Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near North Wilkesboro NC 28656

How to Find a Radiology Tech School near North Wilkesboro North Carolina

North Wilkesboro NC x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near North Wilkesboro NC so you can become a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in North Wilkesboro NC clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 maintain their equipment and also frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As North Wilkesboro NC health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in North Wilkesboro NC The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college 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 common among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that North Wilkesboro NC radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in North Carolina or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many approve other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous North Wilkesboro NC employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve 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 examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in North Wilkesboro 28656 As a part of any 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 schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your North Wilkesboro NC residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing North Wilkesboro NC x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the college 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many North Wilkesboro NC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the North Carolina xray technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the North Wilkesboro NC medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with North Wilkesboro NC healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their North Wilkesboro NC residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the North Wilkesboro NC colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student 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 converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in North Wilkesboro NC, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify 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 may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you want to address them. Because there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Tech Program near North Wilkesboro NC

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with 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 deliver the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in North Wilkesboro NC.

Some Background on North Wilkesboro North Carolina

North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

North Wilkesboro is a town in Wilkes County, North Carolina, United States. The population was approximately 4,116 at the 2000 census and is now 4,245 as of the 2010 census. North Wilkesboro is the birthplace and original home of Lowe's Home Improvement, which continues to have a major presence in the community. The town is also known as one of the birthplaces of the sport of stock-car racing, and the North Wilkesboro Speedway was the first NASCAR-sanctioned track. Due to the town's proximity to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the numerous tourist venues there, North Wilkesboro has been nicknamed the "Key to the Blue Ridge".

North Wilkesboro was founded in 1891 when the Norfolk and Southern Railroad built a railroad line into Wilkes County. The line ended on the northern bank of the Yadkin River opposite Wilkesboro, the county seat. The town of North Wilkesboro quickly developed around the railroad tracks. North Wilkesboro was the home of the Carolina Mirror Company, which for many years was the largest mirror factory in the United States. Although this is no longer the case, the town remains close to the industry through Gardner Glass Products Inc. Lowe's Foods, one of the Southeast's largest supermarket chains, was started in North Wilkesboro in 1954. Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, the nation's second-largest chain of home-improvement stores, was started in North Wilkesboro in 1946. Like many small towns and cities in rural North Carolina, North Wilkesboro has suffered since 1990 from the closing of nearly all of its textile and furniture factories, which have moved to low-wage locations in Latin America and Asia. The factories were a major part of the town's economic base. North Wilkesboro does continue to host large corporate offices including Gardner Glass Products Inc., Window World, and ECMD.

The North Wilkesboro Speedway, located just outside the city limits, predates the founding of NASCAR; the speedway held its first race on May 18, 1947[4] and from there it grew in popularity. On October 16, 1949, the Speedway held the 8th and final race of the 1949 NASCAR Strictly Stock Division; when the race was over Robert "Red" Byron had become the first NASCAR-sanctioned champion.[5] The North Wilkesboro Speedway held NASCAR races for 50 years; on September 29, 1996 Jeff Gordon would win the final race to be held at the speedway. In 1995, following the death of the long-time owner and track founder Enoch Staley, the speedway was purchased by two new owners, Bob Bahre and Bruton Smith. Soon after their purchase, both men announced that they were closing the speedway and moving its two NASCAR race dates to their new tracks in Texas and New Hampshire. The decision met with strong criticism from race fans. Since 1996 several unsuccessful attempts have been made to purchase and reopen the speedway to racing.

The Downtown Main Street Historic District, Thomas B. Finley House, Southern Railway Depot, and Wilkes Hosiery Mills are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[6]

Wilkes Regional Medical Center, founded in 1951 as Wilkes General Hospital, is located in North Wilkesboro. It is the largest hospital in northwestern North Carolina and is currently the town's largest employer. West Park, formerly a large shopping center built in the 1970s, has recently been transformed into a large medical park with numerous offices for physicians, medical specialists, pharmacies, physical therapists, and other medical and health-related fields. Recently, Wilkes Regional Medical Center was honored with the Four Star Inpatient service award by Professional Research Consultants, Inc.