Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Westmont IL 60559 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Technician School near Westmont Illinois

Westmont IL x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Westmont IL in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same 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 may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Westmont IL clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Westmont IL medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Westmont IL The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Westmont IL radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Illinois or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact 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 several approve other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Westmont IL employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Westmont 60559 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Westmont IL home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Westmont IL x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship 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 need to ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance 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 aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Westmont IL employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Illinois xray tech schools you are assessing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Westmont IL medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Westmont IL healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Westmont IL home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Westmont IL colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Westmont IL, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready several ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Westmont IL

Picking the best radiology technician school is a critical first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Westmont IL.

Some Background on Westmont Illinois

Westmont, Illinois

Westmont is a village in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. Westmont is a community of 5.03 square miles in area. Westmont had a 2000 population of 24,554, a partial special census was conducted 2007 resulting in a population of 26,211, and the census of 2010 put the population at 24,685. It is located approximately 18 miles (29 km) west of the Chicago Loop in the southeastern portion of DuPage County.[5]

The area known as Westmont was inhabited by the Potawatami until the year 1833. After several failed attempts by the U.S. government to persuade the Native Americans to move from the area, in 1833, the Native Americans agreed under coercion to vacate their land for nominal payment.[6]

The development of the Illinois-Michigan Canal, authorized by the State of Illinois in the 1820s but delayed in construction until the 1830s, contributed to Westmont's early growth.[6] When the economic Panic of 1837 halted canal construction, many of the workers turned to farming, and agriculture became the major occupation, with produce sold in nearby Chicago. The area around Westmont became one of the most prosperous sections of the state.

In order to transport agricultural products into the city of Chicago, construction of a plank road originating in Chicago began in 1840. The plank road was placed over the nine-mile (14 km) swamp separating Chicago and the area that became Westmont, and reached Naperville, Illinois by 1851.[6] Today, this roadway is known as Ogden Avenue (U.S. Route 34).

The plank road soon became inadequate; in 1858, local incorporated towns and villages petitioned the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad to build a branch line from Chicago to Aurora, Illinois that would pass through their towns.[6] The railroad line was approved, with the first train in 1864. "Greg’s Station," from which Westmont developed, was a stop to load agricultural and dairy products. The town transitioned gradually from an agricultural community to a commuter community, with the early growth and development centered around the railroad station.