Radiologic Technologist and Technician Schools in Illinois
If you are interested in becoming a radiologic technologist in Illinois, your first step is finding an appropriate educational program. Most Illinois radiography programs are offered at the associate’s level. If you look for programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, you can expect that they’ll meet didactic and clinical standards. Find accredited radiologic technologist schools and related programs in Illinois.
Radiologic Technologist Resources – Illinois
You may want to become a student member of the Illinois Society of Radiologic Technologists while you’re completing your education. This is a chance to make professional contacts and jumpstart your career. There are competitions for research papers and posters. Your school may also participate in the Scholar Bowl.
Radiologic Technologist Accreditation/Registration in Illinois
Before you can be accredited (licensed), you’ll need to pass a certification exam. A candidate for radiology technologist licensure will take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. You may be granted temporary accreditation while you are waiting to take and pass the exam. You will need to submit proof of having met educational requirements. The application will ask about your professional background as well as your child support and student loan status.
The board does not require you to maintain active registration with the ARRT or other certifying agency, but notes that employers may require it.
The credentialing process does not necessarily end when you receive your first certificate. Some technologists choose to pursue additional certifications through the ARRT or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. You may take and pass additional certification exams in lieu of completing more traditional forms of continuing education. Examples of additional qualifications include bone densitometry, mammography, computed tomography, and vascular sonography. Having multiple specialties can increase employment prospects and earnings.
Through advanced training, you may become a radiologist assistant and take on an expanded scope of duty.
Limited and Conditional Radiology Technician/Technologist Licenses
You may be granted a limited license without meeting the educational requirements. A limited license only allows you to carry out basic x-rays of the extremities, chest, skull and sinus areas, and/ or spine. You will need to pass a separate test in each area where you will be performing x-rays. You may receive on-the-job training – employers sometimes train medical staff who are employed in another capacity (for example, as medical assistants). You should be aware, though, that if you don’t have healthcare experience or skills, this scenario is less likely. You will need to register as a student in training while you are waiting to take the limited scope examination. While you have training status, a qualified practitioner will need to be in the same room with you when you take x-rays.
When a community is facing shortages and hardships, and can’t find personnel with standard accreditation, conditional accreditation may be granted to some technologists.
Radiologic Technologist/Technician Career Outlook in Illinois
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average salary of $58,290 for Illinois radiology technologists (2011). 80% of workers earn between $37,470 and $77,760. Experience is a significant factor. The BLS notes that specialties can increase job prospects.
12% job growth has been projected for the 2008 to 2018 decade. When replacement is factored in, this translates into about 200 openings a year for Illinois radiology technologists and technicians.
Additional Radiologic Technologist Career Resources
- Licensing Agency: Illinois Emergency Management Agency Division of Nuclear Safety
Click Here to visit the website.
- Professional Organization: Illinois Society of Radiologic Technologists
Click Here to visit the website.
