Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Scottdale GA 30079 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Tech College near Scottdale Georgia

Scottdale GA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Scottdale GA in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students begin by searching 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 should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to utilize 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 choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Scottdale GA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment and frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Scottdale GA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Scottdale GA The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually 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 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Scottdale GA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. 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.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide additional options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Scottdale GA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Scottdale 30079 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Scottdale GA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can 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 type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Scottdale GA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among 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 gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations 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 help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Scottdale GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Georgia xray tech programs you are interested in have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Scottdale GA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer 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 great relationships with Scottdale GA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Scottdale GA home. Those 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. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Scottdale GA schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Scottdale GA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician College near Scottdale GA

Choosing the best radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Scottdale GA.

Some Background on Scottdale Georgia

Scottdale, Georgia

Scottdale is a census-designated place (CDP) in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The population was 10,631 at the 2010 census.[3]

Scottdale, aka SCD is located at 33°47′40″N 84°15′44″W / 33.79444°N 84.26222°W / 33.79444; -84.26222 (33.794337, -84.262110).[4] The unincorporated community is centered on East Ponce de Leon Avenue, between Decatur and Clarkston. The northern boundary is Stone Mountain Freeway; the eastern boundary is Interstate 285; the western boundary is roughly DeKalb Industrial Blvd.; and the southern boundary is roughly the city limits of Avondale Estates. The ZIP code for Scottdale is 30079.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.5 square miles (9.1 km2), all land.

According to the 2010 census, there were 10,631 people residing in the CDP. The racial makeup of the CDP was 29.9% White, 37.7% African American, 0.20% Native American, 23.0% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.3% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.3% of the population. 12.7% of the population are Asian Indians.[5] As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 9,803 people, 4,010 households, and 2,201 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,818.2 people per square mile (1,087.6/km²). There were 4,236 housing units at an average density of 1,217.8/sq mi (470.0/km²). The racial makeup of Scottdale was 48.6% Black, 37.1% White, 0.19% Native American, 9.60% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 1.7% from other races, and 2.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.

There were 4,010 households out of which 67.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 29.8% were married couples living together, 69.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.1% were non-families. 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.15.