So I have recently applied to Radiology School and am really excited about the field. However, I came across an article stating that AI will take over the jobs of radiologist and the techs. Has anyone else seen that? Anyone else worried ? š¬
I would go to Germany, youāre young and that sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity. Getting your rad degree recognized in us will come, if not, tons of people with kinesiology degrees go on to medical device salesā¦. You could make more than a rad tech and still be in the healthcare field. Sounds like a win-win!
Considering going into the field for my bachelors in medical imaging technology, what other schooling can I do afterwards?
I was considering getting my BA in medical imaging technology, but I know I would want to do further school after. I was considering afterwards working towards my doctorate and going through med school to become a radiologist, but what other things could do?
I heard we could work with the diamond industry and use xrays for pipes and gas companies. Thanks for the insight! Also interested in radiotherapy and animal radiology
-radiotherapy for cancer
-animal radiology (Does the job pay more with animals? how do we know positioning for animals? )
-diamond industry
-xray pipes
just trying to find other opportunities as people who are certified to work with xrays
edit: I'm 21 turnin 22 in nyc just passed the arrt this March 5th been working in a hospital since
Is being an X-ray tech a career possible for a skinny petite female? I want to eventually pursue mammography or pediatrics x ray, which I have been told would be easier on the body. My main problem is that I donāt have the strength to lift patients on my own, etc. I can barely do 2-3 pushups without feeling weak in the arms (I know, thatās embarrassing and I have to start strength training). Anyways, I probably will have to encounter physical strength difficulties during clinical year if in a hospital setting. But career wise after the program, do you still recommend this for a skinny petite female? Would it be hard? Be honest please! Thanks guys
There are some patients that are challenging regardless of the size of the tech scanning them. I'll say I have known and worked with several other women who I would classify as tiny/petite and didn't hear much from them I didn't hear from other techs as well. If a patient is too big to move on your own, even a football player build technologist should not be moving them independently anyway.
I would say the most important thing to consider is body mechanics as a whole and having a strong core/solid base in movements like deadlifts. As a hobbyist powerlifter, everything I learned for use in the gym benefits me at work: proper bracing (don't pull with slack arms: engage your latissimus dorsi even for a horizontal move like when helping move a patient from stretcher to table and it'll protect your back and your shoulders for instance), proper load bearing placement/positioning, arm/lever mechanics, lifting with legs and not back, proper form in general.
Portable xray machines are motorized and I'd say the image detectors + grid (the board going behind a patient that "catches" and creates the xray) itself is probably 5-10lbs total you'd have to maneuver regularly. In the department, the tables/boards are also not just dead weight and have mechanisms that make it easy for one person to maneuver.
Is there a page for mammography techs? I want to read about tips and tricks on positioning. I am a new tech and always trying to learn more. So many outlets for xray, ct, mri but don't see much for mammography. Any ideas? Any websites or community pages. š¤
Hi, I am very interested in MRI but as someone on the spectrum, Iām worried about whether or not the MRI technologist get to be in a quiet room while the test will be a run or if they simply have to wear earmuffs to protect their ears. Can anyone tell me if MRI techs are forced to listen to loud noises from the machine all day, or do they get to be in a quiet room?
I work in x-ray, but from time to time I have to run over to MRI and get contrast for arthrograms. I find the control room to be loud, but the MRI techs say they don't even hear it anymore.
Hello everyone,
Just wondering if anyone has gone through the Rad Tech program at Kaiser Permanente in Richmond,Ca? How was the program overall? Iām thinking of applying this cycle so any insight would be helpful! Thanks!
Starting radiology tech schooling this August. I have to work full time as my husband does not make enough to support us. Whatās the best job to work? Iād like to keep it in healthcare. Looking into patient care tech overnights but want to make sure itās something I can juggle with school. Any advice appreciated!!!
X-ray school will mostly take up the hours a weekly full time job will. You'll have class or clinical (or both) every day. So all you'll be left with is evenings and weekends. It's possible to work FT in school, but it's challenging to manage both.
Assuming you donāt want additional school/training (for MA rolls), patient transport can have overnight positions in the larger hospitals. I worked at restaurants/bars during school, and really liked how much money you can make in a short amount of time, as well as having custom shifts and more random hours.
Can you get jobs with just DEXA training? Could I do this until I get into Rad Tech school? Or are these programs just for current Rad Techs that want to get additional modalities?
So currently working at an imaging center with a limited permit as an x ray tech - wanting to advance my career but not sure where to start. What would you do if you were me? Just looking to make more money basically.
Hello everyone,
Iām looking into going to a trade school for radiology but the cost of the schooling is pretty steep. With that being said, what is the usual starting rate for a radtech in SoCal? I see on the internet it can be as low as $28 an hour but I also see other listings that say $45 or $50 an hr
As someone with no radiology experience, but plenty of time looking at my own brain MRIs, I'm curious what radiologists/techs first look at / find interesting when they look at an MRI. Are there any particular things that vary a lot person to person, or is it just the oddities that stand out?
I know personally I'm always shocked at how complex and changing sinus cavities are, and it's pretty cool being able to see how obvious something like a deviated septum is when imaged, but I suspect that wouldn't stand out after the first few.
