Radiology Programs in Illinois

If you want to become a radiology technician in Illinois, you should consider choosing one of 29 Illinois radiology technician schools. There are 20 associate degree programs and 9 certificate programs. An associate’s degree program is a two-year program that is offered through a technical academy or a community college. Onsite classroom instruction is offered, as well as offsite clinical rotations at local and regional hospitals and clinics. A certificate program is a 2-year program that is offered only through a hospital.

A bachelor’s degree program is a 4-year program that is similar to the associate’s degree program, with the primary difference being the amount of time involved.

College of DuPage

The College of DuPage (COD) offers an associate’s degree as well as a certificate in the field. An associate’s degree program in radiography accepts 50 out of 200 applicants each year, while the yearly acceptance rate for the radiation therapy certificate program is 20-25 students. It’s good to note that some other certificate programs in more granular areas such as mammography and nuclear medicine technology are available.

Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Radiography

This 2-year program in X-ray technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. In addition to 18 general education credits, students must complete 50 credits in radiology-related courses. Courses cover radiographic equipment and procedures, image formation and evaluation, radiology-related ethics and law, radiation protection and biomedical terminology.

After the completion of this program, graduates have career opportunities in such fields as:

Advanced Diagnostic Medical Imaging Certificate – Radiation Therapy Technology

COD’s certificate program consists of courses in radiation therapy physics, anatomy, radiation biology, pathophysiology and operational issues. During their education students learn to administer targeted doses of radiation to treat cancer, assist in dosimetry and tumor localization, maintain and prepare all treatment equipment and protective devices, as well as maintain records, reports and files of procedures. This program is approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Contact Information:
Address: 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone Number: (630) 942-2800

Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Radiology Programs

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the radiologic sciences, in addition to a radiology residency program through its medical school.

Bachelor’s degree concentrations in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), medical sonography and radiation therapy are available, and the school also offers two tracks to obtain a Master of Science degree in Medical Dosimetry. SIUC’s School of Medicine also offers residency training in radiology.

Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences

Undergraduate radiologic sciences students may select from three concentration options, although they follow the same curriculum during the first three years. Freshman year students complete general education requirements. Fundamental radiography courses are introduced during the sophomore and junior years; these include anatomy and posturing, radiographic physics, pharmacology, radiation biology and special procedures in radiology. During senior year, students pursue courses in their chosen specialty. Two semester-length internships and a seminar are also included in the requirements for all radiologic sciences students.

Fourth-year courses in the medical sonography track include obstetrics and gynecology sonography, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, and abdominal sonography. Specialization courses offered during senior year for the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography option include MRI and CT pathologies, CT technology and sectional anatomy. Students pursuing the radiation therapy option take courses in radiation therapy technology and physics, as well as oncologic nursing.

Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry – Track One

This 1-year track is designed to train entry-level medical dosimetrists. It consists of 350 classroom hours and 1700 clinical hours. Courses include dosimetry fundamentals, simulation and cross sectional anatomy, while clinical requirements cover brachytherapy, external beam planning and treatment, intensity-modulated radiation therapy and treatment aids. Several semester-long seminars and an independent study component complete the degree requirements. Graduates are eligible to take the certification examination given by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board.

Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry – Track Two

This track is a 30-semester-hour program intended for individuals who are already Certified Medical Dosimetrists holding bachelor’s degrees and wishing to pursue further study in the field. During their education, students take courses that cover legal and ethical issues in healthcare, administration and supervision, radiation physics, radiation protection, dose calculations, radiation oncology and radiobiology.
Contact Information:
Address: Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone Number: (618) 453-2121