Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Asheville NC 28801 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Technician Program near Asheville North Carolina

Asheville NC x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Asheville NC so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Work Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Asheville NC hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment and also routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Asheville NC health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Asheville NC The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school 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 techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Asheville NC radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several approve other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Asheville NC employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Asheville 28801 As a part 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 even though you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Asheville NC home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Asheville NC x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools 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 compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Asheville NC employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the North Carolina radiology technician schools you are evaluating have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Asheville NC healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Asheville NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Asheville NC residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide 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 for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Asheville NC colleges you are reviewing 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 decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Asheville NC, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Tech School near Asheville NC

Choosing the ideal x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Asheville NC.

Some Background on Asheville North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a city and the county seat of Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States.[6] It is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and the 12th-most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The city's population was 89,121 according to the 2016 estimates.[7] It is the principal city in the four-county Asheville metropolitan area, with a population of 424,858 in 2010.[8] Asheville is home to the United States National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the world's largest active archive of weather data.

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Before the arrival of the Europeans, the land where Asheville now exists lay within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation.[32] In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto came to the area, bringing the first European visitors[33] along with European diseases, which seriously depleted the native population.[34] The area was used as an open hunting ground until the middle of the 19th century.[35]

The history of Asheville, as a town, began in 1784. In that year, Colonel Samuel Davidson and his family settled in the Swannanoa Valley, redeeming a soldier's land grant from the state of North Carolina. Soon after building a log cabin at the bank of Christian Creek, Davidson was lured into the woods by a band of Cherokee hunters and killed. Davidson's wife, child and female slave fled on foot overnight to Davidson's Fort (named after Davidson's father General John Davidson) 16 miles away.