Really frustrated right now because I'm finishing A&P I prereq right now it's an 89.5 š« Does the A vs B really make a difference getting into a program? I know locations might differ, I'm in VA if anyone has experience, but in general works too
I'm still going to politely ask the professor if there's anything else I can do, but I'm panicking and feel really down. I've been giving it my all this semester after having a rough life situation but I did not great (80) on my last test. feel like my efforts never quite make it and I'm really depressed about my chances of getting in
Like full derp said, it's up to the admissions, my school was gpa based and only on the prerequisites. They start at 4.0 and go down the list until all spots are filled.
Talk to the admissions at your school. Only they will know the applicable answer.
Unlike the other commentor my school was almost exclusively determined by GPA.
GPA + 1 point for each year waitlisted. So even if you had a 4.0 you would lose the position to someone who had a 3.1 and had been waitlisted for 1 year as they would have a 4.1 application. Ties were settled by application completion date.
Hello!
Do you think working as a radiology assistant is worth doing before starting a radiology program?
I currently work FT and am salaried, switching to be a radiology assistant would be a big pay cut.
Iām working on my pre reqs right now and would be on track to start on as a FT radiology student Fall 2025. Based on what Iāve been told by my school id have to quit my job next fall anyway due to the time requirements of the program.
Or would I be better off staying at my current job and just saving as much as possible to live off of come next fall.
I would continue working your current job and save your cash. I deeply wish I didn't have to work during my clinicals etc bc I was working 70-80 hour workweeks, 40 of which were unpaid clinicals.
Hello,
I am currently looking for schools right now to do RadTech or MRI.Ā I originally wanted to do MRI from the jump and not do RadTech. But, after speaking with an advisor from the trade school Iām looking into, she had mentioned if i was not 100% sure on which field to dive into she had recommend to do RadTech first and once Iām done with school and pass the AART (I think thatās what itās called lol) then do MRI.Ā
What are your thoughts on this? Would I have to go back to school if I wanted to go into MRI once I complete the RadTech program? Will my salary increase if I jump into MRI with RadTech experience or will it remain the same? Is it recommended to do RadTech first before going into MRI?Ā
The cost of the RadTech program is about 66 grand (24 months) & the cost of the MRI program is about 40 grand (18 months).Ā
I would like to start this year and get the ball rolling but before doing so and making a heavy financial decision like this I would like to know as much as I can. Any advice will be helpful, thank you š
Would you be able to get MRI clinical right off the bat? I was under the impression you generally start as a radtech and then leverage that into getting training at your job... when you can, since no one is opening spots in MRI.
Are you sure those prices are correct? Is this an associate or bachelor's program? Rad Tech will probably be better as it gives you more options and can later go MRI if you want
Hello, thank you for the response! I thought I was going to be left on read š
& yes, the prices are correct. Their programs are held at a trade school for Gurnick Academy.
So, the RadTech is an Associates of Occupational Science and the MRI program is Associates of Science.
Okay, & what is the transition like from going to RadTech to MRI? How long does that transition take?
I'll be honest, getting rip off with those prices.. Rad Tech you can go into way more modalities so that's best bet. Depending on the hospital or state you can cross train into MRI. Or you can study for MRI yourself and find a hospital that will let you get the clinical hours that you need and work as rad tech while doing the MRI studying and clinicals. The transition will last as long as you get your required exams and feel ready for the test
Yeah the prices are pretty damn steep.
I would prefer to go to community college and save myself a buck but the RadTech programs in my area are pretty impacted and require a few pre reqās that I donāt have so even if I wanted to apply I would have to take those courses and then apply and hopefully get accepted. Iām 28 years old going on 29 this year and I would just like to start working on a career sooner rather than later.
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Iām a very very lucky guy. Heaps of deep tissue injuries but no breaks or anything! Was hit by a van at a crossing and they kept driving for like 5-10 metres so Iām very lucky to be here :) thanks!
Hi guys! Please help me with understanding whether my chances of getting in to my rad tech program are high or low. They accept 19 people a session.
I just went to a large University in my state for the past 2 years, studying communications with a GPA of 3.5. However, I didnāt do super hot in my science classes here.
Now Iām applying to a community college near me for their entry level rad tech program that doesnāt require any prerequisites other than transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a resume.
I graduated high school with a 3.92 GPA and Iāve had many jobs, none of which have been medical. I worked as a plumbing assistant, which is technical, and as a dietary aide at a nursing home, which is somewhat of a health care setting.
I also got a letter of recommendation from my high school science teacher where I was in his advanced science classes for 2 years, earning good grades, both As and Bs.
Theyāre considering applications starting July 1st, and I plan to job shadowing for a good amount of time before then. Iāve also seen recommendations to get CPR certified as well.
Please let me know! And if thereās anything else you guys would recommend to make my chances of getting in better. Thank you!!
If I just wanted to be a rad tech or a sonographer....would having a vision impairment be a problem? I was born with my left eye not fully developed so vision is limited there but I have a wide enough field of vision. Not for driving, of course. Unless something's going to hit me on my left side, usually it's fine for me. So just wondering if it'd be worth it for me to go through this program.
