Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Jackson SC 29831 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Tech College near Jackson South Carolina

Jackson SC x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Jackson SC in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Jackson SC 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 have to maintain their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Jackson SC health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Jackson SC The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have earned 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 typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Jackson SC radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in South Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Jackson SC employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could 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 comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Jackson 29831 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Jackson SC residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just be 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 formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and assessing Jackson SC x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn 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 ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Jackson SC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the South Carolina xray tech colleges you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Jackson SC health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Jackson SC healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Jackson SC residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear 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 may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Jackson SC colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. 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 students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Jackson SC, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you must organize some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician School near Jackson SC

Selecting the best radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements 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 must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Jackson SC.

Some Background on Jackson South Carolina

Fort Jackson (South Carolina)

Fort Jackson is a United States Army installation, which TRADOC operates on for Basic Combat Training (BCT), and is located within the city of Columbia, South Carolina. This installation is named for Andrew Jackson, a United States Army General and seventh President of the United States of America (1829–1837) who was born in the border region of North and South Carolina.[1]

Fort Jackson was created in 1917 (as Camp Jackson) as the United States entered World War I. At the conclusion of World War I, Camp Jackson was shut down and the Camp was abandoned 25 April 1922 pursuant to General Orders No. 33, War Department, 27 July 1921. Camp Jackson was reactivated for World War II. At the conclusion of World War II, the post was to have been deactivated by 1950; however, the outbreak of the Korean War caused the post to remain active and it is still functioning in the early 21st Century.

Fort Jackson is the largest and most active initial entry training center in the U.S. Army, training 50 percent of all soldiers and 60 percent of the women entering the Army each year.[2] Providing the Army with new soldiers is the post's primary mission. 35,000 potential soldiers attend basic training and 8,000 advanced individual training soldiers train at Fort Jackson annually.[3] Soldiers who have trained or worked at Fort Jackson live by the base's motto, "Victory Starts Here."[4] The training is provided by the 165th, and 193rd Infantry Brigades Monday through Sunday for a ten-week period.[5]

The post has other missions as well. While some military installations have experienced downsizing and closure in past years, Fort Jackson has added several new schools and training institutions since 1995 including the U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute, the Department of Defense Chaplain Center and School, and the National Center for Credibility Assessment, part of the Defense Intelligence Agency.[6] In 2007 the Army consolidated all of its training facilities for drill sergeants at Fort Jackson, and in 2009 Command Sergeant Major Teresa King became the first woman to head what is now the sole drill sergeant school for the U.S. Army.[7]

Fort Jackson encompasses more than 52,000 acres (210 km2) of land, including 100 ranges and field training sites and more than 1,000 buildings.[8] Soldiers, civilians, retirees and family members make up the Fort Jackson community that continues to grow in numbers and facilities. An additional 10,000 soldiers attend courses at the Soldier Support Institute, Chaplain Center and School and Drill Sergeant School annually.[6] 12,000 military families make Fort Jackson their home.[9] Close to 3,500 civilians are employed at Fort Jackson and 46,000-plus retirees and their families receive services from this base.[8]