How to Find a Radiology Technician College near Thomasville Georgia

Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Thomasville GA so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are other important qualifications as well. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Work Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Thomasville GA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 care for their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Thomasville GA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Thomasville GA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any 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 Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Thomasville GA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Classes

As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Thomasville GA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online school you select 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 right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Thomasville GA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn 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 ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Thomasville GA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Georgia radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Thomasville GA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask 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 indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Thomasville GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Thomasville GA home. Students who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the rear 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 Thomasville GA schools you are considering 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech  college you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Thomasville GA, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Right Radiology Technician Program near Thomasville GA

Selecting the ideal x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Thomasville GA.

Some Background on Thomasville Georgia

 

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