Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Enka NC 28728 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Tech School near Enka North Carolina

Enka NC x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Enka NC so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are other important qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Enka NC clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Enka NC health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Enka NC The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish 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 extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Enka NC radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. 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

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Enka NC employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Enka 28728 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Enka NC home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Enka NC x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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 rigorous evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Enka NC health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the North Carolina radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Enka NC medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Enka NC healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Enka NC home. Students who have chosen 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 concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Enka NC colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally select 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 Enka NC, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Best Radiology Tech Program near Enka NC

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right training and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Enka NC.

Some Background on Enka North Carolina

Enka, North Carolina

Enka is an unincorporated community in Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States. It lies on U.S. Routes 19, 23, and 74 Business near the interchange of Interstates 26, 40, and 240. Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 28728.[1]

The American Enka Company, incorporated in 1928,[2] built what became the nation's largest rayon-producing factory.[citation needed] The Dutch name of the rayon company was Nederlandse Kunstzijdefabriek, and it is from the Dutch phonetic pronunciation of the initial letters N and K of the firm's name that "Enka" is derived. The alternative explanation that Enka stands for "Eerste Nederlandse Kunstzijdefabriek Arnhem" is incorrect.[3] The Dutch company considered many sites and decided on the Hominy Valley because of its supply of water and labor.[4] In 1929 the company began developing a community plan that included employee houses and became known as Enka Village. Enka Village is now a historic community and is part of the city of Asheville.[citation needed]

Fred Loring Seely, an Asheville businessman and son in law of Edwin Wiley Grove (see Grove Park Inn) met several influential Dutch businessmen during his time in the Dutch colony of Java in 1901. Seely and his wife, Evelyn Grove Seely, had been sent to Java by Mr. Grove to secure a source for quinine which was used in Grove's famous malarial Chill Tonic. When the Dutch rayon businessmen were searching for a site for an American based factory in 1928 Mr. Seely served as a liaison to lure ENKA to build the rayon fiber factory in Buncombe County. He told the ENKA owners that his county could supply trees for fiber, water for processing and reliable man power. 1000's of jobs for western NC in 1929 was a lifesaver for many families. American Enka sent Mr. Seely over 1 million dollars to buy 2000 acres and ENKA built a $10 million plant. 1900 people worked there during the Great Depression, and that number reached 4300 after World War II. At one point 7000 people worked there. Amenities included a gym, a pool room, a bowling alley, two cafeterias and a library. Enka Lake Club opened on a lake built to supply the plant with water. Buses delivered employees from the surrounding area.[4]

It was said that stricter environmental regulations led to a decline in rayon, and American Enka sold the plant to BASF in 1985. BASF sold the plant to Colbond Inc. in 2000, and as of 2007, rayon was no longer made. The northern section was sold to developers who tore down everything but the clock tower. Enka Lake is generally called Biltmore Lake now, part of Biltmore Farms, however the name has never been officially changed, nor is there any plans to do so.[5]Three buildings became the Enka campus of Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community College.[4]

On July 6, 2010, the city of Asheville began looking at a proposal for Enka Center, which will take an estimated 14 years to complete. The clock tower of the former American Enka plant would be the centerpiece of a retail center on the northwest section of the 192-acre (0.78 km2) site. Portions of the plant still stand, including a campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; these would remain. Offices, warehouses and industrial areas would locate in the southeastern part of the complex. 29 acres (120,000 m2) would remain open space, and a greenway would follow along Hominy Creek.[6]