Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Schaumburg IL 60159 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Schaumburg Illinois

Schaumburg IL x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Schaumburg IL so you can train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Schaumburg IL hospitals, clinics, 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 must take care of their equipment and regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Schaumburg IL health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Schaumburg IL The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Schaumburg IL radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once 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 working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check 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 a number accept additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Schaumburg IL employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Schaumburg 60159 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 programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Schaumburg IL residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing Schaumburg IL x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Schaumburg IL employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the Illinois xray tech schools you are reviewing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Schaumburg IL medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech 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 Schaumburg IL healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Schaumburg IL home. 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 importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school 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 frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Schaumburg IL colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Schaumburg IL, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Select the Right Radiology Tech School near Schaumburg IL

Selecting the appropriate radiology tech college is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with 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. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Schaumburg IL.

Some Background on Schaumburg Illinois

Schaumburg, Illinois

Schaumburg /ˈʃɔːmbɜːrɡ/ is a village located in Cook County and DuPage County in northeastern Illinois, United States. The village is a northwestern suburb of Chicago and is part of the Golden Corridor.[4] Schaumburg is located roughly 28 miles (45 km) northwest of the Chicago Loop and approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of O'Hare International Airport. As of the 2010 census, the village had a total population of 74,227.[5] In 2018, the Village of Schaumburg was ranked the Best Place to Live in Illinois by MONEY Magazine.[6] Additionally, in 2017, Money Magazine ranked Schaumburg the 9th best place to live in the United States.[7]

The village contains one of only two IKEA stores in Illinois. It contains the Woodfield Mall, the 11th largest mall in The United States according to List of largest shopping malls in the United States, which at most times has over 300 stores.[8] Schaumburg's transition from a rural community to that of a suburban metropolis began with Alfred Campanelli's first large scale suburban-style development in 1959 and Woodfield Mall's opening on September 9, 1971.

Schaumburg is bordered by Hoffman Estates and Palatine to the north, Rolling Meadows to the northeast, Elk Grove Village to the southeast, Roselle to the south, Hanover Park to the southwest, and Streamwood to the west.

The village of Schaumburg was incorporated on March 7, 1956, but the heritage of Schaumburg dates back to much earlier times when the first inhabitants of the area were members of the Sauk, Fox, Potawatomi, and Kickapoo Native American tribes. By the mid-nineteenth century, settlers first began to arrive from Germany and the eastern United States.

Legend has it that one of the earliest settlers was Trumball Kent from Oswego, New York.[9] Kent, a "Yankee", as settlers from New England were called in the west, farmed property in the northeast corner of the township. Another Yankee was Horace Williams, who owned substantial lands but lived in the hamlet of Palatine in Palatine Township. Ernst Schween settled in 1835 not far from what used to be called Olde Schaumburg Centre, in what was then and is now known as Sarah's Grove. Another early settler in Schaumburg Township was German-born Johann Sunderlage.[9] According to one legend, Sunderlage was a member of a survey team that divided Cook County into townships around 1833; according to another legend, he worked on a survey team on the Joliet canal. He liked the area so much that, upon completion of the project, he returned to Europe and brought his family and friends from Germany and settled in the area now known as Hoffman Estates in Schaumburg Township around 1836. His home still stands in its original location.