Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Bessemer City NC 28016

How to Select a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Bessemer City North Carolina

Bessemer City NC x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Bessemer City NC in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

Radiology Tech Work Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Bessemer City NC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment and also frequently assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Bessemer City NC medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Bessemer City NC The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. 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 Bessemer City NC radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Bessemer City NC employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Bessemer City 28016 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Bessemer City NC home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Bessemer City NC x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Bessemer City NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the North Carolina xray technician schools you are assessing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great 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 secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Bessemer City NC medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Bessemer City NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

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

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Bessemer City NC schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Bessemer City NC, make sure 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 carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for being an Xray 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, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Bessemer City NC

Picking the best radiology tech school is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases 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 guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Bessemer City NC.

Some Background on Bessemer City North Carolina

Bessemer City, North Carolina

Bessemer City is a small suburban city in Gaston County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 5,340 at the 2010 census.[4] The city is approximately 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Gastonia and 25 miles (40 km) west of Charlotte. It was settled in 1756 and founded in 1893.

Bessemer City is located at 35°17′3″N 81°16′58″W / 35.28417°N 81.28278°W / 35.28417; -81.28278 (35.284262, -81.282853).[5]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12.5 km2), of which 4.8 square miles (12.4 km2) is land and 0.039 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.78%, is water.[4] The elevation at city hall is 904 feet (276 m) above sea level.

Bessemer City is named for Sir Henry Bessemer who created the Bessemer process for smelting iron. Bessemer City was founded on land purchased from the Ormand family, near the Sloan-Washington-Ormand Iron Furnace. Ironically, it was the Bessemer Process which made Bessemer City's early iron smelting industry obsolete.

The earliest European settlement in the Bessemer City area dates to 1754, when King George II of Great Britain granted about 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) to James Ormand (1716–1771), who established the Ormand Mining Company to extract iron ore. By 1786, a furnace had been built on the land, called the Washington Furnace after the family of Colonel John C. Washington. The Old Ormand Furnace was used to process most of the iron ore that was mined in the area and today is one of the oldest remaining furnaces in the country.[6] Despite a local tale that cannonballs were made during the Revolutionary War, there is no proof the furnace was built that early. The furnace was sold and later bought back by the family of Zenas Stanhope Ormand (b. July 12, 1802 - d. July 28, 1878). The furnace made iron implements and other products for local and statewide use and was in operation until the mid-19th century (when the Bessemer process made small furnace operations uneconomical). The "Old Furnace" is still owned by the Ormand Family Foundation, and the site is used as a gathering place for the Ormand, Ormond Family Reunion, one of the oldest family reunions in America, held annually since 1897.