How to Select the Right X Ray Technician Degree Program near Lithonia Georgia
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Lithonia GA so you can become a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal school 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 radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description in Lithonia GA
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Lithonia GA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with 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 regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally 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.
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Radiology Tech Degrees near Lithonia GA
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree 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 program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Lithonia GA or their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Lithonia area employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options in and around Lithonia GA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Schools
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in Lithonia GA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Lithonia residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Colleges
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of finding and assessing x-ray tech schools near Lithonia GA. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Lithonia GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the radiology tech programs you are interested in have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Lithonia GA healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in Lithonia GA in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign 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 a number of students, the college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Lithonia GA residence. Students who have opted 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 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 often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lithonia GA schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the xray technician program also.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Lithonia GA area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Low Cost Online Radiologic Tech Schools Lithonia GA
Picking the best radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Low Cost Online Radiologic Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Requirements for Night Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Lithonia GA.
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Lithonia, Georgia
"Lithonia" means "city/town of stone". Lithonia is in the heart of the Georgian granite-quarrying and viewing region, hence the name of the town, from the Greek λίθος lithos, for stone.[5] The huge nearby granite dome, Stone Mountain, is composed of a rock called granite, while the Lithonia gneiss, is a form of metamorphic rock. The Stone Mountain Granite is younger than, and has intruded the Lithonia Gneiss. The area has a history of rock quarries. The mines were served by the Georgia Railroad and Atlanta, Stone Mountain & Lithonia Railway. Some of the rock quarries have been converted to parkland and the rail lines to rail-trail.
Lithonia is located in southeastern DeKalb County at 33°42′46″N 84°6′21″W / 33.71278°N 84.10583°W / 33.71278; -84.10583 (33.712658, -84.105897).[7]Interstate 20 passes just south of the community, with access from Exits 74 and 75. Lithonia is 18 miles (29 km) east of the center of Atlanta. Some areas in extreme southern Gwinnett County use a Lithonia postal address near the county line.
In 1805, Lithonia began as a small crossroads settlement of farmers. The town grew with the coming of the Atlanta Augusta Railroad in 1845, which allowed the granite quarrying industry in the area to flourish.[8]
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