How to Choose an X-Ray Technician School near Temple Georgia
Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Temple GA in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Many prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Career Description
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Temple GA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers have to care for their equipment plus routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Temple GA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Radiology Technician Degree Options
The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Temple GA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Georgia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer additional options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Temple GA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Degrees
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 the same for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Temple GA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make sure that the online program you choose 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 ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Schools
After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Temple GA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important variable also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Temple GA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Georgia xray technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Temple GA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Temple GA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Temple GA residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Temple GA colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Temple GA, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare several ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Select the Right Radiology Technician Program near Temple GA
Selecting the right radiology technician school is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Temple GA.
Some Background on Temple Georgia
Hung Ga
Hung Ga (洪家), Hung Kuen (洪拳), or Hung Ga Kuen (洪家拳) is a southern Chinese martial art (Cantonese, to be more specific), which belongs to the southern shaolin styles and associated with the Cantonese folk hero Wong Fei Hung, who was a master of Hung Ga.
The hallmarks of the Wong Fei-Hung lineage of Hung Ga are deep low stances, notably its "sei ping ma"(四平馬)[2] horse stance, and strong hand techniques, notably the bridge hand[3] and the versatile tiger claw.[4] The student traditionally spends anywhere from months to three years in stance training, often sitting only in horse stance between a half-hour to several hours at one time, before learning any forms. Each form then might take a year or so to learn, with weapons learned last. However, in modernity, this mode of instruction is deemed economically unfeasible and impractical for students, who have other concerns beyond practicing kung fu. Some instructors, though, will stick mainly to traditional guidelines and make stance training the majority of their beginner training. Hung Ga is sometimes mis-characterized as solely external—that is, reliant on brute physical force rather than the cultivation of qi—even though the student advances progressively towards an internal focus.
"Since my young years till now, for 50 years, I have been learning from Masters. I am happy that I have earned the love of my tutors who passed on me the Shaolin Mastery…"- Lam Sai-wing
Hung Ga's earliest beginnings have been traced to the 17th century in southern China. More specifically, legend has it that a Shaolin monk by the name of Gee Seen Sim See was at the heart of Hung Ga's emergence. See was alive during a time of fighting in the Qing Dynasty. He practiced the arts during an era when the Shaolin Temple had become a refuge for those that opposed the ruling class (the Manchus), allowing him to practice in semi-secrecy. When the northern temple was burned down many fled to the Southern Shaolin temple in the Fukien Province of Southern China along with him. There it is believed See trained several people, including non-Buddhist monks, also called Shaolin Layman Disciples, in the art of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Of course, Gee Seen Sim See was hardly the only person of significance that had fled to the temple and opposed the Manchus. Along with this, Hung Hei Gun also took refuge there, where he trained under See. Eventually, Hung Hei Gun became See's number one student.
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