Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Norcross GA 30003 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Tech Program near Norcross Georgia

Norcross GA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Norcross GA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the right college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at 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 usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Norcross GA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment plus frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Norcross GA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Norcross GA The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Norcross GA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Norcross GA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Norcross 30003 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Norcross GA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened 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 motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

After you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Norcross 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 obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Norcross GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Georgia xray technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Norcross GA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer 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 large networks and great relationships with Norcross GA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Norcross GA residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area 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 even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically 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.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Norcross GA colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student 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 speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Norcross GA, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. 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 Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

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

Enrolling in the best x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed 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 social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Norcross GA.

Some Background on Norcross Georgia

Norcross, Georgia

Norcross is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States. The population as of the 2010 census was 9,116,[4] while in 2015 the estimated population was 16,634.[5] It is included in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta metropolitan statistical area, which is included in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Gainesville combined statistical area.

Named for former Atlanta Mayor Jonathan Norcross, it was chartered as a town on October 26, 1870.

The city sits along the Eastern Continental Divide. Streams to the west of the city center travel to the Chattahoochee River and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico, while streams to the east flow to the Yellow River, a tributary of the Ocmulgee River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean north of Brunswick. This divide, or ridge, played a significant role in the early settlement of the area. Originally, the Creek and Cherokee people occupied this land, and the ridgeline was used as a major transportation route. Two American forts were established in the early 19th century due to the War of 1812: Fort Daniel (at Hog Mountain) and Peachtree Fort (in Atlanta). These two forts were connected by this old Indian trail which became known as the original Peachtree Road. By around 1840, this trail had evolved into a stagecoach route connecting South Carolina and Alabama through Georgia. The surrounding area became populated, and the small communities of Pinckneyville and Flint Hill prospered.

This all changed with the creation of the Richmond-Danville Railroad, designed to open up the wilderness areas of northeast Georgia. The railroad was proposed in 1856 by Jonathan Norcross (a former Atlanta mayor) and was subsequently approved. Construction was delayed, however, until 1866 because of the Civil War. On September 12, 1869, the first 20 miles (32 km) were completed. On October 16, 1889, John J. Thrasher bought the 250 acres (1.0 km2) surrounding the terminal for $1,650, and a town was born – named for Thrasher's good friend, Jonathan Norcross. The Brunswick Hotel was built in 1870, and Norcross quickly became known as a resort area, much like East Lake, for Atlantans wanting to escape the rapidly growing city. The new town also meant the demise of the surrounding communities of Pinckneyville and Flint Hill, as people migrated in to build houses, churches, schools, and to be near the railroad.

Norcross, Gwinnett County's second oldest city, saw new roads and highways which were later built by-pass the city, preserving its historic center as a 19th-century railroad town. The Norcross Historic District, comprising the center of town, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.