Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Chickamauga GA 30707

How to Find a Radiologic Technician Program near Chickamauga Georgia

Chickamauga GA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Chickamauga GA so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are other critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Job Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Chickamauga GA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Chickamauga GA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Chickamauga GA The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained 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 prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Chickamauga GA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many approve other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Chickamauga GA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Chickamauga 30707 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Chickamauga GA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages 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 choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Chickamauga GA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Chickamauga GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Georgia radiology tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Chickamauga GA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Chickamauga GA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Chickamauga GA residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might 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 to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Chickamauga GA colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Chickamauga GA, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Tech College near Chickamauga GA

Enrolling in the best radiology tech school is an important first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Chickamauga GA.

Some Background on Chickamauga Georgia

Chickamauga, Georgia

Chickamauga is a city in Walker County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,245 at the 2000 census and 3,101 in 2010. It is part of the Chattanooga, TN–GA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Before the 1800s, the Chickamauga-Cherokee settled around Chickamauga Creek, where they farmed and hunted the lands. They stayed there until their forced exodus during the Trail of Tears (1838). In the early to mid-19th century, the present town of Chickamauga was a large plantation in the rolling hills of north Georgia. When the Cherokee Nation was divided into districts and courts in 1820, Crawfish Springs was made the capital of the new Chickamauga District. After the Cherokee removal, the first court in Walker County was held there in the former Cherokee courthouse. The local post office was Crawfish Springs.[4]

During the War of 1812, 500 Cherokee warriors from the area fought alongside General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, against the Creek Indians, who were aligned with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The battle ended in a victory for the Americans.

The Lee and Gordon families greatly influenced Chickamauga's post-Cherokee history. In 1836 Gwinnett County native James Gordon established a plantation at Crawfish Springs and built a grist mill two miles east of town, on Chickamauga Creek. Lee and Gordon's Mill, which contained the area's first general store, was situated near a blacksmith shop and stagecoach stop. From 1840 to 1847, Gordon built his Doric-columned brick house (known today as the Gordon-Lee Mansion), which overlooks Crawfish Springs.[5]

The area was settled by many other farm families and life was busy and fruitful in the fertile valleys, until even this remote part of the South was visited by the sounds of cannon and guns during the American Civil War. The Battle of Chickamauga, named for nearby Chickamauga Creek, was fought on September 19–20, 1863. It involved more than 150,000 soldiers of the Northern and Southern armies. Before the battle, Union Gen. William Rosecrans put his headquarters at the Gordon Lee Mansion. During the battle, wounded and injured soldiers were cared for in the home and nearby buildings. Many Union doctors remained behind to care for their patients after the Southern victory. Parched soldiers of both sides drank from the town's namesake springs.[6]