How to Enroll in the Right X-Ray Tech College near Scottdale Georgia
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Scottdale GA so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can 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 often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifications as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Work Description in Scottdale GA
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Scottdale GA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 take care of their equipment and also routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
X-Ray Tech Degree Options near Scottdale GA
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in Scottdale GA or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Scottdale area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options in and around Scottdale GA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Programs
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in Scottdale GA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Scottdale residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating x-ray technician schools near Scottdale GA. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor 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 must ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies 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 review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Scottdale GA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the radiology tech programs you are reviewing have associations 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 also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Scottdale GA healthcare community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in Scottdale GA in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Scottdale GA home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Scottdale GA schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify 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 need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Scottdale GA area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Requirements for Accelerated Radiology Technician Schools Scottdale GA
Enrolling in the best radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times 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 patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians 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 deliver the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Requirements for Accelerated Radiology Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic How to Enroll in Weekend Radiologic Technologist Schools. However, as we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate 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 be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Scottdale GA.
Other Georgia Diagnostic Locations
Scottdale, Georgia
Scottdale, aka SCD is located at 33°47′40″N 84°15′44″W / 33.79444°N 84.26222°W / 33.79444; -84.26222 (33.794337, -84.262110).[4] The unincorporated community is centered on East Ponce de Leon Avenue, between Decatur and Clarkston. The northern boundary is Stone Mountain Freeway; the eastern boundary is Interstate 285; the western boundary is roughly DeKalb Industrial Way; and the southern boundary is roughly the city limits of Avondale Estates. The ZIP code for Scottdale is 30079.
According to the 2010 census, there were 10,631 people residing in the CDP. The racial makeup of the CDP was 29.9% White, 37.7% African American, 0.20% Native American, 23.0% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.3% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.3% of the population. 12.7% of the population are Asian Indians.[5] As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 9,803 people, 4,010 households, and 2,201 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,818.2 people per square mile (1,087.6/km²). There were 4,236 housing units at an average density of 1,217.8/sq mi (470.0/km²). The racial makeup of Scottdale was 48.6% Black, 37.1% White, 0.19% Native American, 9.60% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 1.7% from other races, and 2.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.
There were 4,010 households out of which 67.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 29.8% were married couples living together, 69.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.1% were non-families. 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.15.
Business Results 1 - 10 of 38
25 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
18 Reviews 
7 Reviews 
1 Reviews 3 Reviews 
10 Reviews 
3 Reviews 5 Reviews 
16 Reviews 