- X-ray technicians create medical images highlighting specific parts of their patients’ bodies using high-tech equipment(1). These skilled healthcare professionals operate sophisticated imaging technology to get “inside” X-ray images so doctors can diagnose and prescribe therapy for a patient’s medical condition.
- Radiology technicians (also called rad techs) do not need to be licensed in Georgia(2). However, new legislation is now being created that may change this requirement in the future. Thus, enrolling in a reputable institution is encouraged to improve prospects.
- There are two types of accreditation: programmatic and regional(3). The programmatic type is given to a program by a specialty organization.
- Meanwhile, regional recognition is a type of recognition that the United States Department of Education grants to a school. States typically require this type of accreditation as part of their licensing process for tech students.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
X-ray technicians make medical images that emphasize certain sections of their patients’ bodies using high-tech equipment(4). They are trained healthcare professionals capable of operating advanced imaging equipment to get the “inside” images essential for physicians to diagnose and prescribe treatment for a patient’s medical condition.
List of X-ray Tech Schools
Here is the list of X-ray technologist schools in Georgia(5):
| School Name | Associate’s Imaging Program | Bachelor’s Imaging Program | Graduate Imaging Program | National Accreditation | Completion Rate 2 | Credential Exam Pass Rate2 | Job Placement Rate2 | Net Price 1 |
| Albany State University | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 83% | 92% | 97% | $12,500 |
| Albany Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 78% | 55% | 92% | N.Av. |
| Athens Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 93% | 100% | 100% | $5,782 |
| Atlanta Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 80% | 75% | 79% | N.Av. |
| Augusta Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 71% | 100% | 100% | $9,672 |
| Augusta University | — | Yes | — | JRCERT, JRCNMT | 86% | 76% | 87% | $10,877 |
| Central Georgia Technical College–Macon | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 83% | 88% | 99% | $2,050 |
| Central Georgia Technical College-Warner Robins | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 75% | 95% | 100% | $2,050 |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 90% | 100% | 95% | $2,509 |
| Coastal Pines Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 76% | N.Av. | N.Av. | $2,066 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 83% | 92% | 100% | $12,255 |
| Columbus Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 100% | 89% | 100% | $4,722 |
| Dalton State College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 84% | 98% | 100% | $6,697 |
| Emory University | — | Yes | — | JRCERT | 88% | 89% | 100% | $25,942 |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 82% | 91% | 93% | $2,539 |
| Georgia Southern University | — | Yes | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP, JRCNMT | 100% | 83% | 84% | $15,374 |
| Georgia State University-Perimeter College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $8,795 |
| Gwinnett Technical College, Lawrenceville | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 92% | 99% | 100% | $10,537 |
| Lanier Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 95% | 86% | 100% | $3,517 |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 58% | 94% | 100% | $6,730 |
| Ogeechee Technical College Statesboro | Yes | — | — | JRCERT, CAAHEP | 69% | 97% | 100% | $1,328 |
| Southeastern Technical College | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 75% | 77% | 97% | $3,242 |
| Southern Crescent Technical College | Yes | — | — | — | N.Av. | N.Av. | N.Av. | $5,887 |
| Southern Regional Technical College-Moultrie | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 55% | 78% | 99% | N.Av. |
| Southern Regional Technical College-Thomasville | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 80% | 98% | 96% | N.Av. |
| West Georgia Technical College-Douglas | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 84% | 95% | 94% | $2,270 |
| West Georgia Technical College-LaGrange | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 88% | 91% | 92% | $2,270 |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta | Yes | — | — | JRCERT | 67% | 82% | 100% | N.Av. |
** Data retrieved on May 16, 2022. Changes may occur when new data comes in.
Abbreviations:
- JRCERT: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
- JRCNMT: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
- CAAHEP: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Other schools offering radiology technician programs are Oakwood Moultrie Technical College and Savannah Athens Technical College.
Recently, the Medical College of Georgia and the Georgia Health Sciences University merged to establish Augusta University(6). The school’s department of Radiation Therapy provides a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences with a concentration in Radiation Therapy.
Nuclear Medicine Technology is also available as a bachelor’s degree program for NMTs with credentials. Both programs equip graduates for highly skilled, higher-paying professions.
Meanwhile, The College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick has a radiologic science department. Those pursuing entry-level technician work in hospitals, clinics, or private physician’s offices may get an Associate of Science in Radiologic Science at this institution.
Numerous four-year colleges provide optional credit for passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or ARRT test. This test increases the potential for program graduates to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Also, note that students may consider the program effectiveness in choosing accredited schools for X-ray tech.
List of Programs
One of the key advantages of obtaining a rad tech education is the wide variety of specializations available in the area(7).
