Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Woodstock GA 30188 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician School near Woodstock Georgia

Woodstock GA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Woodstock GA in order to become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Work Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Woodstock GA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 care for their equipment and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Woodstock GA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Woodstock GA The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Woodstock GA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates 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 technician school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Woodstock GA employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Woodstock 30188 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 the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Woodstock GA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online school you select 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 right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

When you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Woodstock GA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 detailed assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Woodstock GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Georgia radiology tech schools you are interested in have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Woodstock GA medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Woodstock GA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Woodstock GA residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps 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 commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Woodstock GA colleges you are considering what the typical 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 a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Woodstock GA, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Woodstock GA

Enrolling in the right radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Woodstock GA.

Some Background on Woodstock Georgia

Woodstock, Georgia

Woodstock is a city in Cherokee County, Georgia, United States. The population was 23,896 at the 2010 census.[1] Originally a stop on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, Woodstock is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. In 2007 it was the tenth fastest-growing suburb in the United States.[5]

Woodstock is located in southern Cherokee County at 34°6′5″N 84°31′10″W / 34.10139°N 84.51944°W / 34.10139; -84.51944 (34.100731, -84.518972).[6]Interstate 575 passes through the western side of the city, with access from exits 7, 8, and 9. Downtown Atlanta is 30 miles (48 km) to the south, and Canton, the Cherokee County seat, is 11 miles (18 km) north.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Woodstock has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29.2 km2), of which 11.2 square miles (28.9 km2) is land and 0.12 square miles (0.3 km2), or 0.92%, is water.[7]

As of the census of 2010,[1] there were 23,896 people, 9,580 households, and 6,137 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,715.4 people per square mile (1043.5/km²). There were 10,298 housing units at an average density of 1170.2 per square mile (449.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 79.3% White, 10.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 4.5% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.7% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.7% of the population.

There were 9,580 households out of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.12.