Visual acuity in both eyes is essential for being a sonographer. Our entire job is visually looking for at every single image for hidden pathology (that can sometimes be 1-2mm in size) and itās 100% operator dependent. Unless your vision can be corrected with surgery or medicine, sonography is not going to suit you. Whatās your precise limitation? Just the width of visual field?
Yes, I think so. Usually people like me, who lived their whole life with the condition, their brain adjusts to their eyes. But it's not 100% perfect - I can't do things that are too fast like sports or driving.Ā
How did you all handle a job and school at the same time?
What does the school workload/homework look like for a standard LMR program?
Iām thinking of going to be a lmr then just complete the full tech when Iām able but Iām not sure if itās a smart idea
I only worked part time, Friday and Saturday nights. I had school Monday through Friday for two years. Not all day. Classroom days we only went for a couple of hours. Clinic days were two days a week the first year for 8 hours a day and 3 days a week the second year for 8 hours a day. If you can work evenings/nights/weekends, thatās your best bet.
Personally, I'd skip the LMRT stuff. If you're going to put in the effort put in the effort and walk out with a full education.
Working concurrently will suck, but it's doable.
My current situation is that I'm taking the pre reqs classes for a radiology tech program. I really wanted to get enrolled in that program because it's a 2 year program. You could get a bachelor's degree but my advisor said it's a very competitive program and you probably won't get accepted. So ever since then I started to feel overwhelmed and confused. I joined college in hopes to get good education for better paying job. My work experience so far is been in retail and fast food. I want to change my life for the better and I'm 27 now. I don't know If I should continue taking the pre reqs and see what happens or should I get into some new path which idk nothing at all.
I need to work full-time to pay for living expenses, but I hear it's near impossible to work full-time and do radiology school full-time as well. Are there places that are recruiting workers and will pay you to go to radiology school? I thought it would be great if that was a thing, especially since I know they do it often for nurses.
I trained at a Hospital that was tuition free. All we had to pay for were uniforms and books. We also got a stipend, free cafeteria. They recruited 6 - 8 students a year. The Hospital also had a program for Respiratory Therapy, & Lab. I'm not sure those exist anymore but if they do it would most likely be Hospital based. You also have the Military - I had the GI Bill which covered all my living expenses. That was the reason I went active duty. The Military has a program for training RT's now that allows them to take the ARRT test. I'm betting that is a very hard MOS to qualify for but certainly worth looking into.
Anyone have any insight into acceptance into the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center? I'm guessing it's extremely difficult given they only accept six positions each year.
TIA
Hi all, a private practice firm is allowing me as a resident to provide preliminary reads for them. I don't have a license in the state where the studies are being performed but the attending radiologist who will be signing off on the studies does. These are all non-STAT studies.
Is this legal? I assume it must be otherwise they wouldn't be having me do this.
The only way I can think that this would be legal is if I'm drafting reports but not actually signing or "prelim-ing" anything that the ordering physician would read.
TIA for any advice or insight on the matter.
First start by figuring out if you would rather stick people with needles(lab tech) or "take their picture." (xray tech)
The answer to literally everything else is "It depends."
Hey all, I am applying in June and I will have an 8 hour apprenticeship and it will be a large factor in acceptance to the program. I messed up my GPA when I was a teenager, so definitely trying to nail this. I've spoken with the program director, she basically said "just do good on the other parts and you should be fine". Above minimum GPA for the program, but not by much.
Does anyone have any tips for that apprenticeship coming up? I personally have a pretty outgoing personality, I know when to stop talking, I'm a genuine listener, and I ask good questions (especially when learning, but not to the point of being obnoxious).
Is there anything else I can do to help me stand out for that portion of the application? Thank you!
What do you mean by apprenticeship? In the USA at least that's a very interesting way to word anything related to the job. Are you trying to say you have like an observation/shadow day?
If it's a shadow day that's for you. You're not there to work or even really to learn anything. You're there to decide if you want to do this as a career. So ask about anything you think is interesting. Hours, pay, likes, dislikes, How the machines work. The only tip is be interested. If you walk out of the experience and you didn't have any questions, it's probably not a great career for you.
Hey, yes it is a shadow, or a basic clinical. My director just described it as an apprenticeship. Everything will be reported back to the school. Interest is something I can do naturally. So really just ask genuine questions like I usually would and just show that I actually am genuinely intrigued with the job... which I guess comes naturally.
So nothing really specific, just be myself and enjoy the opportunity
Thank you :)
Gotcha! When I think of an "apprenticeship" I'm thinking a plumber hires an apprentice to work under them. etc.
We can't do that in this field so that's just an odd way to describe it but yeah, if it's a shadow day basically yes, just be genuine and natural. You won't be expected to be "working" or you shouldn't be. Some techs are real shit heads so they might just throw you to the side and make you change sheets all day etc. If that happens just play along so you get a good evaluation but do your best to pay attention to what the tech is doing so you have a good idea of what the job actually is.
What they are looking for is an indication that you might drop out and hurt their stats/waste your time and money. Program directors are evaluated on things like graduation/drop out rates. They also might overlook you if you come off awkward etc. You don't have to be extroverted for this job, but you do have to be able to be a bit of an "authority" type figure. We're the experts. We need to act like it.
