How to Choose a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Lithonia Georgia

Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lithonia GA so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in Lithonia GA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lithonia GA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. 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 techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Lithonia GA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After 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 practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Lithonia GA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often provided 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 comfort of your Lithonia GA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Lithonia GA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Lithonia GA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Georgia radiology tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Lithonia GA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Lithonia GA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Lithonia GA home. Students 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 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes 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 personalized instruction. Ask the Lithonia GA schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor 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 tech program also.

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

Why Did You Want to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Considering there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Lithonia GA

Enrolling in the best x-ray tech college is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs 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 good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right 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 be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Lithonia GA.

Some Background on Lithonia Georgia

 

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