Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Reidsville NC 27320 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician Program near Reidsville North Carolina

Reidsville NC x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Reidsville NC so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are additional important qualifications as well. For example, you should find out whether or not 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 provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Reidsville NC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might work with include:

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

Radiographers must maintain their equipment plus regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Reidsville NC medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Reidsville NC The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common 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 complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Reidsville NC radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Reidsville NC employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Reidsville 27320 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 the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Reidsville NC residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online college 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 online classes may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Reidsville NC x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Reidsville NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the North Carolina xray technician schools you are evaluating have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Reidsville NC healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Reidsville NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Reidsville NC residence. Students who have decided 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 consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Reidsville NC schools you are reviewing what the average 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 talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Reidsville NC, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try 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 best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Technician Program near Reidsville NC

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Reidsville NC.

Some Background on Reidsville North Carolina

Reidsville, North Carolina

Reidsville is a city in Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States.[3] At the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 14,520.

Reidsville was established in the early 19th century as an outpost and stop on the stage line that ran between Salisbury, North Carolina, and Danville, Virginia, and was originally known as Wright's Crossroads. The community grew from a single home and inn owned by the family of Reuben Reid, a local farmer, businessman, justice of the peace and father of David S. Reid), into a thriving farming community primarily supporting tobacco production and cigarette manufacturing. Reidsville was officially incorporated by the North Carolina State Legislature in 1873 and became a key location of the American Tobacco Company which employed large numbers of city and county residents. The American Tobacco Company was the mainstay of Reidsville economics until its sale and closure in 1994. Many textile mills were established in Reidsville as well, with Cone Mills and Burlington Industries, located in Burlington North Carolina, consolidating most of them in the mid-20th century, although most have now closed. Although Reidsville has experienced economic recession in recent years the community has enjoyed a renewal of growth as a sleeper city supplying a source of rural development for the surrounding larger cities.

The early roots of Reidsville, incorporated in 1873 by the State Legislature, date back to the early 19th century when William Wright of the Little Troublesome Creek area owned a tavern and store on the road connecting Danville and Salem. This outpost, called Wright’s Crossroads, was the earliest settlement in the present-day city and was overseen by Wright’s son, Nathan, and then Nathan Wright’s son-in-law, Robert Payne Richardson. Richardson’s home, built in 1842 on a knoll overlooking Little Troublesome Creek, still remains on Richardson Drive and has the distinction of being the oldest standing house in the city.

Reuben Reid of the Hogan’s Creek area moved his family, including wife, Elizabeth Williams Settle, and son, David Settle Reid, to a 700-acre (2.8 km2) farm on the ridge between Wolf Island and Little Troublesome creeks in May 1814. Reuben Reid became a successful farmer, operated a store and a public inn maintained in a private home and served the county as a constable and justice of the peace. When the family secured a post office, aptly named Reidsville, in 1829, 16-year-old David Reid was appointed its first postmaster. He later became a State Senator (1835–42), a U.S. Congressman (1843–47), Governor of North Carolina (1850) and a U.S. Senator (1854).

On November 26, 1858, William Lindsey of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, was high bidder for a 384-acre (1.55 km2) tract of land known as Reidsville. He and his bride, Sarah Holderby, a daughter of Joseph Holderby of the northern part of the county, moved into the frame house Reuben Reid had built across from his store. It is now a landmark in Reidsville, the first frame house built in the village.