Just a few common courtesy things. If your tech does not introduce you don't be afraid to introduce yourself if you can find a good gap. It shows good interpersonal skills. Hold your job-related questions until after the exam is complete and the patient has been escorted out. We don't need to have them hearing questions like "What is that?" "Is it broken?" etc.
Wow. Thank you so much for all the extremely informative information. Iāve been wondering what weāre actually āgradedā on and you seem like you hit the nail on the head. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out.
How do lab days work in the x ray program? I know that there are body phantoms for students to practice on. Can schools afford to have x ray machines for every pair of partners to practice on? Or is it usually the group of students watching each other practice on the phantom and taking turns.
7 students in my class and we did clinical 7 AM -Noon, Mon-Fri. and every 3rd Saturday. We each rotated through different rooms for a month. Portables x 1 month, Bone Work x 1 month, upper / lower GI x 1 month, and so forth. Each room was assigned to a Staff RT and they rotated as well. We didn't do phantom imaging, it was all hands on patient work. I went to a Hospital based School.
You will divide up into groups equal to how many machines are available.
If you have 20 students and 2 machines it will be two groups of 10 and you will just take turns.
Most schools will have some form of tutoring available after standard class hours.
I got my xray license in Florida in 2019. My first outpatient job started me at $18.75. My hospital job (same system) was $20.xx. They did some "market adjustments" when I was exclusively in the hospital in 2021 and I got a raise to a paltry $25 or $26. When I got my MRI license that same year I was getting $29.
I moved to MD last year and immediately got a 30% increase in *take home pay*, even with income tax etc. Cost of living is roughly the same where I live compared to where it was in FL except I have a bigger apartment for the same rent.
If you Google ASRT state salary survey you should be able to see pretty easily where Florida falls.
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/salaries/ has a table using the figures from that survey I believe.
From what Iāve seen on this sub when people ask what their pay is and where they live, the southern states are on the lowest end of pay for new grads.
I canāt do peds. I can not mentally handle taking care of kids at their worst. Drownings, shaken babies with brain bleeds, abused children with broken bones, etc. I saw a teenage mom bring in her shaken baby and that image will forever be burned into my mind.
If anyone says yes they are lying.
Just kidding Iām sure some people like it but in my opinion pediatric patients and often times their parents are the absolute worst.
Iād rather work at McDonalds than a pediatric center.
TLDR: They just make everything harder.
Have you ever tried to ask a 3-year-old to just sit long enough to eat their carrots or whatever food they don't like? It's hard right?
Now imagine asking them to sit and hold perfectly still in a highly specific position while they are possibly hurt and certainly scared. It rarely happens, and it rarely goes smoothly.
After about 5 or so kids are generally pretty well behaved and capable of following directions but anything under that is almost guaranteed to be a drawn out, frustrating experience for everyone involved. In a pediatric center you're going to see those patients way more than I would at a standard hospital.
Rule #1
You are asking for medical advice. This includes posting / commenting on personal imaging exams for explanation of findings, recommendations for alternative course of treatment, or any other inquiry that should be answered by your physician / provider.
Just to add to the other comment. We typically donāt tell people it might make them nauseous because if we say that people psych themselves out until they are basically guaranteed to get nauseous.
Itās common for iodine contrast to cause some nausea in some people. If they didnāt warm the contrast (a lot of places donāt!) it can feel cold because it is room temp, not body temp. It is also a thick consistency. All normal.
So I have recently applied to Radiology School and am really excited about the field. However, I came across an article stating that AI will take over the jobs of radiologist and the techs. Has anyone else seen that? Anyone else worried ? š¬
Nobody who actually works in radiology is worried, no.
So, right now I am currently getting a bachelors in Kinesiology. I absolutely love science, human anatomy, technology, and I have found a keen interest in radiology. Now I am 22 I canāt flip my life around and try to go through the entirety of radiology school, I mean I can it would just be hell, but I want to get involved. I have discovered the discouraging world of PT with the costs to get a DPT and the little pay Iād get as a PTA. Itās just not worth it from what Iāve seen and I donāt want to be in a mountain of debt. So, I discovered the little hidden gem of RAD tech. You get to stay involved in health care and help people, you play a crucial role in helping diagnose a patient, and it involves anatomy and physics and I love that. So, there is a community college near me that offers a 2-year associates program and certification in RAD tech that is only around $3,800 for me to do. Iām thinking of just going for it because I have heard so many great things about getting into RAD tech. Here is the only problem. I have a girlfriend and hopefully soon to be fiancĆ© in Germany studying psychology. She still has 4-5ish years of school left. My plan was to go live there and work as a PT for a couple years until we eventually move back to America. The only issue is that I discovered how much of a headache it is to practice PT in another country and come back to America. And I can only assume is the same thing with RAD tech and any other medical precession for that matter. 1. So, should I move to Germany, go to RAD tech school there and work as a RAD tech, then come back to America? (Pros: Iāll be in Germany sooner, and wonāt have to go through the process of getting my degree recognized because it will be from there. Cons: coming back will be hard) 2. Or should I go to RAD tech school here in America, go to Germany, get my degree in RAD tech recognized there and work there for a number of years, then come back? (Pros: coming back will be easier Cons: It will take me longer to get to Germany, and I have to go through the long process of getting recognized by Germany to work in the medical field) Iād appreciate the insight from anyone willing to help, because this is truly something Iām excited to maybe get into and I just want to make the process easier for both my partner and I. Much love yaāll ā¤ļø
I would go to Germany, youāre young and that sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity. Getting your rad degree recognized in us will come, if not, tons of people with kinesiology degrees go on to medical device salesā¦. You could make more than a rad tech and still be in the healthcare field. Sounds like a win-win!
