Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Georgetown KY 40324 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Technician School near Georgetown Kentucky

Georgetown KY x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Georgetown KY in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Work Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Georgetown KY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Georgetown KY health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Georgetown KY The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Georgetown KY radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Kentucky or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Georgetown KY employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Georgetown 40324 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Georgetown KY home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and evaluating Georgetown KY x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important variable also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Georgetown KY health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Kentucky xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Georgetown KY health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgetown KY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Georgetown KY residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Georgetown KY schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Georgetown KY, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should organize some strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician School near Georgetown KY

Selecting the appropriate x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed 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. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in Georgetown KY.

Some Background on Georgetown Kentucky

Georgetown College

Georgetown College is a small, private, Christian liberal arts college located in Georgetown, Kentucky, United States. Chartered in 1829, Georgetown was the first Baptist college west of the Allegheny Mountains.[1][2] With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the college offers many undergraduate degrees and a Master of Arts in Education.

Georgetown College is located in the Bluegrass region of Central Kentucky, 12 miles north of Lexington, approximately 70 miles east of Louisville, and 75 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Georgetown College traces its roots to Royal Springs Academy, a classical school founded by Baptist minister Elijah Craig in Georgetown in 1787. The institution was renamed Rittenhouse Academy in 1798 as part of a land grant agreement, and was led by Barton Stone, a co-founder of the Stone Campbell Movement, from 1816 to 1819. The academy declined and closed by 1829.

In 1829, the Kentucky General Assembly chartered the Kentucky Baptist Education Society with the purpose of establishing a Baptist college in the state. 24 trustees under the leadership of Silas Noel selected the town of Georgetown as the site for the new school. Georgetown was selected because the community agreed to raise $20,000 and to donate the assets of the recently closed Rittenhouse Academy.[1]

Georgetown College overcame numerous difficulties in its early years. The first president hired for the college in 1829, William D. Staughton, died before assuming his duties. The second president, Rev. Joel Smith Bacon, stayed two years (1830–1832), fighting court cases to release funding for the college before leaving out of frustration. The funds were not released until 1836, when Benjamin Franklin Farnsworth became the third president hired. By then there was a power struggle in progress; Farnsworth had been hired by the Baptists to frustrate the Campbellites who were attempting to take control of the college. After the Campbellites founded a rival college only blocks away, Farnsworth found his attempts to build up Georgetown College stymied, and resigned in 1837.[1]