Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near West Point GA 31833 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near West Point Georgia

West Point GA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West Point GA in order to train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. 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 check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in West Point 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 must care for their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As West Point GA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in West Point GA The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned 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, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that West Point GA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor 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 certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous West Point GA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. 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 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in West Point 31833 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your West Point GA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Programs

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing West Point GA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of West Point GA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Georgia xray technician programs you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional relationships in the West Point GA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with West Point GA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their West Point GA residence. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose 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 often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the West Point GA schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in West Point GA, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Right Radiology Tech Program near West Point GA

Choosing the best radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority 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 strict attention to detail and to follow 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 deliver the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a x-ray tech in West Point GA.

Some Background on West Point Georgia

West Point, Georgia

West Point is a city in Troup County, with a small tail of the south end of town in Harris County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 3,474,[4] and in 2015 the estimated population was 3,728.[5] The portion of the city in Harris County is part of the Columbus, Georgia Metropolitan Area, while the portion in Troup County is part of the LaGrange, GA Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The city's present name comes from its being near the westernmost point of the Chattahoochee River, where the river turns from its southwesterly flow from the Appalachian Mountains to due south – for all practical purposes – and forms the boundary with Alabama. The large nearby reservoir, West Point Lake, was created by the Army Corps of Engineers by the building of the West Point Dam, for water storage and hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir stores water which can be released during dry seasons, in order to maintain the water level of the navigable inland waterway from Columbus, Georgia, south to the Gulf of Mexico.

During the late spring of 2003, there was a flood caused by extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms upstream of the West Point Dam; the weather caused the water level in the reservoir to come close to overflowing the top of the dam. There were allegations of poor forecasting by the Corps of Engineers of the reservoir's water levels.[citation needed] The flood water would have overflowed the dam had a large amount of water not been released though the spillway of the dam. Whereas this prevented the catastrophic failure of the West Point Dam, the city endured a flood much more severe than any other in the time since the dam had been built.

In the mid-19th century, the Atlanta & LaGrange Railroad was established and soon renamed the Atlanta & West Point Railroad, using the name of West Point; the city of East Point, Fulton County, Georgia, received its name for being at the northeastern end of this railroad line. The rail line linked metropolitan Atlanta with the lower reaches of the Chattahoochee River, with Columbus, and with Montgomery, Alabama, via the Montgomery & West Point Railroad.

Passenger service between Atlanta and Montgomery continued, on the "West Point Route", until approximately the beginning of the Amtrak era, or more than 100 years (circa 1855–circa 1970). The Montgomery-to-West Point rail line was completed in 1851, three years before the West Point-to-Atlanta segment. Rail operations were seriously disrupted during the Civil War (1861–65), as Southern rail lines were subject to Union Army attacks.