How to Choose the Right Radiology Tech School near Statesville North Carolina
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Statesville NC in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Career Description in Statesville NC
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Statesville NC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to care for their equipment plus frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Technician Degrees Available near Statesville NC
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in Statesville NC or their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Statesville area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options in and around Statesville NC to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Programs
As a part of any 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 although you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in Statesville NC hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Statesville home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of finding and assessing x-ray technician schools near Statesville NC. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Statesville NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the xray tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Statesville NC healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in Statesville NC in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with North Carolina healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Statesville NC residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Statesville NC colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Statesville NC area, verify 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 need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Top X Ray Technician Schools Statesville NC
Enrolling in the right x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Top X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Where to Find Accredited X Ray Technician Courses. However, as we have addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Statesville NC.
Other North Carolina Diagnostic Locations
Statesville, North Carolina
Statesville is a city in Iredell County, North Carolina, United States. Statesville was established in 1789 by an act of the North Carolina Legislature.[4] The population was 24,532 at the 2010 census,[5] and was estimated at 26,506 in 2016.[6] It is the county seat of Iredell County and is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area.[7]
Statesville is in central Iredell County, in the western part of the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Interstate 40 and Interstate 77 intersect in the northeastern part of the city. I-40 leads northeast 41 miles (66 km) to Winston-Salem and west 30 miles (48 km) to Hickory, while I-77 leads north 55 miles (89 km) to the Virginia border and south 42 miles (68 km) to Charlotte. Three U.S. highways run through the center of Statesville. US 21 follows the same general route as I-77, leading north 38 miles (61 km) to Elkin and south 15 miles (24 km) to Mooresville. US 64 runs to the northeast close to I-40, leading 24 miles (39 km) to Mocksville, while to the northwest it leads 43 miles (69 km) to Lenoir. US 70 runs southwest out of Statesville 13 miles (21 km) to Catawba and southeast 25 miles (40 km) to Salisbury.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Statesville has a total area of 24.4 square miles (63.1 km2), of which 24.2 square miles (62.8 km2) are land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km2), or 0.48%, are water.[5] The north side of Statesville is drained by Fourth Creek, while the south side is drained by Third Creek. Both creeks flow east, joining just before reaching the South Yadkin River near Cooleemee.
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