Find Accredited X-Ray Technician Schools In Georgia
X-ray technician schools prepare the person for a promising career. In order to become one must complete either a certificate or a degree program. Before officially entering a field, one has to complete and pass the licensing exam, which is administered by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists (AART). This credentialing body is the largest credentialing entity of its kind and strives to maintain professionalism among those who complete the training. Many of the top schools also offer the opportunity to specialize in a given area and will offer additional continuing education.How To Get Certified in Georgia
After completing the required training offered by one of the leading radiology schools in Georgia, one can sit for an exam. In some cases, the institution will sponsor the student. The person must then submit an application for the national certification exam. One the person submits the paperwork, he or she will receive an ATT letter from the organization permitting them to sit for the exam.Salaries for Certified X-Ray Technician in Georgia
The average x-ray technician in Georgia makes $43,000 and $46,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor statistics states that the average salary for the x-ray technologist in 2013 was $56,760. People specializing in areas like mammography and MRI stand to make more than their counterparts. Most technicians work in a hospital setting. Factors affecting pay are the number of years of experience, the certifications obtained, and the area where the person works.Job Outlook For X-Ray Technicians In Georgia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field will grow 17 percent between 2008 and 2018 due to a growing aging population and expansion of health care. Job prospects for those specializing in mammography, MRI and CT imaging will are particularly high. People who work in these fields can expect to see increases in salary since opportunities for advancement come quickly. Those serving in areas most in demand can increase their earning potential. A person can receive all of the training they need to succeed if a person enters a program at one of Georgia’s top schools.What Is An X-Ray Technician’s Job Description?
An x-ray technician is commonly known as a radiologic technologist, and their job is to produce medical images of a patient's body. The photographs help other healthcare professionals diagnose or prescribe medical treatments for the patients. It takes about one to four years to receive training to become an x-ray technician, depending on the course of study. Plus, technicians can choose a specialty for their careers, such as computer tomography, mammography, or MRI testing.The Daily Duties Of An X-ray Technician
The primary duty of a radiologic technologist is to take X-rays of a patient's body. It's also their job to explain the procedure to the patients. They have to prep the patient before the X-ray and also have them remove any items that might damage the scan. Furthermore, the technicians must clear the surrounding areas before testing begins, and make sure there are no materials around that might be hindered by radiation exposure.Where Do Most X-ray Technicians Work?
There are several different settings that an x-ray technician can work. Most of them find jobs in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, or laboratories. Not only that , but technicians have to be in good physical condition. They might have to move patients or push heavy equipment from one room to another. It's also important that they wear gloves or a lead-proof apron to protect them from radiation exposure.The Advantages Of Working As An X-Ray Tech
Believe it or not, there are lots of advantages to working as an x-ray technician. Not only is it a stable career choice, but it also comes with other benefits. Here are a few reasons why this profession is a good option: Irregular Work Schedule Unlike most jobs, being a radiologic technologist is not boring, nor will your day to day duties be the same. You'll find yourself coming to the end of your shift before you know it. Sure, there are some basic duties that you will perform regularly, but there will always be something new to look forward to. You will have different patients, with varying conditions that all require specialized assistance. Thankfully, you can count on experiencing some type of excitement and each shift.A Variety Of Work Settings
If you are a receptionist, you can expect to work in an office setting. However, that's not the case for an x-ray technician. There are several places where radiologic technologist can find jobs that fit different lifestyles. Some people prefer to work in hospitals where they can work varying schedules; others prefer the laid-back environment of a diagnostic testing center. The good news is, if you try one setting and don't like it, you can move on to a different one.Short-term education
Unlike some professions in the medical industry, it doesn't take a long time to receive a degree as an x-ray technologist. Depending on where you study, you can obtain certification within 24 months. Not to mention, most courses that are short term and have less expensive tuition. That is an excellent choice for people who want a rewarding career in a short amount of time.A livable wage
Most people know that almost every profession in the healthcare industry earns a pretty good wage. Some make more than others, but each one provides a stable income, and the same goes for an x-ray technician. Luckily, it doesn't take much for tech students to start earning a decent amount of money after courses are done.Things To Consider Before Starting Courses
As you are reading this information, you might start to feel like this is the right profession for you. But as with any job, there are pros and cons, and certain skills are needed to be successful. Here are a few things to consider before becoming an x-ray technician:The Ability To Work What's The Different People
As a radiologic technologist, there will be many patients who come into your office. They will be different ages, races, and backgrounds. Not to mention, some of them might not have the best attitude if they are in pain. Therefore, it takes patience and a kind heart to meet the needs of every person you help. It requires social skills so that you can connect with the patient. Being an X-ray tech isn't just about running a few tests, it's about making sure every patient is completely taken care of.An Understanding Of The Human Body
