How to Pick an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Cedartown Georgia

Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Cedartown GA in order to become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Cedartown GA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Cedartown GA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained 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 prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to consider is that Cedartown GA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Cedartown GA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Cedartown GA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just confirm that the online college 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 right option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Programs

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Cedartown GA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute 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 ancillary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Cedartown GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Georgia radiology technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Cedartown GA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Cedartown GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Cedartown GA home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Cedartown GA schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech  college you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Cedartown GA, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

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 consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Pick the Right Radiology Tech School near Cedartown GA

Choosing the right radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to 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 social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Cedartown GA.

Some Background on Cedartown Georgia

 

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