How to Pick the Best Xray Tech College near Kannapolis North Carolina
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Kannapolis NC in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional important 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 must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Work Summary in Kannapolis 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. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Kannapolis NC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize 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 regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all 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!
X-Ray Tech Degree Options near Kannapolis NC
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Kannapolis NC or their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Kannapolis area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options in and around Kannapolis NC to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Programs
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided in Kannapolis NC hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Kannapolis residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be reduced 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 dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Colleges
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Kannapolis NC. You will also have to decide 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 relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 gone through a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Kannapolis NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the radiology tech schools you are reviewing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Kannapolis NC medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in Kannapolis NC in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Kannapolis NC residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person 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. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Kannapolis 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the xray tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Kannapolis NC area, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Guide to Accelerated Radiology Technician Schools Kannapolis NC
Selecting the right radiology technician school is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with 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 radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Accelerated Radiology Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic X Ray Tech College. However, as has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Kannapolis NC.
Other North Carolina Diagnostic Locations
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.
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.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 24
1 Reviews 
6 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
5 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
4 Reviews 1 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
2 Reviews 