Radiologic technicians who want to specialize in specialized diagnostic tests have the following alternatives available:
- Bone densitometry
- Vascular-interventional radiography
- Cardiac-interventional radiology
- MRI technology
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
- Sonography
- Vascular sonography
- Breast sonography
- Nuclear medicine
- Cardiovascular-interventional radiography
- Computed tomography
- Research and development
The specializations mentioned will need extra training and ARRT certification in the desired specialty area.
Meanwhile, here are some of the schools with their radiology technologist degree programs(8):
1. Georgia Northwest Technical College
Floyd Campus of Georgia Northwest Technical College provides an Associate of Science (AS) in Radiologic Technology. Before specializing in radiologic technology courses that involve radiographic procedures, imaging, and radiographic pathology, students often finish standard college prerequisites.
2. Dalton State College
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology is offered at Dalton State. Once accepted into the radiologic technology AAS program, students will study courses in radiographic anatomy, advanced radiologic science, and advanced clinical radiologic technology, among others.
3. West Georgia Technical College
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology is awarded to students who completed the 93-credit program at West Georgia Technical College.
Coursework in radiologic technology equips students with a comprehensive understanding of regular radiography, trauma radiography, radiation treatment, ultrasonography, and nuclear medicine.
4. Perimeter College at Georgia State University
Students who complete the three-year radiologic technology program at Perimeter College at Georgia State University will get an Associate of Science (AS) degree.
Current radiographers (RTs) with an associate’s degree may pursue a bachelor’s degree in CT, MRI, interventional radiography program, women’s health (mammography and bone densitometry), radiography education, or radiology administration(9).
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Although a radiologic technician is often referred to as a technologist, they are not the same(10). Instead, they have a wide range of skills and knowledge in the field of imaging. A medical technologist is a specialist who uses X-rays to diagnose and treat various conditions.
Unlike an X-ray technician, this individual is not only skilled in performing imaging procedures but also highly experienced in their field.
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Georgia
Students interested in pursuing a career as a radiology technician should study math and science courses in high school, including chemistry, biology, physics, and anatomy(11).
After completing high school, individuals may enroll in an authorized associate degree program in radiography.
Radiology technicians are not required to have a license in Georgia(12). However, most businesses prefer individuals who have completed a voluntary certification procedure.
Individuals must then pass the examination administered by the certifying body. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the world’s biggest and oldest association for imaging and x-ray technologists, provides continuing education.
Admission Criteria and Prerequisites
As mentioned, in Georgia, rad techs are not required to be licensed(13). However, new legislation is now being drafted that might modify this requirement in the future. Thus, it is recommended to enroll in a recognized school to enhance the future possibilities.
Radiology technicians must also attend Continuing Education Programs (CEP) every two years and pass a certification program administered by their state or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in order to keep current on the newest technology and practices in their industry.
Meanwhile, the programs culminate in a certificate (1 year), diploma (1 year), bachelor’s degree (4 years), or associate’s degree (2 years) in radiology and will prepare students for a job as a rad tech if individuals are interested in a profession utilizing diagnostic imaging equipment(14).
Note that accredited educational programs in radiography must adhere to the JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography.
Aspiring enrollees can access the standards at the following link: https://www.jrcert.org/sites/jrcert2/uploads/documents/2021_Standards/2021_Standards_Radiography.pdf
Students can also visit the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology’s office at 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606.
Students can also contact the committee by calling (312) 704-5300 or emailing them at mail@jrcert.org.
Program Goals and Learning Outcomes
Here’s an example of program goals and learning outcomes of one school(15):
Goals:
Students will demonstrate clinical competence. - Students will demonstrate good communication.
- Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will exhibit an understanding of patient communication techniques.
- Students will use their understanding of radiographic processes.
- Students will exhibit excellent communication abilities.
Accreditation
Completing an accredited program in radiologic technology is very important to ensure that individuals are able to obtain a license and transfer credits to another program(16). It can also help students earn a certification for a new field.
There are two types of accreditation: programmatic and regional. The former is a type of recognition that’s granted by the United States Department of Education to a school. This type of accreditation is typically required by states as part of their licensing process for tech students.
Another type of recognition usually granted to a school is programmatic accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation is given to a program by a specialty organization.
There are three main groups that can evaluate programs in this field are the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, also called CAAHEP, and the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).
The JRCERT is the only organization that is recognized by the Department of Education for its accreditation of certain programs in the field of radiography technology. It is able to evaluate programs in various categories such as medical dosimetry, imaging therapy, and magnetic resonance. Applicants can visit their website at www.jrcert.org.
As the students prepare to enter the field of medical imaging and radiologic technology, it is important that individuals thoroughly check with the state’s licensing boards for the requirements.
