How to Find an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Shellman Georgia

Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Shellman GA in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Career Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Shellman GA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might work with 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 regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Shellman GA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish 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 appropriate also. Something to consider is that Shellman GA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Shellman GA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Shellman GA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

After you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Shellman GA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Shellman GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Georgia radiology tech schools you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Shellman GA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Shellman GA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Shellman GA home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Shellman GA colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer  college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Shellman GA, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative 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 may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must prepare some ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Shellman GA

Picking the best x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed 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. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Shellman GA.

Some Background on Shellman Georgia

 

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