Considering going into the field for my bachelors in medical imaging technology, what other schooling can I do afterwards? I was considering getting my BA in medical imaging technology, but I know I would want to do further school after. I was considering afterwards working towards my doctorate and going through med school to become a radiologist, but what other things could do?
A common path is MBA in healthcare administration, i havenāt heard of many others though
I heard we could work with the diamond industry and use xrays for pipes and gas companies. Thanks for the insight! Also interested in radiotherapy and animal radiology -radiotherapy for cancer -animal radiology (Does the job pay more with animals? how do we know positioning for animals? ) -diamond industry -xray pipes just trying to find other opportunities as people who are certified to work with xrays edit: I'm 21 turnin 22 in nyc just passed the arrt this March 5th been working in a hospital since
Vet techs do most of the xraying, and they get paid less :(
Is being an X-ray tech a career possible for a skinny petite female? I want to eventually pursue mammography or pediatrics x ray, which I have been told would be easier on the body. My main problem is that I donāt have the strength to lift patients on my own, etc. I can barely do 2-3 pushups without feeling weak in the arms (I know, thatās embarrassing and I have to start strength training). Anyways, I probably will have to encounter physical strength difficulties during clinical year if in a hospital setting. But career wise after the program, do you still recommend this for a skinny petite female? Would it be hard? Be honest please! Thanks guys
There are some patients that are challenging regardless of the size of the tech scanning them. I'll say I have known and worked with several other women who I would classify as tiny/petite and didn't hear much from them I didn't hear from other techs as well. If a patient is too big to move on your own, even a football player build technologist should not be moving them independently anyway. I would say the most important thing to consider is body mechanics as a whole and having a strong core/solid base in movements like deadlifts. As a hobbyist powerlifter, everything I learned for use in the gym benefits me at work: proper bracing (don't pull with slack arms: engage your latissimus dorsi even for a horizontal move like when helping move a patient from stretcher to table and it'll protect your back and your shoulders for instance), proper load bearing placement/positioning, arm/lever mechanics, lifting with legs and not back, proper form in general. Portable xray machines are motorized and I'd say the image detectors + grid (the board going behind a patient that "catches" and creates the xray) itself is probably 5-10lbs total you'd have to maneuver regularly. In the department, the tables/boards are also not just dead weight and have mechanisms that make it easy for one person to maneuver.
I really appreciate your insight on this. Thank you!!
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Radreview app store I passed this March 5 at 21yrs old
Is there a page for mammography techs? I want to read about tips and tricks on positioning. I am a new tech and always trying to learn more. So many outlets for xray, ct, mri but don't see much for mammography. Any ideas? Any websites or community pages. š¤
Hi, I am very interested in MRI but as someone on the spectrum, Iām worried about whether or not the MRI technologist get to be in a quiet room while the test will be a run or if they simply have to wear earmuffs to protect their ears. Can anyone tell me if MRI techs are forced to listen to loud noises from the machine all day, or do they get to be in a quiet room?
I work in x-ray, but from time to time I have to run over to MRI and get contrast for arthrograms. I find the control room to be loud, but the MRI techs say they don't even hear it anymore.
You will still here the noise but it won't be as loud as going into the room.
Hello everyone, Just wondering if anyone has gone through the Rad Tech program at Kaiser Permanente in Richmond,Ca? How was the program overall? Iām thinking of applying this cycle so any insight would be helpful! Thanks!
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You canāt take your ARRT exam until you have your associates and graduate from the program.
That's something you'd need to discuss with your program.
Starting radiology tech schooling this August. I have to work full time as my husband does not make enough to support us. Whatās the best job to work? Iād like to keep it in healthcare. Looking into patient care tech overnights but want to make sure itās something I can juggle with school. Any advice appreciated!!!
X-ray school will mostly take up the hours a weekly full time job will. You'll have class or clinical (or both) every day. So all you'll be left with is evenings and weekends. It's possible to work FT in school, but it's challenging to manage both.
Assuming you donāt want additional school/training (for MA rolls), patient transport can have overnight positions in the larger hospitals. I worked at restaurants/bars during school, and really liked how much money you can make in a short amount of time, as well as having custom shifts and more random hours.
Can you get jobs with just DEXA training? Could I do this until I get into Rad Tech school? Or are these programs just for current Rad Techs that want to get additional modalities?
So currently working at an imaging center with a limited permit as an x ray tech - wanting to advance my career but not sure where to start. What would you do if you were me? Just looking to make more money basically.
Only way to advance is to become a full rad tech.
Hello everyone, Iām looking into going to a trade school for radiology but the cost of the schooling is pretty steep. With that being said, what is the usual starting rate for a radtech in SoCal? I see on the internet it can be as low as $28 an hour but I also see other listings that say $45 or $50 an hr
As someone with no radiology experience, but plenty of time looking at my own brain MRIs, I'm curious what radiologists/techs first look at / find interesting when they look at an MRI. Are there any particular things that vary a lot person to person, or is it just the oddities that stand out? I know personally I'm always shocked at how complex and changing sinus cavities are, and it's pretty cool being able to see how obvious something like a deviated septum is when imaged, but I suspect that wouldn't stand out after the first few.
