Most radiology technicians are employed by hospitals or other large medical facilities where labs for special diagnostic tests and treatments are located. While most states require these radiology technicians to be licensed, no such requirement is placed on techs in Georgia. Although you can become a radiology tech through on-the job training, most hospitals and lab facilities prefer that you have certain qualifications prior to beginning work. Here’s become a radiology technician in Georgia.
Instructions
1. Attend and complete a radiology program at a college or university. West Georgia Technical College and Lanier Technical College both offer radiology programs in Georgia, which prepare individuals to become technicians in a hospital or radiology lab. These programs last for 2 years and result in an applied associate’s degree. You should apply early though since the programs only allow applicants to enter in the fall.
2. Apply to take the national certification exam. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers a national certification exam. You will need to apply to take the exam, and once you are approved you will receive an authorization to test (ATT) letter.
3. Schedule a date and time to take the test. The ATT letter you receive will contain important information that you need to register for the exam. The exam is conducted through Pearson Vue, a national testing organization. You can go online to their website at Pearsonvue.com to schedule your test or call them at (800) 632-9055.
4. Pass the national certification exam. While the results of the exam are used by many states to grant certification and licenses, Georgia is not one of them. This means that passing the exam is not a requirement to work as a radiology technician. However, many health care facilities will prefer an individual who has ARRT certification, and you must pass the national exam to obtain this credential.
5. Apply for official certification with ARRT. After you have passed the national exam offered by ARRT, you can apply to become a member of their organization and be certified as a radiology technician. This requires that you submit an application, proof of completion of an educational program and a $150 application fee.
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