Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dekalb IL 60115 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Tech Program near Dekalb Illinois

Dekalb IL x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dekalb IL so you can train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Dekalb IL hospitals, clinics, family 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 have to care for their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Dekalb IL health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Dekalb IL The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Dekalb IL radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Illinois or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Dekalb IL employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Dekalb 60115 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often provided 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 comfort of your Dekalb IL home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased as well. But just be sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Programs

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Dekalb IL x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive examination of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also earn 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. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Dekalb IL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Illinois radiology technician programs you are assessing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Dekalb IL health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Dekalb IL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Dekalb IL residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Dekalb IL colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher 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 talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Dekalb 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 courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare several strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down a few ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right X-Ray Tech College near Dekalb IL

Enrolling in the ideal radiology technician school is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Dekalb IL.

Some Background on Dekalb Illinois

DeKalb, Illinois

DeKalb /dɪˈkælb/ is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 43,862 according to the 2010 census, up from 39,018 at the 2000 census. The city is named after decorated German American war hero Johann de Kalb, who died during the American Revolutionary War.

DeKalb was originally called Huntley’s Grove,[4] and under the latter name was platted in 1853.[5] The name is for Baron Johann de Kalb, a major general in the American Revolutionary War.[6] A post office has been in operation at DeKalb since 1849.[7] The development of barbed wire is key in the history of DeKalb. Joseph Glidden, who developed barbed wire, was a historic citizen of DeKalb. Glidden would ultimately be known as the “Father of Barbed Wire”. Glidden began to mass produce his invention, and eventually sold half of the company to Isaac L. Ellwood. Together, the two formed the Barb Fence Company.[4]

The city of DeKalb is located in northern Illinois, United States. Roughly 65 miles west of downtown Chicago and roughly 30 miles southeast of Rockford, IL. The Kishwaukee River flows northward through the city of DeKalb.

According to the 2010 census, DeKalb has a total area of 14.812 square miles (38.36 km2), of which 14.65 square miles (37.94 km2) (or 98.91%) is land and 0.162 square miles (0.42 km2) (or 1.09%) is water.[8]

On August 24, 2007, the Kishwaukee River at DeKalb crested at 15.27 feet (4.65 m) (all-time record 15.8 feet (4.8 m)) causing major flooding. This was only the second time the river has risen above 15 feet (4.6 m) since the level of the river has been recorded.[9]