Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Antioch IL 60002 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Tech College near Antioch Illinois

Antioch IL x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Antioch IL in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional important qualifications also. For instance, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Antioch IL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may 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 plus regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Antioch IL health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Antioch IL The standard prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Antioch IL radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Illinois or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several provide additional options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Antioch IL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Antioch 60002 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Antioch IL home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Antioch IL x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find 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 put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their teachers and educational materials. If the program 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. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Antioch IL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Illinois xray tech schools you are interested in have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Antioch IL healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Antioch 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 school they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Antioch IL home. 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 local internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Antioch IL schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Antioch IL, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Ideal X-Ray Tech College near Antioch IL

Picking the best x-ray technician school is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing 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 workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Antioch IL.

Some Background on Antioch Illinois

Antioch, Illinois

Antioch is a village in Antioch Township, Lake County, Illinois, United States. The population was 14,430 at the 2010 census.

The Pottawatomi Indian Tribe, semi-nomadic hunters who lived in wigwams, inhabited Antioch when white men began to arrive. They fought with the British in the War of 1812 and then with the American settlers in the Blackhawk War of 1832. It was in 1832 that the American Indians began to leave the area, although arrowheads and other remnants of their history can still be found today if one knows where to look. The winding Highway 173 was once an Indian trail and Highway 83 was the Muquonago Trail.[5]

The first permanent white settlement in Antioch was the Gage Brothers' cabin on Sequoit Creek, a tributary of the Fox River. In 1839, Hiram Buttrick built a sawmill along the creek, making Antioch a center of commerce. A replica of the mill has been built a few hundred feet downstream from where it once stood.[5]

The influence of the Gage brothers is important when trying to understand the history and names of the Antioch area, as many local businesses, as well as ACHS sports teams, bear the word "Sequoit." There is no Native American tribe named "Sequoit" or any Native American word for that matter stemming from Antioch's Pottawatomi inhabitants. Though the word "sequoit" has Native American origins, the story behind the name is as complicated as it is historically interesting. Fred Willman explains in his in-depth book examining Illinois high school nicknames, "Why Mascots Have Tales", "The word Sequoit is a form of spelling of the Iroquois Indian word Sa-da-quoit, which was the name the Iroquois Indians gave to a stream that flows through Oneida County in New York state. In the Iroquois language, Sa-da-quoit literally means ‘smooth pebbles in the bed of a stream.’ When white settlers moved into Oneida County, they modified the spelling and pronunciation of the stream to Sequoit Creek." This was later transplanted and modified when the Gage brothers moved from New York State to northern Illinois.

Antioch was officially founded just prior to the Civil War by a congregation of the Disciples of Christ, also known as the Church of Christ. In 1843, less enthusiastically religious residents mockingly recommended the Christian name "Antioch" (the name of a city in present-day Turkey that was a chief center of early Christianity), and the name stuck. Partly due to being a regional center of the abolitionist movement, Antioch is noted as having sent a disproportionately high number of its young men to the Union Army. Shortly after the Civil War, the town disincorporated, as many of the initial religious settlers moved away.