Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Kannapolis NC 28081 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Tech Program near Kannapolis North Carolina

Kannapolis NC x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Kannapolis NC so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

Radiology Tech Job Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Kannapolis NC clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must care for their equipment plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Kannapolis NC health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Kannapolis NC The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to consider is that Kannapolis NC radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you might 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 exam for the licensing application, but many approve other options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Kannapolis NC employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Kannapolis 28081 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools 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 online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Kannapolis NC home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just make sure 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 school may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating Kannapolis NC x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment 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 online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Kannapolis NC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the North Carolina radiology technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Kannapolis NC health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Kannapolis NC healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Kannapolis NC home. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Kannapolis NC schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

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

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready several approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Tech School near Kannapolis NC

Picking the ideal x-ray tech school is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Kannapolis NC.

Some Background on Kannapolis North Carolina

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Kannapolis (Kŭh-nă-pŭh-lŭs) is a city in Cabarrus and Rowan counties, in the U.S. state of North Carolina,[1][2] northwest of Concord and northeast of Charlotte and is a suburb[7] in the Charlotte metropolitan area. The city of Kannapolis was incorporated in 1984. The population was 42,625 at the 2010 census,[8] which makes Kannapolis the 20th largest city in North Carolina. It is the home of the Kannapolis Intimidators, the Class A baseball affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and it is the hometown of the Earnhardt racing family. The center of the city is home to the North Carolina Research Campus, a public-private venture that focuses on food, nutrition, and biotech research.

Early meaning and usage of the city's name was a direct reference to Cannon Mills Corporation, or James William Cannon himself. Early published name variations include "Cannon-opolis" and "Cannapolis". A widely accepted origin of the word "Kannapolis" comes from the combination of the Greek words kanna (reeds, not looms) and polis (city), which some believed meant "City of Looms".[9] Dr. Gary Freeze, Catawba College history and politics department chairman, said a Concord newspaper used the name "Cannon City" in 1906. After mill workers or newspapers called the town "Cannapolis", J.W. Cannon asked Cabarrus County commissioners to give the town the name, but starting with a "K". Kannapolis historian Norris Dearmon said the K might have been to distinguish the town from his Concord mill village. Since, Freeze said, "Jim Cannon didn't study Greek," Cannon did not name the town "city of looms".[10] In 1906 J.W. Cannon purchased the land that later became Kannapolis, and acquired a total of 1,008 acres in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties. Approximately 808 of those acres of farmland, purchased along the historic wagon road between Salisbury and Charlotte, became the location of the new textile mill, Cannon Manufacturing. Cannon Manufacturing began production in 1908. In 1914 Cannon Manufacturing became known as the world’s largest producer of sheets and towels. Shortly after, Mr. Cannon opened plants in Rowan County, Concord and in South Carolina totaling 20,000 workers. Mill founder J.W. Cannon’s youngest son, Charles A. Cannon, consolidated all the separate mills into the giant Cannon Mills Company in 1928.

The Meek House and Harvey Jeremiah Peeler House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[11]

Kannapolis is located on the boundary of Cabarrus and Rowan counties, with a greater portion of its area in Cabarrus County. U.S. Route 29 (Cannon Boulevard) passes through the city east of the downtown area; U.S. 29 leads northeast 15 miles (24 km) to Salisbury and south 7 miles (11 km) to Concord. Interstate 85 bypasses the city on the south and the east, with access from Exits 54 through 63 (five exits total). I-85 leads northeast 65 miles (105 km) to Greensboro and southwest 21 miles (34 km) to Charlotte.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 32.5 square miles (84.2 km2), of which 31.9 square miles (82.7 km2) is land and 0.58 square miles (1.5 km2), or 1.73%, is water.[8]