Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Oak Park IL 60301 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Technician School near Oak Park Illinois

Oak Park IL x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Oak Park IL so you can learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Oak Park IL clinics, hospitals, family 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 have to take care of their equipment plus routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Oak Park IL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Oak Park IL The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Oak Park IL radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Illinois or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Oak Park IL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Oak Park 60301 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Oak Park IL home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages 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 ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Oak Park IL x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in 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 important details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Oak Park IL health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the Illinois radiology technician programs you are assessing have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the Oak Park IL health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Oak Park IL healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Oak Park IL home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Oak Park IL schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Oak Park IL, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should organize a number of approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Best Radiology Tech Program near Oak Park IL

Picking the best x-ray technician college is an important first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Oak Park IL.

Some Background on Oak Park Illinois

Oak Park, Illinois

Oak Park is a village adjacent to the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is the 29th largest municipality in Illinois as measured by population in the 2010 U.S. census.[3] As of the 2010 United States Census the village had a population of 51,878.[4]

Oak Park was settled beginning in the 1830s, with rapid growth later in the 19th century and early 20th century. It incorporated in 1902, breaking off from Cicero. Development was spurred by railroads and street cars connecting the village to jobs in Chicago. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife settled here in 1889. Population peaked at 66,015 in 1940. Smaller families led to falling population in the same number of homes and apartments. In the 1960s, Oak Park faced the challenge of racial integration, devising many strategies to integrate rather than re-segregate the village. Oak Park includes three historic districts for the historic homes: Ridgeland, Frank Lloyd Wright and Seward Gunderson, reflecting the focus on historic preservation.

In 1835, Joseph Kettlestrings, an immigrant from England, purchased 172 acres (70 ha)[5] of land just west of Chicago for a farm and their home. Once their children were born, they moved to Chicago for the schools in 1843, and moved back again in 1855 to build a more substantial home a bit east on their quarter section of land. More farmers and settlers had entered the area. Their land was called by several names locally, including Oak Ridge. When the first post office was set up, it could not use the name Oak Ridge as another post office was using that name in Illinois, so the post office chose Oak Park, and that name became the name for the settlement as it grew, and for the town when it incorporated in 1902.[5]

By 1850, the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad was constructed as far as Elgin, Illinois, and passed through the settlement area.[6] In the 1850s the land on which Oak Park sits was part of the new Chicago suburb, the town of Cicero. The population of the area boomed during the 1870s, with Chicago residents resettling in Cicero following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the expansion of railroads and street cars to the area. "In 1872, when Oak Park received its own railroad depot on the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, its rapid emergence as a residential suburb of Chicago began. In 1877, the railroad was running thirty-nine trains daily between Oak Park and Chicago; in the subsequent year, more railroads and street car lines, with increased service, came to link Oak Park and Chicago. As Chicago grew from a regional center to a national metropolis Oak Park expanded – from 500 residents in 1872 to 1,812 in 1890, to 9,353 in 1900, to 20,911 in 1910, to 39,585 in 1920. Oak Park thus emerged as a leading Chicago suburb."[7]

A review of Oak Park's history by Wiss, Janny, Elstner Associates in 2006 further explains the importance of railroads and street cars in the development of Oak Park: