Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Walterboro SC 29488 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician Program near Walterboro South Carolina

Walterboro SC x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Walterboro SC so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Work Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Walterboro SC hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize include:

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

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Walterboro SC health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Walterboro SC The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have received 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 common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete 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 expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Walterboro SC radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an 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 requirements in South Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Walterboro SC employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Walterboro 29488 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Walterboro SC residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced 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 disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing Walterboro SC x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of 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 detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged 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 obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Walterboro SC employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the South Carolina xray tech programs you are reviewing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Walterboro SC health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Walterboro SC healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Walterboro SC home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Walterboro SC schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. 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 speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Walterboro SC, check 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 have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result 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 helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must organize some ideas about how you want to address them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and talking points that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best Radiology Technician College near Walterboro SC

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology 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 productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Walterboro SC.

Some Background on Walterboro South Carolina

Walterboro, South Carolina

Walterboro is a city in Colleton County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 5,398 at the 2010 census.[1] It is the county seat of Colleton County.[4] Walterboro is located 48 miles (77 km) west of Charleston and is located near the ACE Basin region in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Walterboro (originally spelled "Walterborough") was founded in 1783 as a summer retreat for local planters looking to escape their malaria-ridden, Lowcountry plantations. The original settlement was located on a hilly area, covered with pine and hickory trees and named "Hickory Valley". Two of the earliest settlers were Paul and Jacob Walter. The two brothers owned plantations in nearby Jacksonboro. Paul's small daughter Mary was taken ill with malaria, a common disease amongst the families who built their plantations in the marshy areas of the Lowcountry, suitable to rice production. To save Mary's life the two brothers went looking for a more healthy location in which to live during the summer months and started the town that was later named for them. In 1817, Walterboro was named the third county seat of Colleton County, and has remained such until the present. This was followed by the construction of a county courthouse and jail in 1821, the courthouse being design by well-known architect Robert Mills. The town quickly spread out from the original Hickory Valley location, its population growth fueled successively by the town becoming the county seat in 1821, the establishment of a railroad line connecting the city with Columbia and Charleston in the 1880s, the establishment of an airfield in the 1930s and more recently the establishment of Interstate 95 in the 1960s, making the town a prime overnight stop on the road to Florida or New York.

In 1942, Walterboro became home to the Walterboro Army Air Field, a sub-base of Columbia Army Air Base and part of the overall network of army air training facilities that sprang up across the US during World War II. The base was established to provide advanced air combat training to fighter and bomber groups. It also hosted the largest camouflage school in the United States, as well as a 250-person prisoner of war camp. In 1944 the airfield changed commands and became an advanced combat training base for individual fighters, primarily the black trainees graduating from Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. Over 500 of the famed Tuskegee Airmen trained at Walterboro Army Air Field between April 1944 and October 1945, including individuals training as replacement pilots for the 332nd Fighter Squadron and the entire 447th Bombardment Group. The base closed in October 1945 and returned to its origins as a local airfield.

Today Walterboro is dotted with historic homes dating back to 1820, and a downtown that has kept many of its historic buildings. The city has become increasingly known as an antiquing destination and is a popular day trip from Charleston and Beaufort.

Walterboro is located somewhat north of the center of Colleton County at 32°54′15″N 80°39′58″W / 32.90417°N 80.66611°W / 32.90417; -80.66611 (32.904289, -80.666238).[5]Interstate 95 passes west of the city, leading northeast 110 miles (180 km) to Florence and southwest 67 miles (108 km) to Savannah, Georgia. The southern terminus of U.S. Route 15 is in the center of Walterboro; it leads north, running roughly parallel to I-95, reaching St. George in 21 miles (34 km). U.S. Route 17 Alt leads east from US 15 32 miles (51 km) to Summerville in the Charleston vicinity and southwest 21 miles (34 km) to Yemassee. South Carolina Highway 64 leads northwest past I-95 Exit 57 25 miles (40 km) to Ehrhardt and southeast 16 miles (26 km) to Jacksonboro.