How to Enroll in the Best Radiology Tech College near Athens Georgia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Athens GA so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions 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 tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Work Summary in Athens GA
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have 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 may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Athens GA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 plus routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each 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 Degree Options near Athens GA
The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school 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 prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Athens GA or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Athens area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options in and around Athens GA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. 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 usually conducted in Athens GA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Athens home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently more affordable than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools
After you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Athens GA. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Athens GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the radiology tech programs you are interested in have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Athens GA medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in Athens GA in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Athens GA residence. Those who have chosen 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 importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college 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 often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class 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 Athens GA colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Athens GA area, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Free Info on Accelerated X Ray Technician Courses Athens GA
Picking the best radiology tech college is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to 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 doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Free Info on Accelerated X Ray Technician Courses and wanting more information on the topic Affordable Weekend Radiology Tech Schools. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Athens GA.
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Athens, Georgia
Athens, officially Athens–Clarke County, is a consolidated city–county and college town in the U.S. state of Georgia. Athens lies about 70 mi (113 km) northeast of downtown Atlanta, a global city. The University of Georgia, the state's flagship public university and an R1 research institution, is in Athens and contributed to its initial growth. In 1991, after a vote the preceding year, the original City of Athens abandoned its charter to form a unified government with Clarke County, referred to jointly as Athens–Clarke County.[4] As of 2017[update], the U.S. Census Bureau's estimated population of the consolidated city-county (all of Clarke County except Winterville and a portion of Bogart) was 125,691; the entire county including Winterville and Bogart had a population of 127,064.[5] Athens is the sixth-largest city in Georgia, and the principal city of the Athens metropolitan area,[6] which had a 2017 estimated population of 209,271, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.[7] Metropolitan Athens is a component of the larger Atlanta–Athens–Clarke County–Sandy Springs Combined Statistical Area, a trading area.[8]The city is dominated by a pervasive student culture and music scene centered on downtown Athens, next to the University of Georgia's North Campus.[9] Major music acts associated with Athens include numerous alternative rock bands such as R.E.M., the B-52's, Widespread Panic, and Neutral Milk Hotel. The city is also known as a recording site for such groups as the Atlanta-based Indigo Girls.
In the late 18th century, a trading settlement on the banks of the Oconee River called Cedar Shoals stood where Athens is today. On January 27, 1785, the Georgia General Assembly granted a charter by Abraham Baldwin for the University of Georgia as the first state-supported university. Sixteen years later, in 1801, a committee from the university's board of trustees selected a site for the university on a hill above Cedar Shoals, in what was then Jackson County. On July 25, John Milledge, one of the trustees and later governor of Georgia, bought 633 acres (256 ha) from Daniel Easley and donated it to the university. Milledge named the surrounding area Athens after the city that was home to the Platonic Academy of Plato and Aristotle in Greece.[10]
The first buildings on the University of Georgia campus were made from logs. The town grew as lots adjacent to the college were sold to raise money for the additional construction of the school. By the time the first class graduated from the university in 1804, Athens consisted of three homes, three stores, and a few other buildings facing Front Street, now known as Broad Street. Completed in 1806 and named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, Franklin College was the first permanent structure of the University of Georgia and of the city of Athens. This brick building is now known as Old College.
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