How to Select the Right Xray Tech College near Lithia Springs Georgia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Lithia Springs GA so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Work Description in Lithia Springs GA
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Lithia Springs GA clinics, hospitals, 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 care for their equipment and also routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep 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 Tech Degrees Offered near Lithia Springs GA
The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Lithia Springs GA or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several approve other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Lithia Springs area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options in and around Lithia Springs GA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technologist Degrees
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in Lithia Springs GA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Lithia Springs residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper 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 choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing x-ray tech colleges near Lithia Springs GA. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school 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 might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Lithia Springs GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the radiology tech schools you are assessing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Lithia Springs GA health care community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in Lithia Springs GA in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Lithia Springs GA home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lithia Springs GA colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the xray tech school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Lithia Springs GA area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Low Cost Online Radiology Tech Programs Lithia Springs GA
Selecting the appropriate radiology technician school is a critical first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having 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 Low Cost Online Radiology Tech Programs and wanting more information on the topic Requirements for Night Radiologic Tech Schools. However, as has been discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Lithia Springs GA.
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Lithia Springs, Georgia
Lithia Springs is a census-designated place and unincorporated area, formerly incorporated as a city, located in northeastern Douglas County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the community had a population of 15,491.[3] The area is named for its historic "lithia" mineral water springs.
Incorporated in 1882, Lithia Springs was dissolved the first time in 1933. Lithia Springs became incorporated again in 1994, to be Douglas County's second completely internal municipality, but disincorporated again in 2001.
In 2001, the citizens voted (80% yea, 20% nay) on March 20 to dissolve the city charter and de-incorporate the city, transferring all assets to the county. The referendum that ended the town was part of the settlement in a lawsuit brought by city residents charging the city should be dissolved because it did not deliver enough services to justify its existence under state law. During its incorporation until 2001, the former city had five mayors.
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