Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Greenville SC 29601 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Tech School near Greenville South Carolina

Greenville SC x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Greenville SC in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Work 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. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Greenville SC clinics, hospitals, family 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 also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Greenville SC medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Greenville SC The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Greenville SC radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in South Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Greenville SC employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Greenville 29601 As a part 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 programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Greenville SC residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just be 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 style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Greenville SC x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Greenville SC health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the South Carolina radiology technician schools you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Greenville SC medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Greenville SC healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Greenville SC residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even 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 sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Greenville SC colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Greenville SC, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify 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 work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must prepare some approaches about how you would like to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Best X-Ray Tech School near Greenville SC

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology tech college is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Greenville SC.

Some Background on Greenville South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville (/ˈɡriːnvɪl/; locally /ˈɡriːnvəl/) is a city and the seat of Greenville County, South Carolina, United States.[3] The city's mayor is Knox White, who has been in that position since December 1995.[4] With an estimated population of 67,453 as of 2016,[5] it is the sixth-largest city in the state. The population of the surrounding area was 400,492 as of 2010,[6] making it the third-largest urban area in South Carolina as well as the fastest growing. Greenville is the largest city in the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The MSA had a population of 884,975 in 2016,[7] making it the largest in South Carolina and the third largest in The Carolinas.

Greenville is the largest city in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Combined Statistical Area. According to United States Census Bureau, the CSA had a population of 1,442,117 as of 2016,[8] making it the largest CSA in the state. The CSA, a 10-county region of northwestern South Carolina, is known as "The Upstate". Greenville is located approximately halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina, along Interstate 85, and its metropolitan area also includes Interstates 185 and 385.

Greenville has gained recognition in various national publications such as CNN Money, which ranked Greenville as one of the "Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S." Bloomberg named Greenville the 3rd Strongest Job Market, 2010; and Forbes named Greenville the 13th Best City for Young Professionals. Greenville also earned the No. 3 slot by Condé Nast Traveler’s “The Best Small Cities in the U.S." in 2017. Greenville was the 4th fastest growing city in the United States between 2015 and 2016, as ranked by the Census Bureau.[9]

The land of present-day Greenville was once the hunting ground of the Cherokee which was forbidden to colonists. A wealthy settler from Virginia named Richard Pearis arrived in South Carolina around 1754 trading with Cherokee. Pearis had a child with a Cherokee woman and received about 100,000 acres (40,000 ha) from the Cherokee around 1770. Pearis established a plantation on the Reedy River called the Great Plains in present-day downtown Greenville. The American Revolution divided the South Carolina country between the Loyalists and Patriots. Pearis supported the Loyalists and together with their allies the Cherokee attacked the Patriots. The Patriots retaliated by burning down Pearis' plantation and jailing him in Charleston. Pearis never returned to his plantation but Paris Mountain is named after him.[10] The Treaty of Dewitt's Corner in 1777 ceded almost all Cherokee land, including present-day Greenville, to South Carolina.[11]

Greenville County was created in 1786 and was named for its physical appearance. However, other sources say Greenville is named after General Nathanael Greene in honor of his service in the American Revolutionary War.[12][13]Lemuel J. Alston came to Greenville County in 1788 and bought 400 acres (160 ha) and a portion of Pearis' former plantation. In 1797 Alston used his land holdings to establish a village called Pleasantburg where he also built a stately mansion. In 1816, Alston's land was purchased by Vardry McBee, who then leased the Alston mansion for a summer resort, before making mansion his home from 1835 until his death in 1864. Considered to be the father of Greenville, McBee donated land for many structures such as churches, academies and a cotton mill. Furman University was funded by McBee who helped bring the university to Pleasantburg from Winnsboro, South Carolina in 1851. In 1853 McBee and other Greenville County leaders funded a new railroad called the Greenville and Columbia Railroad. Pleasantburg boomed to around 1,000 in the 1850s due to the growth of McBee's donations and the attraction of the town as a summer resort for visitors.[14][15] In 1831 Pleasantburg was incorporated as Greenville.[16]