How to Pick an X-Ray Technician School near Franklin North Carolina

Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Franklin NC so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Franklin NC clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 maintain their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Franklin NC medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on 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 opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Franklin NC radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After 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.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Franklin NC employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Programs

As a component of any 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 schools. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Franklin NC residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Colleges

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Franklin NC x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may 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. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Franklin NC employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the North Carolina radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Franklin NC medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Franklin NC healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Franklin NC residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Franklin NC schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech  program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Franklin NC, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Right X-Ray Technician School near Franklin NC

Picking the right radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Franklin NC.

Some Background on Franklin North Carolina

 

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