How to Enroll in the Right Xray Tech Course near West Point Georgia
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near West Point GA so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Occupation Summary in West Point GA
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to utilize 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 elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in West Point GA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed 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 Technician Degrees Offered near West Point GA
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in West Point GA or their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification 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 tech college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch 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 many offer additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous West Point area employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options in and around West Point GA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically conducted in West Point GA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your West Point residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just make certain that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools
After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing x-ray technician schools near West Point GA. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it may also receive 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. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many West Point GA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the xray technician schools you are assessing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the West Point GA medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in West Point GA in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their West Point GA home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area 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 may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the West Point GA colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student 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 speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the xray tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the West Point GA area, confirm that they are offered. 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 need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
How to Enroll in Accredited X Ray Technician Schools West Point GA
Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed 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 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 How to Enroll in Accredited X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Top Online Radiology Technician Schools. However, as has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a X-ray tech in West Point GA.
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West Point, Georgia
West Point is a city in Troup and Harris counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 3,474,[4] and in 2015 the estimated population was 3,728.[5] Most of the city is in Troup County, which is part of the LaGrange Micropolitan Statistical Area, and hence part of the Atlanta-Athens-Clarke County-Sandy Springs, GA Combined Statistical Area. A sliver in the south is in Harris County, which is part of the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located approximately halfway between Montgomery and Atlanta on Interstate 85.
The city's present name comes from its being near the westernmost point of the Chattahoochee River, where the river turns from its southwesterly flow from the Appalachian Mountains to due south – for all practical purposes – and forms the boundary with Alabama. The large nearby reservoir, West Point Lake, was created by the Army Corps of Engineers by the building of the West Point Dam, for water storage and hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir stores water which can be released during dry seasons, in order to maintain the water level of the navigable inland waterway from Columbus, Georgia, south to the Gulf of Mexico.
During the late spring of 2003, there was a flood caused by extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms upstream of the West Point Dam; the weather caused the water level in the reservoir to come close to overflowing the top of the dam. There were allegations of poor forecasting by the Corps of Engineers of the reservoir's water levels.[citation needed] The flood water would have overflowed the dam had a large amount of water not been released though the spillway of the dam. Whereas this prevented the catastrophic failure of the West Point Dam, the city endured a flood much more severe than any other in the time since the dam had been built.
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