How to Select the Right Radiology Technician College near Raleigh North Carolina
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Raleigh NC so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Career Description in Raleigh NC
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Raleigh NC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment and routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available near Raleigh NC
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to consider is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Raleigh NC or their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number offer other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Raleigh area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options in and around Raleigh NC to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in Raleigh NC family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Raleigh residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing x-ray tech schools near Raleigh NC. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 undergone an extensive evaluation of their instructors and course 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 organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Raleigh NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the radiology technician schools you are assessing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Raleigh NC healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in Raleigh NC in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Raleigh NC home. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider 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 commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Raleigh NC colleges you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program also.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Raleigh NC area, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Best X Ray Technician Schools Raleigh NC
Picking the ideal radiology tech college is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate 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 must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Best X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Schools with X Ray Technician Programs. However, as we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Raleigh NC.
Other North Carolina Diagnostic Locations
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh (/ˈrɑːli/; RAH-lee)[6] is the capital of the state of North Carolina and the seat of Wake County in the United States. Raleigh is the second-largest city in the state, after Charlotte. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees, which line the streets in the heart of the city.[7] The city covers a land area of 142.8 square miles (370 km2). The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population as 469,298 as of July 1, 2018.[4] It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.[8][9] The city of Raleigh is named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who established the lost Roanoke Colony in present-day Dare County.
Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University (NCSU) and is part of Research Triangle Park (RTP), together with Durham (home of Duke University and North Carolina Central University) and Chapel Hill (home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). The "Triangle" nickname originated after the 1959 creation of the Research Triangle Park, located in Durham and Wake counties, among the three cities and their universities. The Research Triangle region encompasses the U.S. Census Bureau's Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which had an estimated population of 2,037,430 in 2013.[10] The Raleigh metropolitan statistical area had an estimated population of 1,214,516 in 2013.
Most of Raleigh is located within Wake County, with a very small portion extending into Durham County.[11] The towns of Cary, Morrisville, Garner, Clayton, Wake Forest, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, and Rolesville are some of Raleigh's primary nearby suburbs and satellite towns.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 43
11 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
5 Reviews 
9 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
5 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
37 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
2 Reviews 