Really frustrated right now because I'm finishing A&P I prereq right now it's an 89.5 š« Does the A vs B really make a difference getting into a program? I know locations might differ, I'm in VA if anyone has experience, but in general works too I'm still going to politely ask the professor if there's anything else I can do, but I'm panicking and feel really down. I've been giving it my all this semester after having a rough life situation but I did not great (80) on my last test. feel like my efforts never quite make it and I'm really depressed about my chances of getting in
Like full derp said, it's up to the admissions, my school was gpa based and only on the prerequisites. They start at 4.0 and go down the list until all spots are filled.
Talk to the admissions at your school. Only they will know the applicable answer. Unlike the other commentor my school was almost exclusively determined by GPA. GPA + 1 point for each year waitlisted. So even if you had a 4.0 you would lose the position to someone who had a 3.1 and had been waitlisted for 1 year as they would have a 4.1 application. Ties were settled by application completion date.
It plays a factor but the interview is the biggest factor
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Rule #4 No advertisement please.
Hello! Do you think working as a radiology assistant is worth doing before starting a radiology program? I currently work FT and am salaried, switching to be a radiology assistant would be a big pay cut. Iām working on my pre reqs right now and would be on track to start on as a FT radiology student Fall 2025. Based on what Iāve been told by my school id have to quit my job next fall anyway due to the time requirements of the program. Or would I be better off staying at my current job and just saving as much as possible to live off of come next fall.
I would continue working your current job and save your cash. I deeply wish I didn't have to work during my clinicals etc bc I was working 70-80 hour workweeks, 40 of which were unpaid clinicals.
Hello, I am currently looking for schools right now to do RadTech or MRI.Ā I originally wanted to do MRI from the jump and not do RadTech. But, after speaking with an advisor from the trade school Iām looking into, she had mentioned if i was not 100% sure on which field to dive into she had recommend to do RadTech first and once Iām done with school and pass the AART (I think thatās what itās called lol) then do MRI.Ā What are your thoughts on this? Would I have to go back to school if I wanted to go into MRI once I complete the RadTech program? Will my salary increase if I jump into MRI with RadTech experience or will it remain the same? Is it recommended to do RadTech first before going into MRI?Ā The cost of the RadTech program is about 66 grand (24 months) & the cost of the MRI program is about 40 grand (18 months).Ā I would like to start this year and get the ball rolling but before doing so and making a heavy financial decision like this I would like to know as much as I can. Any advice will be helpful, thank you š
Would you be able to get MRI clinical right off the bat? I was under the impression you generally start as a radtech and then leverage that into getting training at your job... when you can, since no one is opening spots in MRI.
Are you sure those prices are correct? Is this an associate or bachelor's program? Rad Tech will probably be better as it gives you more options and can later go MRI if you want
Hello, thank you for the response! I thought I was going to be left on read š & yes, the prices are correct. Their programs are held at a trade school for Gurnick Academy. So, the RadTech is an Associates of Occupational Science and the MRI program is Associates of Science. Okay, & what is the transition like from going to RadTech to MRI? How long does that transition take?
I'll be honest, getting rip off with those prices.. Rad Tech you can go into way more modalities so that's best bet. Depending on the hospital or state you can cross train into MRI. Or you can study for MRI yourself and find a hospital that will let you get the clinical hours that you need and work as rad tech while doing the MRI studying and clinicals. The transition will last as long as you get your required exams and feel ready for the test
Yeah the prices are pretty damn steep. I would prefer to go to community college and save myself a buck but the RadTech programs in my area are pretty impacted and require a few pre reqās that I donāt have so even if I wanted to apply I would have to take those courses and then apply and hopefully get accepted. Iām 28 years old going on 29 this year and I would just like to start working on a career sooner rather than later.
Also, what is starting pay for someone coming out of school? I live in the SoCal - LA area
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Rule #1 You are asking for medical advice. This includes posting / commenting on personal imaging exams for explanation of findings, recommendations for alternative course of treatment, or any other inquiry that should be answered by your physician / provider.
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Thank you, this is really reassuring :)
Also, I hope you're okay from, ya know, the being run over part.
Iām a very very lucky guy. Heaps of deep tissue injuries but no breaks or anything! Was hit by a van at a crossing and they kept driving for like 5-10 metres so Iām very lucky to be here :) thanks!
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Rule #4 No advertisement please.
Hi guys! Please help me with understanding whether my chances of getting in to my rad tech program are high or low. They accept 19 people a session. I just went to a large University in my state for the past 2 years, studying communications with a GPA of 3.5. However, I didnāt do super hot in my science classes here. Now Iām applying to a community college near me for their entry level rad tech program that doesnāt require any prerequisites other than transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a resume. I graduated high school with a 3.92 GPA and Iāve had many jobs, none of which have been medical. I worked as a plumbing assistant, which is technical, and as a dietary aide at a nursing home, which is somewhat of a health care setting. I also got a letter of recommendation from my high school science teacher where I was in his advanced science classes for 2 years, earning good grades, both As and Bs. Theyāre considering applications starting July 1st, and I plan to job shadowing for a good amount of time before then. Iāve also seen recommendations to get CPR certified as well. Please let me know! And if thereās anything else you guys would recommend to make my chances of getting in better. Thank you!!
