How to Enroll in the Best Radiology Tech School near Durham North Carolina
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Durham NC in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description in Durham NC
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Durham NC hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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X-Ray Tech Degree Options near Durham NC
The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that radiographer colleges have a clinical 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 colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Durham NC or their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many approve other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Durham area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options in and around Durham NC to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in Durham NC hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Durham residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online school you pick 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.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Durham NC. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should check 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 selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure 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 examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Durham NC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the radiology tech programs you are interested in have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Durham NC healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in Durham NC in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Durham NC home. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Durham NC schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the xray tech school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Durham NC area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Compare Accelerated Radiology Tech Schools Durham NC
Enrolling in the ideal radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians 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 furnish the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Compare Accelerated Radiology Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Guide to Weekend Radiology Tech Programs. However, as has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are considering before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Durham NC.
Other North Carolina Diagnostic Locations
Durham, North Carolina
Durham (/ˈdʌrəm/) is a city in and the county seat of Durham County[6] in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Small portions of the city limits extend into Orange County and Wake County. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population to be 251,893 as of July 1, 2014, making it the 4th-most populous city in North Carolina, and the 79th-most populous city in the United States.[7] The city is located in the east-central part of the Piedmont region along the Eno River. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 542,710 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. The US Office of Management and Budget also includes Durham as a part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area, commonly known as the Research Triangle, which has a population of 2,037,430 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates.[8]
A railway depot was established on land donated by Bartlett S. Durham in 1849, the namesake of the city. Following the American Civil War, the community of Durham Station expanded rapidly, in part due to the tobacco industry. The town was incorporated by act of the North Carolina General Assembly, on April 1869. The establishment of Durham County was ratified by the General Assembly 12 years later, in 1881. It became known as the founding place and headquarters of the American Tobacco Company. Textile and electric power industries also played an important role. While these industries have declined, Durham underwent revitalization and population growth[9] to become an educational, medical, and research centre.[10]
Durham is home to several recognized institutions of higher education, most notably Duke University and North Carolina Central University. Durham is also a national leader in health-related activities, which are focused on the Duke University Hospital and many private companies. Duke and its Duke University Health System, in fact, are the largest employers in the city. North Carolina Central University is a historically black university that is part of the University of North Carolina system. Together, the two universities make Durham one of the vertices of the Research Triangle area; central to this is the Research Triangle Park[11] south of Durham, which encompasses an area of 11 square miles and is devoted to research facilities.
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