Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Piedmont SC 29673 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Technician Program near Piedmont South Carolina

Piedmont SC x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Piedmont SC so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Piedmont SC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers have to care for their equipment and also frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Piedmont SC medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Piedmont SC The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Piedmont SC radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals 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

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Piedmont SC employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Piedmont 29673 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 programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Piedmont SC home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Piedmont SC x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide 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 important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Piedmont SC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the South Carolina radiology tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Piedmont SC healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer 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 Piedmont SC healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Piedmont SC home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even 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 frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Piedmont SC schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor 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 College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Piedmont SC, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize some ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Best X-Ray Technician College near Piedmont SC

Selecting the right x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology 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 addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Piedmont SC.

Some Background on Piedmont South Carolina

Piedmont, South Carolina

Piedmont is a census-designated place (CDP) along the Saluda River in Anderson and Greenville counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 5,103 at the 2010 census.[3]

Piedmont is a part of the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin metropolitan area.

Native Americans and early settlers of Piedmont called the area "Big Shoals of the Saluda" after the Saluda River. The Native Americans used the shoals as a crossing. David Garrison established a grist mill around 1850 upon the shoals changing the name of the area to Garrison Shoals. Henry Pinckney Hammett bought this property for his cotton mill that used water power of the shoals. The name of the area changed again to Piedmont, "Foot of the Mountains" and became a mill town. The American Civil War disrupted Hammett's project until 1876 when his plant began operations. Piedmont was added to Hammett's charter for Piedmont Manufacturing Company and a railroad station. Water power from the Saluda River was also used to produce electricity to run the machinery from the 1880s to the 1920s. The machinery of the Piedmont Manufacturing Company was from Saco Lowell and Whitin Machine Works that helped finance Hammett's company.[4] In 1946 the mills were sold to J.P. Stevens and Company where it then was updated with modern features. Manufacturing continued until 1977 and in 1983 most of Piedmont Manufacturing Company burned down.[5]

Piedmont is located in northern Anderson County and southwestern Greenville County at 34°42′15″N 82°27′41″W / 34.70417°N 82.46139°W / 34.70417; -82.46139 (34.704140, -82.461427).[6] It is 12 miles (19 km) south of the center of Greenville. Exit 35 on Interstate 85 is 2 miles (3 km) to the west of the center of Piedmont. South Carolina state road 86 cuts through the small town also, connecting with Interstate 85 at Exit 35. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.8 square miles (22.7 km2), of which 8.6 square miles (22.3 km2) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km2), or 1.93%, is water.[3] The Saluda River flows southwards over a dam through the center of town.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 4,684 people, 1,829 households, and 1,349 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 545.6 people per square mile (210.8/km²). There were 1,992 housing units at an average density of 232.0 per square mile (89.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.08% White, 5.85% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.