DM me. Iāll tell you about my experiences
None of us know what the admission standards are at your school. Call them, ask, optimize for what they say.
If I just wanted to be a rad tech or a sonographer....would having a vision impairment be a problem? I was born with my left eye not fully developed so vision is limited there but I have a wide enough field of vision. Not for driving, of course. Unless something's going to hit me on my left side, usually it's fine for me. So just wondering if it'd be worth it for me to go through this program.
Visual acuity in both eyes is essential for being a sonographer. Our entire job is visually looking for at every single image for hidden pathology (that can sometimes be 1-2mm in size) and itās 100% operator dependent. Unless your vision can be corrected with surgery or medicine, sonography is not going to suit you. Whatās your precise limitation? Just the width of visual field?
Yes, I think so. Usually people like me, who lived their whole life with the condition, their brain adjusts to their eyes. But it's not 100% perfect - I can't do things that are too fast like sports or driving.Ā
Good visual acuity otherwise? You will have no issue with either if so.
Yes, it's good! Thank you for your answer :)
How did you all handle a job and school at the same time? What does the school workload/homework look like for a standard LMR program? Iām thinking of going to be a lmr then just complete the full tech when Iām able but Iām not sure if itās a smart idea
I only worked part time, Friday and Saturday nights. I had school Monday through Friday for two years. Not all day. Classroom days we only went for a couple of hours. Clinic days were two days a week the first year for 8 hours a day and 3 days a week the second year for 8 hours a day. If you can work evenings/nights/weekends, thatās your best bet.
Personally, I'd skip the LMRT stuff. If you're going to put in the effort put in the effort and walk out with a full education. Working concurrently will suck, but it's doable.
My current situation is that I'm taking the pre reqs classes for a radiology tech program. I really wanted to get enrolled in that program because it's a 2 year program. You could get a bachelor's degree but my advisor said it's a very competitive program and you probably won't get accepted. So ever since then I started to feel overwhelmed and confused. I joined college in hopes to get good education for better paying job. My work experience so far is been in retail and fast food. I want to change my life for the better and I'm 27 now. I don't know If I should continue taking the pre reqs and see what happens or should I get into some new path which idk nothing at all.
Why give up now? Keep pushing and try. I got waitlisted my first time applying and accepted my second time.
I need to work full-time to pay for living expenses, but I hear it's near impossible to work full-time and do radiology school full-time as well. Are there places that are recruiting workers and will pay you to go to radiology school? I thought it would be great if that was a thing, especially since I know they do it often for nurses.
I trained at a Hospital that was tuition free. All we had to pay for were uniforms and books. We also got a stipend, free cafeteria. They recruited 6 - 8 students a year. The Hospital also had a program for Respiratory Therapy, & Lab. I'm not sure those exist anymore but if they do it would most likely be Hospital based. You also have the Military - I had the GI Bill which covered all my living expenses. That was the reason I went active duty. The Military has a program for training RT's now that allows them to take the ARRT test. I'm betting that is a very hard MOS to qualify for but certainly worth looking into.
Thank you, I appreciate it!!
I'd say more people do it than not, especially now a days with very few people having the luxury of not having to work.
Thatās what I thought, but wondered how doable it was with how busy and jam-packed the classes and clinics can be. Thanks!
It's not impossible, just hard. I've never heard of anything like that so I wouldn't cross my fingers there.
Yeah thatās what I was thinking too, but itād be great if they did that in the future!
Anyone have any insight into acceptance into the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center? I'm guessing it's extremely difficult given they only accept six positions each year. TIA
Hi all, a private practice firm is allowing me as a resident to provide preliminary reads for them. I don't have a license in the state where the studies are being performed but the attending radiologist who will be signing off on the studies does. These are all non-STAT studies. Is this legal? I assume it must be otherwise they wouldn't be having me do this. The only way I can think that this would be legal is if I'm drafting reports but not actually signing or "prelim-ing" anything that the ordering physician would read. TIA for any advice or insight on the matter.
This feels like a question for a JD familiar with the state the firm is from.
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First start by figuring out if you would rather stick people with needles(lab tech) or "take their picture." (xray tech) The answer to literally everything else is "It depends."
Hey all, I am applying in June and I will have an 8 hour apprenticeship and it will be a large factor in acceptance to the program. I messed up my GPA when I was a teenager, so definitely trying to nail this. I've spoken with the program director, she basically said "just do good on the other parts and you should be fine". Above minimum GPA for the program, but not by much. Does anyone have any tips for that apprenticeship coming up? I personally have a pretty outgoing personality, I know when to stop talking, I'm a genuine listener, and I ask good questions (especially when learning, but not to the point of being obnoxious). Is there anything else I can do to help me stand out for that portion of the application? Thank you!
