Bad Job Shadow Experience =/

beastykato · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Pennsylvania

If anyone remembers from my previous posts I got accepted into PSU's 2-yr radiology program. So, I had job shadowing set up through my school with the local hospital for both x-ray and pharmacy to see which I would truly like better.

Well, I like them both and I can see myself being happy in either position, however, the radiographers who were talking to me weren't so happy. They said the pay wasn't that great ($14-$20) and one of them said...and I quote "There are not as many job openings as people make it out to be and if your smart you'll go to school for nuclear medicine. They get paid a lot more starting ($25+), don't get puked on by drunk people, and you'll have an easier time finding a job." Although he did state that he was talking specifically about my area of Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Area) and that he said it's better elsewhere.

I'm really torn now, I was really pumped about getting into radiology school but their attitude has definatley turned me off a lil. I wouldn't think so much of it if it was just one person, but they all pretty much had the same opinion that if they were younger and in a better position they would have skipped RT and went onto Nuc Med or Radiation Therapy.

The thing that I don't understand is...why they themselves just don't go back to school and get they nuc med certification. I know CCAC in Pittsburgh offers Nuc Med cert. in like a 12-18 month program or something like that.

So what are your opinions on this and should I take what they're saying to heart? If there's one thing I don't want to happens it's ending up not being able to get a job and on top of that struggling to make $20 an hour after 4 years of hard work.

djadavis · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

if you get in to radiology and specialize you can go anywhere. check monster.com or any job site and look for jobs in radiology. they are everywhere but just like any other job you must educate yourself constantly to advance. those unhappy techs are probably lazy.
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MissE · Moderator Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 154 Location: Ohio

Hello Beastykato, I agree with you. If they are that unhappy with what they are doing why don't they go back to school?? Well, in my opinion, just take the advice with a grain of salt. I would research what they are saying and maybe shadow in one of those fields. If you find out more info about them, you might want to go into one of those fields anyway.
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beastykato · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Pennsylvania

Well, it seems like most of you share a much different attitude than what I got from them. I'm hoping I enjoy it as much Very Happy

.

Anyway, I am going to take what they said about nuc med, rad. therapy, etc. into account. I'd like to see what you guys think though, as far as which field to go for. I'll explain why I'm considering what they said below...

I originally thought I had to go the first 2 years for RT, THEN specialize in CT, MRI, NM, etc., etc. However like I said the local community college CCAC offers 2 year degrees in Nuclear Med, MRI, Radiation Therapy, and x-ray. Obviously if I go for regular X-ray I'll stick with PSU since I've already been accepted. However, if I'm going to go on and specialize in one of those other fields already (which I definaely will to increase my marketability, earnings, etc.) why not just pick one from the start?

Would you guys agree? It just seems stupid not to do it since it takes the same amount of time and I'd already be specialized, have higher earnings, and save 2 years on the schooling that I could use instead for furthering my education in another specialty. The only thing that might put a stop to this is waiting lists...I dunno if CCAC has waiting lists for these programs or not. I'm kinda reluctant to go to community college as well since I'd have a degree with a "better" and "more recognized" institution if I stay at PSU.

Also thanks guys for the input you've provided.

hjhogle · Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:30 am Post subject:

beastykato · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Pennsylvania

I couldn't answer you really. I haven't experienced any sub field just general radiography so I don't know if what I'd want out of it really.

My reasoning of skipping general rad though is that I'd go onto something else eventually so I might as well start off at the higher positions making more money in what's considered and more specialized or possible "better" job that took the same amount of time to complete as a degree in general rad.

Is there something wrong with my logic?

hjhogle · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:50 am Post subject:

As I've said, if you've already determined that you plan on going into something else, then by all means don't waste your time becoming an RT. You may find it helpful though, to shadow in those other areas (Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, etc) to determine your best fit.

hjh (ps - other modalities are not "better" or more valuable .. just different).