Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Alpharetta GA 30004 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Tech College near Alpharetta Georgia

Alpharetta GA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Alpharetta GA in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Alpharetta GA clinics, hospitals, 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 routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Alpharetta GA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Alpharetta GA The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally 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 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 consider is that Alpharetta GA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Georgia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Alpharetta GA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Alpharetta 30004 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 the same for online degree programs. So although 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. Practical training is often performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Alpharetta GA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Alpharetta GA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Alpharetta GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Georgia radiology technician programs you are interested in have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Alpharetta GA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Alpharetta GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

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

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Alpharetta GA schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Alpharetta GA, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Tech Program near Alpharetta GA

Choosing the best x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs 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 pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Alpharetta GA.

Some Background on Alpharetta Georgia

Alpharetta, Georgia

Alpharetta is a city located in north Fulton County, Georgia, United States and is a suburb of Atlanta. As of the 2010 census, Alpharetta's population was 57,551.[3] The estimated population in 2014 was 63,038.[4]

In the 1830s, the Cherokee people in Georgia and elsewhere in the South were forcibly relocated to the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) under the Indian Removal Act. Pioneers and farmers later settled on the newly vacated land, situated along a former Cherokee trail stretching from the North Georgia mountains to the Chattahoochee River.[5]

One of the first permanent landmarks in the area was the New Prospect Camp Ground (also known as the Methodist Camp Ground), located beside a natural spring near what is now downtown Alpharetta.[5] It later served as a trading post for the exchanging of goods among settlers.[5]

Known as the town of Milton through July 1858, the city of Alpharetta was chartered on December 11, 1858, with boundaries extending in a 0.5-mile (0.80 km) radius from the city courthouse.[5] It served as the county seat of Milton County until 1931, when Milton County was merged with Fulton County to avoid bankruptcy during the Great Depression.[5]

The city's name is a variation of a fictional Indian girl, Alfarata, in a 19th-century song, "The Blue Juniata". The name of the city is also believed to have been derived from the first letter of the Greek alphabet.[6]