How to Pick a Radiology Technician Degree Program near West Chicago Illinois
Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West Chicago IL in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
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X-Ray Technician Work Description
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in West Chicago IL clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must maintain their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As West Chicago IL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that West Chicago IL radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Illinois or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many West Chicago IL employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technician Colleges
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 the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your West Chicago IL residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just confirm 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 structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiographer Schools
Once you have chosen the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating West Chicago IL x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of West Chicago IL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Illinois radiology technician schools you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the West Chicago IL medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with West Chicago IL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their West Chicago IL home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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 are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the West Chicago IL colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in West Chicago IL, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.Choose the Ideal Radiology Tech School near West Chicago IL
Choosing the ideal radiology technician school is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology 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 pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in West Chicago IL.
Some Background on West Chicago Illinois
West Chicago, Illinois
West Chicago is a city in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. The population was 27,086 at the 2010 census. It was formerly named Junction and later Turner, after its founder, John B. Turner, president of the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad (G&CU) in 1855.[5] The city was initially established around the first junction of railroad lines in Illinois,[6] and today is still served by the Union Pacific / West Metra service via West Chicago station.
According to the 2010 census, West Chicago has a total area of 15.141 square miles (39.22 km2), of which 14.8 square miles (38.33 km2) (or 97.75%) is land and 0.341 square miles (0.88 km2) (or 2.25%) is water.[8]
Erastus Gary, of Pomfret, Connecticut homesteaded 760 acres (310 ha) on the banks of the DuPage River, just south of West Chicago's present day city limits in the 1830s. His son became "Judge" Elbert Henry Gary, the first CEO of America's first billion-dollar corporation, U.S. Steel, and for whom Gary, Indiana, is named. Gary also helped bring brothers Jesse and Warren Wheaton, founders of nearby Wheaton, Illinois, the DuPage County seat, from Connecticut to the Midwest. A pioneer cemetery on the old Gary Homestead, where a sawmill had been built by the Garys, just north of Gary's Mill Road, and north of its terminus at Illinois Route 59, was built over with apartment buildings in the 1960s.
In 1849, the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad (predecessor of the C&NW) reached the site of present-day West Chicago, then continued northwest to Elgin. In 1850, the Aurora Branch Railroad (predecessor of the CB&Q) built southwest, making America's first railroad junction point west of Chicago. In 1854, the G&CURR opened the “Dixon Air Line” branch West thru Geneva.[9][10][11]
Because of the number of trains passing through town, water and fuel facilities for locomotives and a roundhouse were built here, as well as an early eating-house and hotel for travelers. As a result, a number of new employees and their families located to this community. The original settlers were primarily English and Irish, with Germans arriving in the 1860s and Mexican immigrants by the 1910s. John B. Turner, president of the G&CU and a resident of Chicago, owned several acres of land in what is now the center of town. As more people settled in Junction, Turner recognized the chance to make a profit by platting his land and selling off lots. He therefore recorded the community’s first plat in 1855 under the name of Town of Junction.
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