Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Albany GA 31701 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Technician Program near Albany Georgia

Albany GA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Albany GA so you can become a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Job Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Albany GA hospitals, clinics, family 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 take care of their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Albany GA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Albany GA The primary requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Albany GA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number accept other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Albany GA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves 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 exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Albany 31701 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. 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 college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Albany GA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you pick 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 option for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Albany GA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded 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 evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Albany GA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Georgia radiology technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional connections in the Albany GA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Albany GA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Albany GA residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Albany GA colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Albany GA, verify that they are offered. 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 carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready several strategies about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Albany GA

Choosing the best x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Albany GA.

Some Background on Albany Georgia

Albany, Georgia

Albany is a city in the U.S. state of Georgia. Located on the Flint River, it is the seat of Dougherty County. Located in southwest Georgia,[5] it is the principal city of the Albany, Georgia metropolitan area. The population was 77,434 at the 2010 U.S. Census, making it the eighth-largest city in the state.[1]

It became prominent in the nineteenth century as a shipping and market center, first served by riverboats and then by railroads. Seven lines met in Albany, and it was a center of trade in the Southeast. It was part of the Black Belt, the extensive area in the Deep South of cotton plantations. From the mid-20th century, it received military investment during World War II and after, that helped develop the region. Albany and this area were prominent during the civil rights era, particularly during the early 1960s as activists worked to regain voting and other civil rights. Railroad restructuring and reduction in the military here caused job losses, but the city has developed new businesses.

The region where Albany is located was long inhabited by the Creek Indians, who called it Thronateeska after their word for "flint", the valuable mineral found in beds near the Flint River. They used it for making arrowheads and other tools.[6] In 1830 Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, and the United States made treaties to extinguish Creek and other Native American land claims in the Southeast. The US Army forcibly removed most of the native peoples to Indian Territory, lands west of the Mississippi River.

European-American settlement began with Nelson Tift, of Yankee stock from Groton, Connecticut, who took land along the Flint River in October 1836 after Indian removal. Tift named his new town Albany after the capital of New York; both were located at the navigable heads of rivers. Alexander Shotwell laid out the town in 1836. It was incorporated as a city by an act of the General Assembly of Georgia on December 27, 1838.[7]

Tift for decades was the city's leading entrepreneur. An ardent booster, he promoted education, business, and railroad construction. During the Civil War he provided naval supplies and helped build two ships. He opposed Radical Reconstruction inside the state and in Congress, and was scornful of the Yankee carpetbaggers who came in. Historian John Fair concludes that Tift became "more Southern than many natives."[8] His pro-slavery attitudes before the war and his support for segregation afterward made him compatible with Georgia's white elite.[8]