Radiology Forums

littlegreek25 · Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Posts: 4

Hi I am looking into going to school to be a Radiation Technologist. I live in AZ and I must say I am so dissapointed to see that Gateway has a 2-3 year waiting list to get in Sad

Do you have to pay upfront and then wait for them to let you know when they have an opening? I looked into Pima but they only offer x-ray tech training. Nothing further. I haven't looked into Apollo yet, but with the prices that people posted for those schools, I don't know if they would be an option anyway. I was wondering if anyone thought that getting an x-ray cert. from Pima would be worth the time and money, or if I should just wait to get into Gateway and do it all then. I'm just working full-time right now. I don't go to school at all. Thank you for your help. I'm glad I found this board. Smile

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

I'm not sure what you mean - are you looking for a program to become a radiation therapist (who's skills enable them to work, primariy with cancer patients, using radiation to provide treatment and alleviation of symptoms).

Or are you looking to become a radiologic technologist, also known as a radiographer (known in the old days as an 'xray-tech')? Radiographers (radiologic technologists, x-ray techs) use their skills to participate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients .. all kinds of patients, with all kinds of problems.

Gateway offers a 2-year degree. Completion of their program makes one eligible to take the board exam - completing the program does not mean you're a radiographer. Pima's program is also accredited and makes one eligible to sit the board exam, although I don't know if it's a degree program or not.

Although there are future differences in career paths between degree programs and non-degree programs, the differences are between non-degreed technologists and 4-year degree technologists. (If you wanted to go into, for instance, management or education).

Gateway is a standard community college, and I never heard of any public education institution making you pay for their whole program while waiting to see if you got in. You sign up for classes and pay for them.

I hope this helps clarify.
hjh

iraydee8 · Power User Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 64 Location: AZ

Do you want toget into the radiation therapy program or the medical radiographer program? Gateway has both of these options. And Iknow for sure that the wait to get into the Medical Radiographer program is closer to 3-4 years as of this posting!
As for the payment prior to classes , this is incorrect. Gateway is a Maricopa County Community College as you only pay for classes you are enrolled in.
dxraygirl
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iraydee8

littlegreek25 · Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Posts: 4

I want to become a Radiation Therapist and work primarily with cancer patients. I'll have to call Gateway and see if there is a waiting list to get into the program. Thanks for the info Smile

iraydee8 · Power User Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 64 Location: AZ

If I am not mistaken, as it stands this year, you must be a RT, RN, RRT with an Assoc degree to get into the Therapy program at Gateway. But this is not to say that things might change. I would encourage you to give them a call as get all the specifics directly from them. Good luck in all that you do.
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iraydee8