Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Suwanee GA 30024 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician School near Suwanee Georgia

Suwanee GA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Suwanee GA in order to train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Suwanee GA hospitals, clinics, private 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 care for their equipment and also frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Suwanee GA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Suwanee GA The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete 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 nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Suwanee GA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Suwanee GA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Suwanee 30024 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Suwanee GA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just confirm that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Programs

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Suwanee GA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of 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 teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Suwanee GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Georgia radiology tech colleges you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Suwanee GA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance 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 Suwanee GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Suwanee GA home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble 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 choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Suwanee GA colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Suwanee GA, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize some ideas about how you want to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Suwanee GA

Selecting the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Suwanee GA.

Some Background on Suwanee Georgia

Suwanee, Georgia

Suwanee is a city in Gwinnett County in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 15,355;[4] this had grown to an estimated 18,694 as of 2015.[5] Suwanee was the practicing home of the Atlanta Falcons football team from 1979 to 2001 and was voted among the Top 10 Best Places to Live by Money in 2007. In 2012, Suwanee was rated by Kiplinger as the third best place in America for raising families,[6] and in 2013, Suwanee was identified as one of the nation's 10 Best Towns for Families by Family Circle magazine.

Portions of Forsyth and Fulton counties also have Suwanee and its ZIP Code (30024) as a mailing address.

Suwanee, as did most towns in Georgia, started out as a Native American village. It was built on the Chattahoochee River, where societies flourished.[7] The city of Suwanee itself was established and officially recognized by the U.S. government in 1837 upon the erection of a post office. In 1871, the Georgia Air Line Railroad was built through Suwanee, and in 1880 the Rhodes House hotel was built to house passengers of the railroad.[7] This was instrumental in bringing people through the town and helped to generate trade and economic activity. In 1881, a fire burned down all of the buildings on Main Street except for one. From 1880 to 1920, the population saw almost no increase, shifting from 216 people to 241 over the course of 40 years.[7] As of 2015[update], the population of Suwanee was over 18,000[5]

Beginning in 1933 and ending in 1936, the now heavily traveled Buford Highway was constructed through Suwanee.[7] In 1960, Interstate 85 was built to extend to just south of Suwanee, where it ended at the time. Throughout the last 100 years, several primary education schools have opened in Suwanee, including North Gwinnett High School and Suwanee Elementary School. The first known date for Suwanee High School was 1880, when it was a one-room school house.[7] The first city hall was built in the early 1960s, and the second city hall was built in 1997. In 2005, Town Center was constructed and finished in 2009, at which time the city hall moved to it, where it currently resides.[7] In 2003, Suwanee was named a City of Excellence by the Georgia Municipal Association and Trend Magazine.[7]

Suwanee is located in northern Gwinnett County at 34°03′05″N 84°04′22″W / 34.051447°N 84.072893°W / 34.051447; -84.072893Coordinates: 34°03′05″N 84°04′22″W / 34.051447°N 84.072893°W / 34.051447; -84.072893.[8] It is bordered to the northeast by the city of Sugar Hill, to the southwest by the city of Duluth, and on the west by the Chattahoochee River, which serves as the Fulton County border, and across which is the city of Johns Creek.