Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology in Oak Lawn, IL
Founded in 1902, Northwestern College has been dedicated to providing targeted career education for more than 100 years. Our Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology degree program offers an engaging curriculum that prepares students to enter the healthcare workforce after graduation. Our comprehensive program of study covers each aspect of imaging technology, patient care, and equipment operation and manipulation, all of which prospective radiography professionals need to know. Learn more about this program at our campus in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
About the Program
Northwestern College is committed to excellence in radiologic technology education and our administration. Consistent with the mission of Northwestern College, the program “educates, prepares, and empowers its diverse student body to pursue their professional goals.” In keeping with this mission, students enrolled in the A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology degree program will:
- Train to become clinically competent, entry-level radiographers
- Learn to communicate effectively
- Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Realize the importance of professional responsibility, development, and lifelong learning
What Radiologic Technologists Do
Radiologic technologists use medical imaging equipment to help diagnose medical conditions in patients. These healthcare professionals commonly work with X-ray machines, but they can also manage imaging for procedures like mammograms and CT scans.
A radiologic technologist’s typical responsibilities include:
- Explaining imaging procedures to patients and preparing them for diagnostic imaging examinations
- Applying correct patient positioning during imaging procedures
- Employing radiation protection practices
- Working with physicians and medical teams to evaluate images
In addition to their job-specific duties, radiologic technologists must know how to use electronic medical records software to maintain clear and accurate patient records.
More Information
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has created a short video that explains how medical imaging technologists play a role in patient diagnosis, intervention, and treatment. Learn more about Radiologic Technologists by watching the video below:
Curriculum and Program Requirements
To earn a degree in radiologic technology at Northwestern College, a student must complete at least 108 credit hours. Students typically graduate from the program within two years. Required coursework includes:
- Fundamentals of Radiography
- Medical Terminology
- Patient Care
- Radiation Biology
- Radiographic Pathology
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Students will also complete general education credits in areas like communications, mathematics, and life skills. Complete information about our associate degree programs is available in the college catalog. Through this program, students learn how to do the following:
- Apply positioning, safety, and evaluation skills as entry-level radiographers
- Practice effective oral and written communication across laboratory and classroom settings
- Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to select radiographic technical factors and perform non-routine procedures
- Exhibit professional behavior to prepare for initial employment and career advancement
- Indicate the importance of professional growth and development
The Outlook for Radiologic Technology Jobs
Given the fact that the baby boom population is getting older and that there is predicted to be a corresponding increase in medical conditions like cancer and dementia that will require imaging diagnostics, it’s no surprise that the outlook for radiologic technology careers is bright.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in this field to grow 6% through 2031 to meet this demand. A lot of these jobs will likely be in state, local, and private hospitals, with physicians’ offices and specialized facilities like outpatient care centers and medical laboratories also driving employment growth.
Student Handbooks and Program Effectiveness
Program Mission Statement
The Radiography Program at Northwestern College is committed to excellence in radiologic technology education and its administration. Consistent with the mission of Northwestern College, the program “educates, prepares, and empowers its diverse student body to pursue their professional goals.” The purpose of the program is to graduate competent and caring entry-level radiographers to meet the healthcare needs of our community.
Program Goals
Consistent with its mission statement, the goals of the program are that graduates/students will:
- Be clinically competent entry-level radiographers.
- Communicate effectively.
- Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Evidence the importance of professional responsibility, development and lifelong learning.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Apply positioning skills, practice radiation safety, and evaluate radiographic images as clinically competent entry level radiographers.
- Use of effective oral communication skills and practice effective writing skills, in both the laboratory and classroom setting.
- Select radiographic technical factors and perform non-routine radiographic procedures using critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrate professional behavior and prepare for initial employment and career advancement evidencing the importance of professional growth and development.
Accreditations and Approvals
Northwestern College is accredited (on probation) by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St, Ste 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, 312-263-0456, www.hlcommission.org.
Our Radiologic Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Dr, Ste 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182, phone 312-704-5300, [email protected] and www.jrcert.org.
In 2018 the maximum Accreditation status of eight years was awarded by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
We are also approved for veterans training under the G.I.® Bill for Veterans Educational Assistance.
On top of that, we are proud to support our students with things like financial aid assistance and job search assistance.
In 2018 the maximum Accreditation status of eight years was awarded by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
We are also approved for veterans training under the G.I.® Bill for Veterans Educational Assistance.
On top of that, we are proud to support our students with things like financial aid assistance and job search assistance.
Learn Radiologic Technology at Northwestern College
Looking to boost your career opportunities in the rapidly growing healthcare field? Consider the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology at Northwestern College Oak Lawn, Illinois. We offer valuable, skill-based education and invite you to learn more about this program and our institution.