How to Select an Xray Technician School near Lithia Springs Georgia

Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lithia Springs GA so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor 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 x-ray technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Lithia Springs GA clinics, hospitals, family 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 care for their equipment and also regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lithia Springs GA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish 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 scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that Lithia Springs GA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates 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 technician school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Lithia Springs GA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase 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 demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Lithia Springs GA residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Lithia Springs GA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online 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 premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Lithia Springs GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Georgia radiology technician programs you are assessing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Lithia Springs GA healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Lithia Springs GA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Lithia Springs GA residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even 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 frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size 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 smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lithia Springs GA colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer  college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Lithia Springs GA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. 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 Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should ready a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician College near Lithia Springs GA

Picking the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Lithia Springs GA.

Some Background on Lithia Springs Georgia

 

More Cities of Interest in Georgia

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Blackshear GA 31516

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Homer GA 30547

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Tallapoosa GA 30176

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dublin GA 31021

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Perry GA 31069

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Fayetteville GA 30214

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Union City GA 30291

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Cusseta GA 31805

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Guyton GA 31312

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Statesboro GA 30458