The Radiologic Technology program at Central Georgia Technical College met with Warner Robins mayor, Randy Toms, last week when he officially issued a proclamation declaring November 6-12, 2016 as National Radiologic Technology Week in the city, joining together efforts to honor the profession.
 
National Radiologic Technology Week is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of radiologic technologists across the nation, calling attention to the important role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in patient care and healthcare safety. Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and civic organizations are encouraged by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists to participate.
 
The celebration takes place during the week of November 8, as it was created in 1979 by ASRT to commemorate the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on November 8, 1895.

NRTW is nothing new for the Radiologic Technology program at CGTC, but having the support of the mayor and city means much more.
 
“Having the mayor proclaim and honor radiologic technology professionals by issuing the proclamation and having him understand and hear our voice regarding the importance of licensure was an esteemed honor to the program, faculty, and students,” said Connie Young, the program director for Radiologic Technology.
 
Currently, Georgia is one of seven states, in addition to the District of Columbia, that does not require licensure of radiologic technologists. While licensure is not required in Georgia, radiologic technology degree programs in the state require 77 credit hours and 1,125 clinical hours before awarding an Associate in Applied Science degree. Once a student has completed the required hours, they are able to take the credentialing examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  Students must pass the examination with a minimum score of 75 to be recognized as registered technologists, and be able to gain employment in any state or country.  
 
Young said that their work and study is exhaustive and their community and personal commitment to healthcare needs aims to bring people a “safer, more compassionate environment now and in the future.”
 
Medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals work with some of the most innovative equipment in the medical field to help identify pathologies, plan and administer treatment, and restore patient health. Radiologic technologists specialize in breast imaging, computed tomography, cardiac-interventional procedures, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, radiation therapy and general diagnostic radiology.
 
Radiologic Technology students and faculty on the Warner Robins Campus will celebrate by displaying exhibits focusing on various topics in their field. Students chose topics of interest to the general public, ranging from, “The Evolution of Radiology,” “Foreign Bodies in Medical Imagining,” “Pathology in Medical Imaging,” and “Trauma in Medical Imaging.”  The exhibits are displayed in the A-Building and the Roy H. “Sonny” Watson Health Sciences Building.
 
There will also be a student competition quiz bowl and luncheon on Wednesday, November 8, 2016. Radiologic technologists at area hospitals will be participating with different contests, luncheons and free continuing education credits.
 
Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate. Contact, Connie Young at (478) 218-3216 or at [email protected] for more information.