Kankakee Community College Radiography Program Achieves Accreditation

Kankakee Community College (KCC) has successfully secured initial accreditation for its radiography program from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This accreditation is a significant milestone, affirming the program’s quality and commitment to educational standards in the field of radiologic science.

Rebecca Sherry, professor and director of the radiography program, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “Achieving initial accreditation from JRCERT represents a significant achievement for our program. It reflects the strength of our academic foundation, the commitment of our faculty, and the excellence of our clinical affiliations.” She emphasized that this accreditation ensures students are entering a program dedicated to integrity and innovation, meeting nationally recognized standards.

KCC received an initial three-year accreditation, which is the maximum duration available. This accomplishment places the KCC program among the 28 accredited radiography programs in Illinois, highlighting its competitive standing within the state.

The radiography program is designed to prepare students for careers as radiographers or radiologic technologists. These professionals are responsible for capturing high-quality images of the body’s internal structures using ionizing radiation and proper patient positioning. Graduates typically find employment in hospitals, imaging centers, surgical facilities, and various other healthcare environments.

Sherry acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to this success, stating, “I appreciate the contributions of KCC administrators, advisory members, community members, graduates, and students who contributed to this accomplishment.” She referred to the JRCERT accreditation as the “gold standard” for educational programs in radiologic technology.

The program requires a commitment of two years of full-time study, which includes both classroom theory and clinical experiences. KCC has established clinical affiliations with eight hospitals in Illinois as well as various outpatient clinics. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, including radiographic physics, radiation safety, anatomy, pathology, and patient care.

Each summer term, KCC admits up to 20 students into its radiography program, ensuring a focused and personalized educational experience. Interested individuals can gather more information by contacting Sherry directly at [email protected] or by calling 815-802-8830. Additionally, prospective students can submit an information request through the college’s website at https://healthcareers.kcc.edu.

As healthcare continues to evolve, programs like KCC’s radiography initiative play a vital role in preparing the next generation of imaging professionals, equipped to meet the demands of today’s healthcare landscape.