How to Choose the Right Radiology Technician Degree Program near Atlanta Georgia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Atlanta GA so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are additional important qualifications also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary in Atlanta GA
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, 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 choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Atlanta GA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize 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 plus regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered near Atlanta GA
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned 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 two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Atlanta GA or their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several approve other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Atlanta area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options in and around Atlanta GA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
As a component of every 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 colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often carried out in Atlanta GA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Atlanta residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating x-ray technician schools near Atlanta GA. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide 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 need to ask the schools you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Atlanta GA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the radiology technician schools you are interested in have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Atlanta GA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in Atlanta GA in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Atlanta GA residence. Students who have chosen 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. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Atlanta 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 converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Atlanta GA area, make certain 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 have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.
Free Info on Accelerated Radiology Tech Schools Atlanta GA
Picking the appropriate x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Free Info on Accelerated Radiology Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Affordable Weekend Radiology Tech Programs. However, as has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your final selection. 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 college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Atlanta GA.
Other Georgia Diagnostic Locations
Atlanta
Atlanta (/ætˈlæntə/) is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. With an estimated 2018 population of 498,044,[10] it is also the 37th most-populous city in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to 5.9 million people and the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the nation.[7] Atlanta is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia. Portions of the city extend eastward into neighboring DeKalb County.
Atlanta was originally founded as the terminating stop of a major state-sponsored railroad. With rapid expansion, however, it soon became the convergence point between multiple railroads, spurring its rapid growth. The city's name derives from that of the Western and Atlantic Railroad's local depot, signifying the town's growing reputation as a transportation hub.[13] During the American Civil War, the city was almost entirely burned to the ground in General William T. Sherman's famous March to the Sea. However, the city rose from its ashes and quickly became a national center of commerce and the unofficial capital of the "New South". During the 1950s and 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.[14] During the modern era, Atlanta has attained international prominence as a major air transportation hub, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport being the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998.[15][16][17][18]
Atlanta is rated as a "beta(+)" world city that exerts a moderate impact on global commerce, finance, research, technology, education, media, art, and entertainment.[19] It ranks in the top twenty among world cities and 10th in the nation with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $385 billion.[20][21] Atlanta's economy is considered diverse, with dominant sectors that include aerospace, transportation, logistics, professional and business services, media operations, medical services, and information technology.[22] Atlanta has topographic features that include rolling hills and dense tree coverage, earning it the nickname of "the city in a forest."[23]Revitalization of Atlanta's neighborhoods, initially spurred by the 1996 Summer Olympics, has intensified in the 21st century, altering the city's demographics, politics, aesthetics, and culture.[24][25]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 36
1 Reviews 
25 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
18 Reviews 
7 Reviews 
10 Reviews 5 Reviews 
3 Reviews 3 Reviews 
16 Reviews 