NC, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Louisburg NC

Choosing the right x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed 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. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Louisburg NC.

Some Background on Louisburg North Carolina

Louisburg, North Carolina

Louisburg is a town in Franklin County, North Carolina, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 3,359. It is the county seat of Franklin County.[4] The town is located about 29 miles northeast from the state's capital Raleigh, North Carolina, and located about 31 miles south from the Virginia border line. It is also the home of Louisburg College, the oldest two-year coeducational college in the United States, and of one of the campuses of Vance-Granville Community College.

Louisburg was established in the 1770s and named in honor of King Louis XVI of France, who was aiding the American Revolution at the time. It is the birthplace of author Edwin Wiley Fuller, home of the International Whistlers Convention, and site of the last hanging in North Carolina, chronicled in the book The Day The Black Rain Fell, by William F. Shelton and James S. Warren. "Black rain" actually did fall in Louisburg in March 1900.[5] Louisburg was the home of one governor of North Carolina, Thomas W. Bickett.[6]

Louisburg has a rich history of struggle against racial inequality and injustice. In June 1965, the local newspaper and radio station publicized the names and addresses of African-American families who had applied to attend white schools in Franklin County. When questioned on his actions, the man who read the names on the radio stated that though he was not a member of the Klan, he approved of their activities.[7] In part because of this disclosure, the families hoping to integrate the schools were attacked on numerous occasions by white extremists, who fired into the homes or destroyed the cars of families on the publicized list.[8] The movement for integration persevered in the coming years, and so did violent opposition. Summer of 1966 saw a series of cross burnings perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan in Franklin County, including one in front of the County Board of Education in Louisburg.[9] One local African-American leader said in 1968, after gun shots were fired into his house, that his home had been firebombed on one occasion and nails left in his driveway no less than 20 times over the previous few years.[10]

Cascine, Cooke House, Dean Farm, Franklin County Training School-Riverside Union School, Fuller House, Green Hill House, Louisburg Historic District, Main Building, Louisburg College, Massenburg Plantation, Person Place, Portridge, Rose Hill, Patty Person Taylor House, Thomas and Lois Wheless House, and Williamson House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[11][12]

Louisburg is located at 36°06′01″N 78°17′56″W / 36.100413°N 78.299009°W / 36.100413; -78.299009 (36.100413, -78.299009),[13] on the banks of the Tar River.