Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Kennesaw GA 30144 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician Degree Program near Kennesaw Georgia

Kennesaw GA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Kennesaw GA in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Work Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in Kennesaw GA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize include:

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

Radiographers must care for their equipment and also frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Kennesaw GA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Kennesaw GA The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Kennesaw GA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an 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 licensing or certification requirements in Georgia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Kennesaw GA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. 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 met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Kennesaw 30144 As a part 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 schools. So while you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Kennesaw GA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online college 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 school may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Kennesaw GA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Kennesaw GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Georgia radiology technician programs you are reviewing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Kennesaw GA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Kennesaw GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Kennesaw GA residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider 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 usually 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 sort of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Kennesaw GA colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Kennesaw GA, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option 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 might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must ready several approaches about how you want to address them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician School near Kennesaw GA

Selecting the best x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Kennesaw GA.

Some Background on Kennesaw Georgia

Kennesaw, Georgia

Kennesaw is a city in Cobb County, Georgia, United States, located in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. It had a population of 29,783 according to the 2010 census.[4] Founded in 1887, Kennesaw has a past surrounded with railroad history. During the Civil War, Kennesaw was the staging ground for the Great Locomotive Chase on April 12, 1862. The city is perhaps best known nationally for its mandatory gun-possession ordinance.[5]

As the Western and Atlantic Railroad was being built in the late 1830s, shanties arose to house the workers. These were near a big spring. A grade up from the Etowah River became known as "the big grade to the shanties", then "Big Shanty Grade", and finally "Big Shanty".[6]

The name "Kennesaw" is derived from the Cherokee word gah-nee-sah, meaning cemetery or burial ground.[7]

Camp MacDonald, a training camp, was located there from 1861–1863.[8]

During the Civil War, Big Shanty was the site of major fighting in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, part of the larger Atlanta Campaign. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park,[9] located southeast of the city limits, now contains many of these historic areas, though much of the surrounding land has been developed, and some buried artifacts have been taken by people with metal detectors.