How to Select the Best Radiology Tech School near Norcross Georgia
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Norcross GA so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary in Norcross GA
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in Norcross GA hospitals, clinics, family 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 must maintain their equipment plus frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered near Norcross GA
The primary requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Norcross GA or their area. Once 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
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Norcross area employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options in and around Norcross GA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Colleges
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 colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in Norcross GA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Norcross home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
Once you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Norcross GA. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Norcross GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Find out if the xray tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Norcross GA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in Norcross GA in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Norcross GA residence. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Norcross GA schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the xray tech program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Norcross GA area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Low Cost Part Time X Ray Technician Schools Norcross GA
Choosing the right x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict 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 radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Low Cost Part Time X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic How to Enroll in Accredited Radiology Technician Schools. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in 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 choices and make your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Norcross GA.
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Norcross, Georgia
Norcross is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States. The population as of the 2010 census was 9,116,[4] while in 2017 the estimated population was 16,845.[5] It is included in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta metropolitan statistical area.
Norcross is located in western Gwinnett County at 33°56′N 84°13′W / 33.933°N 84.217°W / 33.933; -84.217 (33.9386, -84.2086).[8] It is bordered to the north by the city of Peachtree Corners. Interstate 85 forms the southern boundary of the city, with access from Exits 99 (Jimmy Carter Boulevard), 101 (Indian Trail Lilburn Road), and 102 (Georgia State Route 378). Downtown Atlanta is 20 miles (32 km) to the southwest via I-85.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Norcross has a total area of 4.65 square miles (12.05 km2), of which 4.64 square miles (12.02 km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2), or 0.25%, is water.[4]
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