Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Austell GA 30106 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician School near Austell Georgia

Austell GA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Austell GA so you can become a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Austell GA clinics, hospitals, family 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 have to maintain their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Austell GA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Austell GA The primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Austell GA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Austell GA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Austell 30106 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Austell GA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just make 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 structured style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Austell GA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies 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 help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Austell GA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Georgia radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Austell GA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Austell GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly 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 Austell GA home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school 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 often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Austell GA schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher 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 a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Austell 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 enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Right Radiology Technician School near Austell GA

Picking the right radiology tech college is a critical first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times 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 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 necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Austell GA.

Some Background on Austell Georgia

Austell, Georgia

Austell is a city in Cobb County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 6,581.[4]

The area that is now Austell was frequented by game hunters and trappers on their way to the area's salt licks. These early visitors claimed the area's waters had medicinal properties. It soon became a destination for therapeutic healing, leading to the founding of a town known as Salt Springs. As immigration increased and demand for land near the spring grew, G. O. Mozely donated and subdivided 40 acres (16 ha) of his land, enhancing the loose settlement with a street plan. Later, the spring was renamed Lithia Springs due to the water containing lithium carbonate, and the neighboring city of Lithia Springs was founded in 1882. In 1888, the lithia spring water was bottled and sold under the commercial name Bowden Lithia Spring Water.[5] The historic lithia spring water is still bottled and sold under the name brand Lithia at fine restaurants and health food stores. Georgia Pacific, now a division of Southern Railway, chose the town of Austell to be a station depot, being the dividing point for the major Birmingham and Chattanooga railway lines.[6]

Austell was incorporated in 1885.[7] The town is named for General Alfred Austell (1814–1881), founder of the Atlanta National Bank (later Wachovia), in recognition of his efforts to bring major railways to the South.[8] Austell is buried in an elaborate Gothic Revival-style mausoleum at the highest point in Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery.

In 2009, Sweetwater Creek flooded, destroying many homes and businesses in the Austell area.[9]

Austell is located along the southern border of Cobb County at 33°48′57″N 84°38′10″W / 33.81583°N 84.63611°W / 33.81583; -84.63611 (33.815905, −84.636242).[10] A small portion of the city extends south into Douglas County. It is bordered by Lithia Springs to the south and Mableton to the east. The city of Powder Springs is 4 miles (6 km) to the northwest. U.S. Route 78 passes through the city, leading east 15 miles (24 km) to downtown Atlanta and west 8 miles (13 km) to Douglasville.