Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Charleston SC 29401 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Technician Program near Charleston South Carolina

Charleston SC x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Charleston SC so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Career Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Charleston SC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 plus frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Charleston SC health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Charleston SC The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Charleston SC radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in South Carolina or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Charleston SC employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Charleston 29401 As a component of any 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 even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Charleston SC residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just be sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Charleston SC x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 detailed examination of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations 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 assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Charleston SC health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the South Carolina radiology tech programs you are interested in have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Charleston SC health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Charleston SC healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates 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 commuting distance of their Charleston SC 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 local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Charleston SC schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Charleston SC, 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 need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must ready some ideas about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Tech School near Charleston SC

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Charleston SC.

Some Background on Charleston South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the oldest and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina, the county seat of Charleston County,[5] and the principal city in the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area.[6] The city lies just south of the geographical midpoint of South Carolina's coastline and is located on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers. Charleston had an estimated population of 134,385 in 2016.[7] The estimated population of the Charleston metropolitan area, comprising Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, was 761,155 residents in 2016, the third-largest in the state and the 78th-largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States.

Charleston was founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England. Its initial location at Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River (now Charles Towne Landing) was abandoned in 1680 for its present site, which became the fifth-largest city in North America within ten years. Despite its size, it remained unincorporated throughout the colonial period; its government was handled directly by a colonial legislature and a governor sent by London. Election districts were organized according to Anglican parishes, and some social services were managed by Anglican wardens and vestries. Charleston adopted its present spelling with its incorporation as a city in 1783 at the close of the Revolutionary War. Population growth in the interior of South Carolina influenced the removal of the state government to Columbia in 1788, but the port city remained among the ten largest cities in the United States through the 1840 census.[8] The only major American city to have a majority-enslaved population, antebellum Charleston was controlled by an oligarchy of white planters and merchants who successfully forced the federal government to revise its 1828 and 1832 tariffs during the Nullification Crisis and launched the Civil War by seizing the Arsenal, Castle Pinckney, and Fort Sumter from their federal garrisons.

Known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and mannerly people, Charleston is a popular tourist destination and has received a large number of accolades, including "America's Most Friendly [City]" by Travel + Leisure in 2011 and in 2013 and 2014 by Condé Nast Traveler,[9][10] and also "the most polite and hospitable city in America" by Southern Living magazine.[11] In 2016, Charleston was ranked the "World's Best City" by Travel + Leisure.[12]

The city proper consists of six distinct areas: the Peninsula or Downtown, West Ashley, Johns Island, James Island, Daniel Island, and the Cainhoy Peninsula.

The incorporated city fit into 4–5 square miles (10–13 km2) as late as the First World War,[13][14] but has since greatly expanded, crossing the Ashley River and encompassing James Island and some of Johns Island. The city limits also have expanded across the Cooper River, encompassing Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. The present city has a total area of 127.5 square miles (330.2 km2), of which 109.0 square miles (282.2 km2) is land and 18.5 square miles (47.9 km2) is covered by water. North Charleston blocks any expansion up the peninsula, and Mount Pleasant occupies the land directly east of the Cooper River.