How to Pick a Radiology Tech Program near Atlanta Indiana
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Atlanta IN so you can train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.
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X-Ray Tech Occupation Summary
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Atlanta IN clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 maintain their equipment and frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Atlanta IN medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degree Options
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Atlanta IN radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Indiana or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Atlanta IN employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Degrees
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Atlanta IN residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.
Subjects 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 searching for and evaluating Atlanta IN x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 gone through a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Atlanta IN health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Indiana xray tech schools you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Atlanta IN medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Atlanta IN healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Atlanta IN home. 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 local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically 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 type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Atlanta IN colleges you are reviewing what the average student to teacher 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 an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Atlanta IN, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may 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 a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with 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 choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.Choose the Right X-Ray Technician College near Atlanta IN
Choosing the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Atlanta IN.
Some Background on Atlanta Indiana
Atlanta
Atlanta (/ætlæntə/) 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]
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