How to Find a Radiologic Tech Program near Wilkesboro North Carolina
Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Wilkesboro NC in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? 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 essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Description
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Wilkesboro NC hospitals, clinics, family 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 take care of their equipment and also regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Wilkesboro NC health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees
The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained 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, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Wilkesboro NC radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending 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 check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Wilkesboro NC employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Degrees
As a part 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 colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school 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. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Wilkesboro NC residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Wilkesboro NC x-ray tech colleges. 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 of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Wilkesboro NC health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the North Carolina radiology technician schools you are reviewing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Wilkesboro NC medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer 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 sizable networks and good relationships with Wilkesboro NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Wilkesboro NC home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes 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 bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Wilkesboro NC colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Wilkesboro NC, make certain that they are available. 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 enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you want to address them. Given that there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Choose the Right Radiology Technician School near Wilkesboro NC
Choosing the ideal x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your choices 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 Wilkesboro NC.
Some Background on 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.
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