Anyone else worried abt graduating soon?

segray · Joined: 14 Mar 2009 Posts: 16

I'm graduating in May, and am really stressing about it. I plan to take my registry ASAP before any knowledge leaks out, LOL. Plus the sooner I'm a legit RT the better. I'm just scared I won't find a job. The demand and pay was high when I started school and now openings are scarce (in TX). The few openings I see, it's all the same story experience experience experience! Not to mention wanting additional modalities. I can't get exper if I can't get a job.

I'm also scared when I do land one, I'll be expected to really know what I'm doing! Shocked

Anyone else feeling all this?

Sidney · Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 73

I felt like that a year ago when I graduated. The market is saturated right now which is scary. Don't let the requirements scare you off from applying for jobs. Apply for everything you can...you never know!

There is one level 1 trauma center in my state and it's the premier place to work if you're in healthcare. They had 4 positions open when I graduated, and had over 20 applicants. I was one of 4 hired, and all 4 positions were filled with brand-new freshly out of school techs. I'm guessing it's because they could mold us how we wanted, and probably pay us less. I was shocked because I thought that they wouldn't want brand new people, but thankfully that's what they seemed to want.

Just go apply for everything you can. Ignore the word "experienced". Good luck!

wvaio · Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 82

The worst they can do is say no. Apply for every position that you can. Let them say you are not qualified, do not assume you are just because of a posting.

Wvaio

ajanski · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 8

Do you have an opportunity to work as a student radiographer? i am doing that now and it is helping tremendously with my confidence, not to mention getting my foot in the door.

segray · Joined: 14 Mar 2009 Posts: 16

Update: I graduated and passed my registry the next week w/an 87 Very Happy

And yet nary an interview despite applying for 50 or so jobs at least. I've also emailed "just in case" resumes to facilities that didn't currently have a position avail. Based on a referral from one of my clinical supervisors I spoke directly w/a staffing agency that flat out told me he can't do anything with a new grad as their contracts require placing techs with at least 1yr exper outside clinicals. I've been applying since March and still nothing, it is very disheartening. I have my A.A.S. in Rad Technology from an accredited program, ARRT RT(R) and a bachelors degree in another field. I had a close friend that has been an HR manager for over 10 yrs help me do my resume. And I'm trying to network as best as I can. Yet, brick wall after brick wall. Some say its early to panic, but I've been applying since March and not a nibble. I think I'd feel more hopeful if I could get them to even look at me.

Student radiographer as in Lmtd tech? When I was in school it seemed those jobs were hard to come by and yet now I see them pop up all over, LOL. I applied for a couple of them at hospitals even though I'm an RT(R) now and one turned me down for being overqualified. Confused

SO now I'm over and underqualified?