Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Highwood IL 60040

How to Choose a Radiologic Tech Program near Highwood Illinois

Highwood IL x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Highwood IL so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Highwood IL hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with include:

  • Traditional and specialized X-Rays
  • Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Sonography or ultrasound
  • Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must care for their equipment plus frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Highwood IL health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Highwood ILThe primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Highwood IL radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Illinois or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Highwood IL employers prefer to 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 comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Highwood 60040As a component of every 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 while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Highwood IL home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in 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.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Highwood IL x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask 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 selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Highwood IL health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Illinois radiology tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Highwood IL healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Highwood IL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Highwood IL home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Highwood IL colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech  school you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Highwood IL, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating 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 leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Technician School near Highwood IL

Enrolling in the best radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Highwood IL.

Some Background on Highwood Illinois

Highwood, Illinois

Highwood is a city in Moraine Township, Lake County, Illinois, United States located between Chicago and Kenosha. The city is also located just south of the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.

Highwood is located at 42°12′19″N 87°48′44″W / 42.205357°N 87.812345°W / 42.205357; -87.812345, one of the highest points between Chicago and Milwaukee.[3]

According to the 2010 census, Highwood has a total area of 0.71 square miles (1.84 km2), all land.[4]

Originally, the land was owned by the Potawatomi until the 1833 when it was ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Chicago.[5] The first non-Native American settled in the town in 1846. In 1851 Highwood became the headquarter location of the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad, which ran parallel to the Chicago and North Western Railway's and is now know today as Metra's Union Pacific/North line. Thomas Curley suggested the name High Woods because the land was the highest ground between Chicago and Milwaukee and was covered with trees.

In 1886 civil and labor unrest in Chicago eventually led to the Haymarket Riot. Chicago businessmen felt that having a military presence near the city would help alleviate tensions within the city and on November 8, 1887 purchased Camp Highwood. This land would come to host members of the Sixth Infantry Regiment. On February 27, 1888 Camp Highwood was officially named Fort Sheridan in honor of General Philip Sheridan for his ability to maintain order after the Chicago Fire of 1871.

 

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