Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Buford GA 30515 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiologic Tech College near Buford Georgia

Buford GA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Buford GA in order to train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Buford 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 must take care of their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Buford GA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Buford GA The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Buford GA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges 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 working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Buford GA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve 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 exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Buford 30515 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical 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 portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Buford GA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than conventional alternatives. 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 enroll in 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 school may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Buford GA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive 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. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Buford GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Georgia radiology tech schools you are reviewing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Buford GA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Buford GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Buford 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 local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Buford GA colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer 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 students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Buford GA, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Buford GA

Choosing the best radiology tech college is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Buford GA.

Some Background on Buford Georgia

Buford, Georgia

Buford is a city in Gwinnett and Hall counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 12,225.[4] Most of the city is in Gwinnett County, which is part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta Metropolitan Statistical Area. The portions of the city in Hall County are not part of Atlanta's metropolitan statistical area, but are part of Atlanta's larger Combined Statistical Area, which includes Hall County.

The city was founded in 1872 after a railroad was built in the area connecting Charlotte, North Carolina, with Atlanta. Buford was named after Algernon Sidney Buford, who at the time was president of the Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway. The city's leather industry, led by the Bona Allen Company, as well as its location as a railway stop, caused the population to expand during the early 1900s until after the Great Depression had ended.

The city operates its own school district, the Buford City School District, and has been the birthplace and home of several musicians and athletes. Various tourist locations, including museums and community centers, the largest mall in the state of Georgia, the Mall of Georgia, and Lake Lanier Islands are in the Buford region.

Buford appears in historical records beginning in the early 19th century. The area that is now Buford was originally part of Cherokee territory. Despite the treaty in 1817 that ceded the territory to the United States and Gwinnett County's legislative establishment in 1818, the area was still largely inhabited by the Cherokee until the 1830s.[5] The first non-Native Americans moved to the Buford area in the late 1820s or early 1830s, although the Buford area was not largely settled by them until the 1860s.[5]

During the post-Civil War construction of the extended Richmond and Danville Railroad System in 1865, railroad stockholders Thomas Garner and Larkin Smith purchased land around the railroad's right-of-way and began developing the city of Buford.[5][6][7] The city was named after Algernon Sidney Buford, who was president of the Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway during the railroad's construction.[7][8] The town began rapidly expanding around the railway after its completion in 1871,[5] and it was incorporated as the Town of Buford on August 24, 1872,[9] and renamed the City of Buford in 1896.[8]