It takes skill and knowledge to succeed in this profession. Of course, you will learn everything you need to know while you're in school. However, it might take some time in the field to completely become comfortable in your career. You must know about the skeletal, respiratory, and muscular system. Plus the name and location of various organs. Again, being an x-ray technician is about more than just running a few tests. It requires you to know about illnesses and other condition so that you can properly read the images.Safety
Safety is a huge part of taking a successful x-ray. You must understand exposure time, shooting, and distance. Furthermore, you should know what equipment will provide the necessary protection for both you and the patient. While you are in school, you will learn how to properly give an examination and how to follow safety techniques.Proper positions
The patients that you will see will come in a variety of body types and disabilities. It's the duty of the technician to make sure that patients are in the correct position for accurate imaging. Also, some doctors might require that their patients are angled in a certain way. Therefore, the tech has to be able to adapt to the physician's preference. However, this is also something you should learn during your course of study.What To Expect From Your X-Ray Technician Classes
If you’re not sure what to expect from your x-ray technician courses, here is a list of classes:Introduction To Radiography Class
In this class, students are introduced to standard imaging techniques, radiation safety, and medical terminology. The course also teaches the importance of patient care and the ethical duties that are expected of medical professionals.Radiographic Procedures Course
In most radiologic technology courses, students learn how to position patients for x-ray images of different areas of the body like the chest, skull, spine, and abdomen. They also learn about anatomy and how to maneuver patients to get the best images by practicing on lab simulations.Radiology Biology and Protection Course
Safety is a big deal in radiography, and a radiation protection class teaches on ways to combat against exposure. Aspiring x-ray technicians also learn how radiation is created and measured, and how it affects the human body. Plus, they study the state and federal standards for dosing and exposure limits.Pathology For Radiographers Class
This class covers the process of disease as it relates to radiology. Students are taught about illnesses regularly seen in radiology and how to identify the symptoms of diseases through radiographic images. The program also discusses how illnesses require the x-ray tech to perform alternate imaging techniques.Final Thoughts On X-ray Tech Schools In Georgia
Hopefully, this information provided enough detail to help you make an informed decision regarding finding the right technical college. It doesn’t matter if you attend Georgia Northwestern, Georgia Technical College, Central Georgia Technical, or even a state university. Each school will provide you with the resources needed for a bright career. Not to mention, most schools offer financial aid—which helps you in the long run. Radiologic technologists are vital to the health industry, and the medical field is seeking new techs regularly. After learning more about this profession, do you think it’s the right career path for you?Matching School Ads
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X-Ray Technician Campuses In Georgia
| NAME | ADDRESS | WEBSITE |
|---|---|---|
| Albany Technical College | 1704 South Slappey Boulevard Albany, GA, 31701 | www.albanytech.edu |
| Athens Technical College | 800 U.S. Highway 29 North Athens, GA, 30601-1500 | www.athenstech.edu |
| Armstrong Atlantic State University | 11935 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA, 31419-1997 | www.radsci.armstrong.edu |
| Coastal Georgia Community College | 3700 Altama Avenue Brunswick, GA, 31520-3644 | www.ccga.edu |
| Columbus Technical College | 928 Manchester Expressway Columbus, GA, 31904-6572 | www.columbustech.edu |
| Coosa Valley Technical College | One Maurice Culberson Drive Rome, GA, 30161 | www.careerdepot.org/cvt.htm |
| Dalton State College | 650 College Drive Dalton, GA, 30720 | www.daltonstate.edu |
| DeKalb Medical | 2701 North Decatur Road Decatur, GA, 30033 | www.dekalbmedical.org |
| Emory University School of Medicine | P.O. Box 25901 Atlanta, GA, 30322 | radiology.emory.edu |
| Grady Memorial Hospital/Grady Health System | 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., S.E. Box 26095 Atlanta, GA, 30303-3050 | www.gradyhealth.org |
| Griffin Technical College | 501 Varsity Road Griffin, GA, 30223-2042 | www.sctech.edu |
| Gwinnett Technical College | 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville, GA, 30043 | www.gwinnetttech.edu |
| Heart of Georgia Technical College | 560 Pinehill Road Dublin, GA, 31021 | www.sandersvilletech.edu |
| Institute of Allied Medical Professions | 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Suite 450 Atlanta, GA, 30342 | www.iamp.edu |
| Lanier Technical College | 2990 Landrum Education Drive Oakwood, GA, 30566 | www.laniertech.edu |
| Medical College of Georgia | 821 St. Sebastian Way Augusta, GA, 30912 | www.gru.edu |
| Middle Georgia Technical College | 80 Cohen Walker Drive Warner Robins, GA, 31088 | www.middlegatech.edu |
| Moultrie Technical College | 361 Industrial Drive Moultrie, GA, 31768 | www.moultrietech.edu |
| North Metro Technical College | 5198 Ross Road Acworth, GA, 30102 | www.chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Ogeechee Technical College | One Joe Kennedy Boulevard Statesboro, GA, 30458 | www.ogeecheetech.edu |
| Okefenokee Technical College | 1701 Carswell Avenue Waycross, GA, 31503 | www.okefenokeetech.edu |
| Southeastern Technical College | 3001 East First Street Vidalia, GA, 30474 | www.southeasterntech.edu |
| University Hospital | 1350 Walton Way Augusta, GA, 30901-3599 | www.universityhealth.org |
| Valdosta Technical College | 4089 Val-Tech Road Valdosta, GA, 31603 | valdostatech.org |
| West Central Technical College | 4600 Timber Ridge Drive Douglasville, GA, 30135 | www.westgatech.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College | 303 Fort Drive LaGrange, GA, 30240 | www.westgatech.edu |