How to Select an Xray Tech Degree Program near Auburn Georgia
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Auburn GA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Career Description
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job function, 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 elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Auburn GA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 plus frequently assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Auburn GA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Tech Degrees Available
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option 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 complete 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 scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Auburn GA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by 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 school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Auburn GA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Auburn GA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Auburn GA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Auburn GA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Georgia radiology tech colleges you are assessing have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Auburn GA medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Auburn GA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Auburn GA home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Auburn GA schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Auburn GA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few ideas and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Auburn GA
Enrolling in the best x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Auburn GA.
Some Background on Auburn Georgia
Auburn, Alabama
Auburn is a city in Lee County, Alabama, United States. It is the largest city in eastern Alabama with a 2016 population of 63,118.[3] It is a principal city of the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Area. The Auburn-Opelika, AL MSA with a population of 158,991, along with the Columbus, GA-AL MSA and Tuskegee, Alabama, comprises the greater Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, GA-AL CSA, a region home to 501,649 residents.
Auburn is a college town and is the home of Auburn University. It is Alabama's fastest-growing metropolitan area and the nineteenth fastest-growing metro area in the United States since 1990.[citation needed] U.S. News ranked Auburn among its top ten list of best places to live in the United States for the year 2009.[5] The city's unofficial nickname is “The Loveliest Village On The Plains,” taken from a line in the poem The Deserted Village by Oliver Goldsmith: “Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain...”[6]
Inhabited in antiquity by the Creek, the land on which Auburn sits was opened to settlement in 1832 with the Treaty of Cusseta. The first settlers arrived in the winter of 1836 from Harris County, Georgia. These settlers, led by Judge John J. Harper, intended to build a town that would be the religious and educational center for the area.
Auburn was incorporated on February 2, 1839, in what was then Macon County, covering an area of 2 square miles (5.2 km2). By that time, Methodist and Baptist churches had been established, and a school had been built and had come into operation. In the mid-1840s, separate academies for boys and girls were established in addition to the primary school. This concentration of educational institutions led to a rapid influx of families from the planter class into Auburn in the 1840s and 1850s. By 1858, of the roughly 1,000 free residents of Auburn, some 500 were students.
In 1856, the state legislature chartered a Methodist college, the East Alabama Male College in Auburn. This college, now Auburn University, opened its doors in 1859, offering a classical and liberal education.
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