Expenses
Here’s an example of expenses when taking radiologic technology(17):
| Tuition | |
| Radiologic Technology Tuition: $1,800/semester, 6 semesters (total $10,800) | |
| Fees | |
| Advantage Students Drug Screen & Background Check: $78.50 *base fee may be higher if the student lived in other states as an adult | |
| Symplr® CHOA Drug Screen & Background check: $49.00 first year and $29.00 second year | |
| Trajecsys- Online Clinical Record $150.00 one-time fee | |
| HPSO Professional Liability Insurance $38.00 (cost may vary depending on what state(s) the student has held employment) | |
| Graduation Fee $180.00 (prorated at $30 paid each semester) | |
| Technology Fee $50.00/semester | |
| CPR (Heart Code – BLS) Online Training Module $28.50 | |
| Uniform Scrub Top and Pants (5 sets recommended) approx. $30.00/set | |
| Uniform Shoes approximately $60.00/pair | |
| Books, supplies, computer software $700 – 900 (if purchased new) | |
| Parking Grady Hospital – Orange Lot on Capital Avenue | |
| ARRT Credential exam fees: National Certification Exam $200 – Students apply to take the ARRT exam 90 days before graduation. |
Financial Aid
In Grady, financial aid is provided to assist students by bridging the gap between their ability to pay and the cost of attending one of the Schools of Radiation and Imaging Technologies(18).
Before a student enrolls in a program of study, no financial assistance is provided. The financial assistance payment cycle is by semester. A need analysis determines the amount the student and their family can afford to contribute.
Career Opportunities and Salary
The forecast for employment in radio technology is encouraging(19). The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job growth rate of 28%, which is higher than the national rate of employment growth. On average, radiologic technologists make roughly $49,000 per year.
FAQs
-
How long does it take to finish studies for X-ray tech?
An associate degree in radiologic technology takes around two years to finish full-time, whereas a bachelor’s degree takes about four years. Those currently qualified in radiologic technology may be able to gain other certifications faster.
Those pursuing advanced employment with a master’s degree must prepare for at least five years of study (four for a bachelor’s and one to two for a master’s).
-
Which radiology tech schools provide certification or licensure?
The state board of radiation safety, radiologic technologists, or public health is the greatest source of information (the overseeing agency varies by state). If the state follows the ARRT‘s certification rules in whole or in part, evaluate the ARRT‘s requirements for first-time (primary) and add-on (post–primary) credentials.
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Are there available online degrees for radiology degrees?
First-time radiologic technology certificants and licensees should prepare for on-campus study since an online radiology tech degree cannot sufficiently teach radiologic science and patient care. Those with a degree and at least one modality certification may study online.
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How much does an X-ray tech make in Georgia?
The job prospects for radio technology are bright. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment growth rate of 28 percent, more than the national employment growth rate. Radiologic technicians earn around $49,000 per year on average.
- What Does an X-Ray Technician Do?
https://www.fortis.edu/blog/healthcare/what-does-an-x-ray-technician-do.html - Radiology Tech Programs in Georgia
https://www.radiology-technician.com/radiology-tech-programs-by-state/georgia/ - Radiology Degrees
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/degrees/ - What Does an X-Ray Technician Do?
https://www.fortis.edu/blog/healthcare/what-does-an-x-ray-technician-do.html - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Georgia
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/georgia/ - Get Started in Radiologic Technology in Georgia
https://radiologyed.org/schools/georgia/ - Radiology Tech Programs in Georgia
https://www.radiology-technician.com/radiology-tech-programs-by-state/georgia/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Georgia
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/georgia/ - Get Started in Radiologic Technology in Georgia
https://radiologyed.org/schools/georgia/ - What to Know About X-ray Tech Programs and Radiography Degrees
https://www.cleveland.edu/blog-post/~post/what-to-know-about-x-ray-tech-programs-and-radiography-degrees-20180419/ - Radiology Tech Programs in Georgia
https://www.radiology-technician.com/radiology-tech-programs-by-state/georgia/ - Radiology Technician Schools in Georgia
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/georgia/ - Radiology Tech Programs in Georgia
https://www.radiology-technician.com/radiology-tech-programs-by-state/georgia/ - Ibid.
- School of Radiologic Technology
https://www.gradyhealth.org/education-training/schools-of-imaging-technologies/the-school-of-radiologic-technology/ - Radiology Degrees
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/degrees/ - School of Radiologic Technology
https://www.gradyhealth.org/education-training/schools-of-imaging-technologies/the-school-of-radiologic-technology/ - Financial Aid
https://www.gradyhealth.org/education-training/schools-of-imaging-technologies/financial-aid/ - Radiology Technician Schools in Georgia
https://www.ultrasoundtechnicianschools.com/specialty/radiology/georgia/