Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Richmond IL 60071

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician College near Richmond Illinois

Richmond IL x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Richmond IL in order to become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Richmond IL hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 take care of their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Richmond IL medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Richmond ILThe basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. 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 techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Richmond IL radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Illinois or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number provide additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Richmond IL employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase 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 comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Richmond 60071As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically provided in local 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 Richmond IL home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just make sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and assessing Richmond IL x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Richmond IL health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Illinois xray technician programs you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Richmond IL medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Richmond IL healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Richmond IL residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Richmond IL schools you are reviewing 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 converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech  school you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Richmond 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 carry. Also, learn 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 Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare several ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech College near Richmond IL

Selecting the best radiology tech college is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict 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 techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Richmond IL.

Some Background on Richmond Illinois

Richmond, Illinois

Richmond is a village in McHenry County, Illinois, United States, 44 miles south-southwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and 55 miles northwest of Chicago. The population was 1,901 at the 2010 census. Richmond was the site for the Chicago Super and Sprint Weekend event, June 11–12, 2017, part of the Reebok Spartan Race.

Carpenter William A. McConnell was Richmond's first settler, arriving in 1837 and erecting the village's first building, a log structure. Eight other settlers arrived in 1838 and growth progressed rapidly after that point.[3] The first school was built on McConnell's farm in 1841 and in 1844 the village was finally platted.[3][4] The village was named after Richmond, Vermont, the native home of a first settler.[5] McConnell and Dr. R.R. Stone established a cheese factory in Richmond, and a creamery, other cheese factories, a box factory, a wagon works and a pickle factory followed.[3]

Most of Richmond's original buildings were built from the mid-1840s through the 1860s and consisted of Greek Revival rural farmhouse and Richmond's commercial district. Houses within the village were built mostly in the Greek Revival style as well with later prominent homes cast in the Italianate or Second Empire styles.[4] The village of Richmond was officially incorporated in 1872.[3]

On Christmas Eve 1902 a devastating fire swept through most of Richmond's commercial district destroying 20 buildings.[4] The fire was a setback for Richmond's economic growth as most of the buildings were either uninsured or underinsured. Many business owners did not bother to rebuild at all following the fire. Another building spurt did occur in Richmond between 1903 and 1905.[4]

Richmond is located at 42°28′19″N 88°18′27″W / 42.47194°N 88.30750°W / 42.47194; -88.30750 (42.471868, -88.307431).[6]

 

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