How to Choose the Best X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Douglasville Georgia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Douglasville GA so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Technician Job Description in Douglasville GA
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Douglasville GA hospitals, clinics, family 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 take care of their equipment and also routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered near Douglasville GA
The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Douglasville GA or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many provide other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Douglasville area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options in and around Douglasville GA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
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 colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often performed in Douglasville GA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Douglasville residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online style of education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make sure that the online college 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 school may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing x-ray tech colleges near Douglasville GA. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive 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 education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Douglasville GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the radiology technician programs you are evaluating have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Douglasville GA medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in Douglasville GA in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Douglasville GA home. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something 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 have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Douglasville GA schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the xray tech school you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Douglasville GA area, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Affordable Accelerated X Ray Tech Schools Douglasville GA
Picking the right radiology technician college is an important first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Affordable Accelerated X Ray Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Low Cost Weekend X Ray Technician Schools. However, as has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right 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 succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Douglasville GA.
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Douglasville, Georgia
Located along a natural rise in the topography, Douglasville was originally known as "Skint Chestnut."[6] The name was derived from a large tree used by Native Americans as a landmark; it was stripped of its bark so as to be more conspicuous.
Douglasville was founded in 1874 as the railroad was constructed in the area. That same year, Douglasville was designated as the county seat of the recently formed Douglas County. The community was named for Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois.[7]
On September 21, 2009, Douglas County was devastated by the worst flood in Georgia history. Over 18 inches (457 mm) of rain fell in one night, destroying many roads and homes. The county was later declared a disaster area, and the governor of Georgia declared a state of emergency. The flooding most affected the areas of Douglasville, Villa Rica, Austell, Lithia Springs, and Chapel Hill. The disaster killed more than eight people in the county, most of them in the Douglasville area.
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