Northwestern College to Host Grand Opening for New $1.25 Million Radiography Lab on Tuesday, September 22, 2009

ROSEMONT, IL--(Marketwire - September 9, 2009) - On Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 10:00 a.m., Northwestern College (NC), formerly known as Northwestern Business College, will host a grand opening at its Bridgeview campus to celebrate the new $1.25 million state-of-the-art radiography lab. The lab contains all-digital equipment that includes ceiling- and floor-mounted x-ray tubes, a mobile x-ray system, and an image archiving system.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be followed by a press conference with remarks by Lawrence Schumacher, President of Northwestern College, and Illinois State Senator Louis S. Viverito, 11th District (D), among others. Members of the media are invited to attend the event and will receive a tour and demonstration of the new facility. In addition to the grand opening, Heartland Blood Centers will hold a blood drive at the Bridgeview campus from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in room 104.

Northwestern College is the second oldest private two-year college in Illinois. It is the sole private two-year college in Illinois to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology. The first class of students enrolled in the new program will begin their classes on Monday, September 28, 2009. It is only available at the Bridgeview campus.

Meeting the Needs of Local Employers

NC's overall mission is "to provide a vital human resource to the community." "The radiography program is a giant step toward our vision of producing successful graduates for in-demand professions to meet the needs of local employers," said Lawrence Schumacher, President, Northwestern College. "As we strive to continually develop new offerings, the College is well positioned for an unlimited range of undergraduate opportunities."

Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, http://www.jrcert.org/, the A.A.S. Degree in Radiologic Technology is a two-year, full-time program that will teach students to perform diagnostic imaging (x-ray) examinations.

In September 2008, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center transferred ownership of the highly successful program to Northwestern College at which time, instructors Philis George, M.S. R.T., (R) (M), Radiography Director, and Gary Gruenewald, M.S., R.T. (R), Associate Professor -- Clinical Coordinator, accepted their positions with the College. They have more than 20 years experience in radiography education.

Radiography Education

Radiography education is more than just learning how to take x-rays. Classes include anatomy, pathology, patient positioning, patient care, medical ethics, radiation safety, image evaluation, radiation exposure-technique and imaging equipment. This coursework will prepare students for their clinical practicum at hospitals, medical centers and clinics throughout the Chicago area.

"Students of Northwestern College's radiography program will not only acquire an excellent technical foundation but also an understanding of the critical importance of empathy towards others and professionalism that will be demonstrated through their communications, interactions and practice as student radiographers," said Philis George, M.S. R.T., (R) (M), Radiography Director.

Participating Clinical Sites

Northwestern College has obtained approval to work with the following clinical sites: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. In addition, the program is working with The Neurologic and Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago and 5 other locations as clinical education centers for its students.

"We are proud to partner with Northwestern College and serve as the key clinical rotation site for its radiological technology students," said Donna King, RN, NE-BC, FACHE, vice president of Clinical Operations and Chief Nurse Executive at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. "The School of Radiological Technology is a quality program with a long reputation for preparing its students to be successful in this health care specialty field."

To inquire about admissions into the radiography program, contact MaShawn Taylor, Admissions Representative, at (708) 237-5000, ext. 2681 or via e-mail at mtaylor1@nc.edu.

Approval Pending for A.A.S. Degree in Nursing

The Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's Board of Nursing have approved Northwestern College to offer an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Nursing. Further application for approval of the nursing degree has been submitted to The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. If final approval is granted, the nursing program will also be offered at the Bridgeview campus.

More Accreditations Than Any Career College in Illinois

A stand-out amongst its competition, Northwestern College has more programmatic accreditations and approvals than any other similar, private two-year college in Illinois. Schumacher explained, "In addition to being accredited by the Higher Learning Commission we strive to meet the criteria established by specific boards that approve or accredit individual programs of study. As a result, our students benefit from the most up-to-date curricula that have been reviewed by industry professionals." The medical assisting degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits the health information technology degree program; the American Bar Association (ABA) approves the paralegal degree and certificate program; and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits the business, accounting, and office technology degree programs.

Northwestern College is approved for veterans training under the G.I. Bill, and as an institution of higher education for training international students. For more information about all of Northwestern College's programs, visit their website at www.northwesterncollege.edu or call (888) 205-2283.

About Northwestern College

Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. The college offers focused career-oriented programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. NC's associate degrees and certificate programs help students enter into growing fields that offer financially rewarding careers. Day, evening, weekend, and online classes are available with campuses in Chicago, Bridgeview, and Naperville. More information can be found at www.northwesterncollege.edu or by calling toll-free, (888) 205-2283.

Contact Information: MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Hester Norton Norris, Inc. (708) 268-9222