How to Enroll in the Best Xray Tech College near Elon College North Carolina
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Elon College NC so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Work Summary in Elon College NC
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Elon College NC clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 and also routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
Radiology Tech Degrees Available near Elon College NC
The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish 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 comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Elon College NC or their region. Once you have graduated from any 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
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Elon College area employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might enhance your career options in and around Elon College NC 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 other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Colleges
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in Elon College NC family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Elon College home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just be sure 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 an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Elon College NC. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Elon College NC employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the radiology technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Elon College NC healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in Elon College NC in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Elon College NC home. Students 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 school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Elon College NC schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Elon College NC area, check 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, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Compare Night Radiologic Tech Schools Elon College NC
Picking the best x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines 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 interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Compare Night Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Guide to Evening Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Elon College NC.
Other North Carolina Diagnostic Locations
Elon, North Carolina
Elon /ˈiːlɔːn/ (formerly known as Elon College) is a town in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population as of the 2010 census was 9,419.[2] The town of Elon is home to Elon University.
Elon began in 1881 as a North Carolina Railroad depot in between the stations of Goldsboro and Charlotte, called "Mill Point” because it was envisioned to be a shipping point for area cotton mills. Locals called it “Boon’s Crossing.” Because of a growing population, a post office was built, which established a more permanent residency in 1888.[3]
In 1889, the local Christian Assembly created an institution for higher learning called the “Graham Normal College”. The founders of Elon College named the school “Elon,” because they understood that to be the Hebrew word for oak, and the area contained many oak trees.[3] The town was called "Elon College" until the college known as Elon College became Elon University. The town then changed its name officially to Elon.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 4
5 Reviews 
2 Reviews 
4 Reviews 
9 Reviews 