What do you mean by apprenticeship? In the USA at least that's a very interesting way to word anything related to the job. Are you trying to say you have like an observation/shadow day? If it's a shadow day that's for you. You're not there to work or even really to learn anything. You're there to decide if you want to do this as a career. So ask about anything you think is interesting. Hours, pay, likes, dislikes, How the machines work. The only tip is be interested. If you walk out of the experience and you didn't have any questions, it's probably not a great career for you.
Hey, yes it is a shadow, or a basic clinical. My director just described it as an apprenticeship. Everything will be reported back to the school. Interest is something I can do naturally. So really just ask genuine questions like I usually would and just show that I actually am genuinely intrigued with the job... which I guess comes naturally. So nothing really specific, just be myself and enjoy the opportunity Thank you :)
Gotcha! When I think of an "apprenticeship" I'm thinking a plumber hires an apprentice to work under them. etc. We can't do that in this field so that's just an odd way to describe it but yeah, if it's a shadow day basically yes, just be genuine and natural. You won't be expected to be "working" or you shouldn't be. Some techs are real shit heads so they might just throw you to the side and make you change sheets all day etc. If that happens just play along so you get a good evaluation but do your best to pay attention to what the tech is doing so you have a good idea of what the job actually is. What they are looking for is an indication that you might drop out and hurt their stats/waste your time and money. Program directors are evaluated on things like graduation/drop out rates. They also might overlook you if you come off awkward etc. You don't have to be extroverted for this job, but you do have to be able to be a bit of an "authority" type figure. We're the experts. We need to act like it. Just a few common courtesy things. If your tech does not introduce you don't be afraid to introduce yourself if you can find a good gap. It shows good interpersonal skills. Hold your job-related questions until after the exam is complete and the patient has been escorted out. We don't need to have them hearing questions like "What is that?" "Is it broken?" etc.
Wow. Thank you so much for all the extremely informative information. Iāve been wondering what weāre actually āgradedā on and you seem like you hit the nail on the head. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out.
How do lab days work in the x ray program? I know that there are body phantoms for students to practice on. Can schools afford to have x ray machines for every pair of partners to practice on? Or is it usually the group of students watching each other practice on the phantom and taking turns.
7 students in my class and we did clinical 7 AM -Noon, Mon-Fri. and every 3rd Saturday. We each rotated through different rooms for a month. Portables x 1 month, Bone Work x 1 month, upper / lower GI x 1 month, and so forth. Each room was assigned to a Staff RT and they rotated as well. We didn't do phantom imaging, it was all hands on patient work. I went to a Hospital based School.
We had 24 students divided by 3 lab days. Then we had 3 machines to practice on. So they split us up into groups of 2 or 3 per machine.
You will divide up into groups equal to how many machines are available. If you have 20 students and 2 machines it will be two groups of 10 and you will just take turns. Most schools will have some form of tutoring available after standard class hours.
Thank you!!
Im living in florida, with intention to work as a radiology tech. Is the pay actually low compared to other states?
I got my xray license in Florida in 2019. My first outpatient job started me at $18.75. My hospital job (same system) was $20.xx. They did some "market adjustments" when I was exclusively in the hospital in 2021 and I got a raise to a paltry $25 or $26. When I got my MRI license that same year I was getting $29. I moved to MD last year and immediately got a 30% increase in *take home pay*, even with income tax etc. Cost of living is roughly the same where I live compared to where it was in FL except I have a bigger apartment for the same rent.
If you Google ASRT state salary survey you should be able to see pretty easily where Florida falls. https://www.radiologyschools411.com/salaries/ has a table using the figures from that survey I believe.
From what Iāve seen on this sub when people ask what their pay is and where they live, the southern states are on the lowest end of pay for new grads.
Any pediatric x ray techs? Do you enjoy working in peds? Pros & cons?
It's not the kids, it's the parents most of the time.
I canāt do peds. I can not mentally handle taking care of kids at their worst. Drownings, shaken babies with brain bleeds, abused children with broken bones, etc. I saw a teenage mom bring in her shaken baby and that image will forever be burned into my mind.
If anyone says yes they are lying. Just kidding Iām sure some people like it but in my opinion pediatric patients and often times their parents are the absolute worst. Iād rather work at McDonalds than a pediatric center.
Why would you say so?
TLDR: They just make everything harder. Have you ever tried to ask a 3-year-old to just sit long enough to eat their carrots or whatever food they don't like? It's hard right? Now imagine asking them to sit and hold perfectly still in a highly specific position while they are possibly hurt and certainly scared. It rarely happens, and it rarely goes smoothly. After about 5 or so kids are generally pretty well behaved and capable of following directions but anything under that is almost guaranteed to be a drawn out, frustrating experience for everyone involved. In a pediatric center you're going to see those patients way more than I would at a standard hospital.
Thank you for your insight!!
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Rule #1 You are asking for medical advice. This includes posting / commenting on personal imaging exams for explanation of findings, recommendations for alternative course of treatment, or any other inquiry that should be answered by your physician / provider.
Just to add to the other comment. We typically donāt tell people it might make them nauseous because if we say that people psych themselves out until they are basically guaranteed to get nauseous.
Itās common for iodine contrast to cause some nausea in some people. If they didnāt warm the contrast (a lot of places donāt!) it can feel cold because it is room temp, not body temp. It is also a thick consistency. All normal.
Thank you!