Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Franklin GA 30217 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Tech College near Franklin Georgia

Franklin GA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Franklin GA so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Franklin GA clinics, hospitals, family 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 have to maintain their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Franklin GA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Franklin GA The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have earned 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 technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Franklin GA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics 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 working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many accept additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Franklin GA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may 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 comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Franklin 30217 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain 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 typically carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Franklin GA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than on-campus options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Franklin GA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies 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 getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Franklin GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Georgia radiology technician schools you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Franklin GA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Franklin GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Franklin GA residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Franklin GA schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Franklin GA, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best Radiology Technician College near Franklin GA

Picking the right radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Franklin GA.

Some Background on Franklin Georgia

Atlanta

Atlanta (/ætˈlæntə/) is the capital and most populous city of the state of Georgia in the United States. With an estimated 2016 population of 472,522,[12] it is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to 5.7 million people and the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the United States.[6] Atlanta is the seat of Fulton County and a small portion of the city extends eastward into DeKalb County.

Atlanta was founded as a transportation hub at the intersection of two railroad lines in 1837. After being mostly burned to the ground during the American Civil War, the city rose from its ashes to become a national center of commerce and the unofficial capital of the "New South". During the 1960s, Atlanta became a major organizing center of the Civil Rights Movement, with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph David Abernathy, and many other locals playing major roles in the movement's leadership. In the decades following, the city earned a reputation as "too busy to hate" for the relatively progressive views of its citizens and leaders compared to other cities in the "Deep South".[13] During the modern era, Atlanta has attained international prominence as a major air transportation hub, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport being by far the world's busiest airport since 1998.[14][15][16][17]

Atlanta is rated a "beta(+)" world city that exerts a moderate impact on global commerce, finance, research, technology, education, media, art, and entertainment.[18] It ranks 18th among world cities and 7th in the nation with a gross domestic product of $320 billion.[19][20] Atlanta's economy is considered diverse, with dominant sectors that include logistics, professional and business services, media operations, and information technology.[21] Atlanta has topographic features that include rolling hills and dense tree coverage, earning it the nickname of "the city in a forest."[22]Revitalization of Atlanta's neighborhoods, initially spurred by the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, has intensified in the 21st century, altering the city's demographics, politics, and culture.[23][24]

Prior to the arrival of European settlers in north Georgia, Creek Indians inhabited the area.[25]Standing Peachtree, a Creek village located where Peachtree Creek flows into the Chattahoochee River, was the closest Indian settlement to what is now Atlanta.[26] As part of the systematic removal of Native Americans from northern Georgia from 1802 to 1825,[27] the Creek were forced to leave the area in 1821,[28] and white settlers arrived the following year.[29]

In 1836, the Georgia General Assembly voted to build the Western and Atlantic Railroad in order to provide a link between the port of Savannah and the Midwest.[30] The initial route was to run southward from Chattanooga to a terminus east of the Chattahoochee River, which would then be linked to Savannah. After engineers surveyed various possible locations for the terminus, the "zero milepost" was driven into the ground in what is now Five Points. A year later, the area around the milepost had developed into a settlement, first known as "Terminus," and later as "Thrasherville" after a local merchant who built homes and a general store in the area.[31] By 1842, the town had six buildings and 30 residents and was renamed "Marthasville" to honor the Governor's daughter. Later, J. Edgar Thomson, Chief Engineer of the Georgia Railroad, suggested the town be renamed "Atlantica-Pacifica," which was shortened to "Atlanta".[32] The residents approved, and the town was incorporated as Atlanta on December 29, 1847.[33]