Radiology Forums

Sean Thornton · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

Hey people. I'm a 42 yo union carpenter fr Boston whos lookin to make a serious change. married with 2 beautiful girls,house ,bla bla...but I,ve had this rad tech thing on my mind for a year now . Want to pull the trigger and start the schooling thing but a LOT hesitant. Would have to go to school nites no prob. Need a little help and direction from those that know. Thanks in advance. Confused

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 609 Location: CT

I applaud your passion.

One problem, S - cannot do this at night. The prerequisites are no problem .. you can do those through any community college at whatever times they offer them. But once you begin the actual radiography program, you're locked into full-time days.

It is now possible, if you're an already nationally certified RT with an associate degree, to earn your BS online through a few schools cross country.

But you can't learn to be a nationally recognized Radiographer at night, you cannot learn it part-time and you cannot learn it online.

If you're still committed to doing this, GO FOR IT. It's a terrific profession, there are never-ending opportunities for personal growth, you won't get rich ... but my experience is ... I've never failed to find a job. I've learned a ton of things. I've worked with some terrific pros and wonderful patients. And I've managed to have a good time, for the most part.

Start here: http://www.arrt.org/index.html?content=http://www.arrt.org/nd/listOfSchools.ndm/listSchools&iframe=yes This is a link to the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists - our national certifying agency).

The ARRT lists *accredited programs* all over the country +. If you attend a program which is not accredited, you will not be eligible to take the national certifying exam. Without that certification, you're dead in the water and you wasted your time.

Find an accredited program near you. Contact them and find out what your options are. Ask them about shadowing .. spending some time in a local hospital with the radiographers, to see what the job might be like for you.

Good luck! (By the way, older students are TERRIFIC. You're motivated and attentive, and your life experience .. no matter what you've done .. is useful)
hjh, RT

goody0330 · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

I am also a new rad student. I am a 40 y/o starting a new career, also living in the Boston area. I am currently attending school full time, but some schools offer part time programs. It takes appx 3.5 years for an Associate's Degree, but it is an option. I have been told that the last 6 months are considered to be full time, but in the end, it may be worth it. The market isn't as fruitful as in years past, but everything works in a cycle....Take all your "cores and pre q's" before applying...it'll make it much more bearable......good luck......

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 609 Location: CT

Thanks for pitching in .. for future reference, do you know WHICH accredited schools offer attendance in a radiography program part-time? Or where I can find a list of them?

hjh, RT

Sean Thornton · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

To HJHOGLE: I cannot thank you enough. I wrote about one old guy (42)with a career struggle..... You didnt judge you told it like it is...I appreciate and respect that. I am currently studying A and P 1 math etc . +on my own . Anyways the reason for this blog is to let students know that is the info here can be trusted.......my goal is to be a RAD TECH BY 2011 thanks hj