Tag Archives: Accredited X Ray Technician Schools Franklin Park IL 60131

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Franklin Park IL 60131

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Degree Program near Franklin Park Illinois

Franklin Park IL x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Franklin Park IL so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Job Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Franklin Park IL hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might work with 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 plus regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Franklin Park IL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Franklin Park ILThe standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Franklin Park IL radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer 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 licensing or certification mandates in Illinois or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number approve additional options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Franklin Park IL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Franklin Park 60131As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Franklin Park IL home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently cheaper than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Franklin Park IL x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations 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 assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Franklin Park IL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Illinois radiology technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Franklin Park IL health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Franklin Park IL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Franklin Park IL residence. Students who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Franklin Park IL schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher 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 talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer  program you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Franklin Park IL, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must ready several approaches about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Tech Program near Franklin Park IL

Selecting the best radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Franklin Park IL.

Some Background on Franklin Park Illinois

Franklin Park, Illinois

Franklin Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 18,333 at the 2010 census.[3]

Franklin Park is located at 41°56′2″N 87°52′24″W / 41.93389°N 87.87333°W / 41.93389; -87.87333 (41.933780, -87.873462).[4]

According to the 2010 census, Franklin Park has a total area of 4.77 square miles (12.35 km2), all land.[5]

As of the census of 2010, there were 18,333 people, 6,178 households, and 4,486 families residing in the village. The population density was 3,843.4 people per square mile (1,483.9/km²). There were 6,569 housing units at an average density of 1,377.1 per square mile (529.8/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 74.7% White, 1.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.1% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 18.0% some other race, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 43.1% of the population.[3]

There were 6,178 households, out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were headed by married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96, and the average family size was 3.51.[3]

 

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