Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Southport NC 28461 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiology Tech College near Southport North Carolina

Southport NC x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Southport NC in order to train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer 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 x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to use 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 instance mammography. They may practice in Southport 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 take care of their equipment and also routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Southport NC medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Southport NC The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Southport NC radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Southport NC employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Southport 28461 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Southport NC residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make certain that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Southport NC x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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 rigorous examination of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may 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. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Southport NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the North Carolina radiology tech schools you are interested in have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Southport NC healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Southport NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Southport NC residence. Students 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 keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college 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 frequently 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 way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Southport NC colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Southport NC, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Southport NC

Choosing the ideal radiology technician school 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 condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Southport NC.

Some Background on Southport North Carolina

Southport, North Carolina

Southport is a city in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Its estimated population was 3,625 as of the 2016 census.[4]

Southport has been a popular filming location for television and movies, including film adaptations of the works of novelist Nicholas Sparks. The town can be seen in the television series Dawson's Creek, Under the Dome, Revenge, and Matlock, and in numerous movies, including I Know What You Did Last Summer, Summer Catch, Domestic Disturbance, Crimes of the Heart, Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk to Remember and Safe Haven.

Southport is the location of the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival, which attracts 40,000 to 50,000 visitors annually.

The Southport area was explored as early as the 1500s by Spanish explorers. During the 18th century, British settlements along the Carolina coast lacked fortifications to protect against pirates and privateers, and numerous Spanish attackers exploited this weakness. In response to these attacks, Governor Gabriel Johnston in 1744 appointed a committee to select the best location to construct a fort for the defense of the Cape Fear River region. It was determined that the fort should be constructed at a site at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. During the same year, France declared war against Britain, later known as King George's War, increasing the fort's need. Further, increasingly bold Spanish privateer raids led the North Carolina General Assembly to authorize the construction of "Johnston's Fort" in April 1745, which would come to be known as Fort Johnston. The governor of South Carolina agreed to lend ten small cannons for the fort, and the legislature, in spring 1748, appropriated 2,000 pounds for construction costs, and construction finally began. Southport developed around Fort Johnston.[5]

Southport was founded as the town of Smithville in 1792.[6] Joshua Potts had requested the formation of a town adjacent to Fort Johnston, and the North Carolina General Assembly formed a commission of five men to administer its founding. The town was named after Benjamin Smith, a colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later governor of North Carolina.[6] Smithville grew as a fishing village and through supporting military activity. Smithville was the county seat of Brunswick County from 1808 to 1887.[7] In an effort to promote the town as a major shipping port, Smithville was renamed Southport in 1887.[6]Smithville Township, in which Southport lies, and other local landmarks, such as the cemetery, retain the Smithville name.