Radiology Forums

Roman11 · Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

Hey Guys,

New on the forum and I have a few questions. I've been a graphic designer for years now and recently been laid off. As a 43 year old and now I'm thinking of changing my career, I'm not to old for a new career in Radiology am I? I still feel young Very Happy

So I had to visit Scripps in San Diego for x-rays for myself, wife and child recently. All different times for different reason haha..and had a great experience every time which got me thinking about Radiology. I've been reading as much as I can find to see what exactly I would be doing or education I need and there's a lot of different answers out there. So here's a few questions if you don't mind:

1. Going back to school what am I looking at to get started if I already have an AA degree?

2. I've read from some Tech schools that you can get a certificate? Is this something you do to get in then go the degrees AA, BS/BA then Masters?

3. Should I stay away from Tech schools like Maric College or California College San Diego or are they OK to get started?

4. Do Radiologist have nursing responsibilities such as shots, taking blood... I'm not to sure I want to do that but I've got great people skills and really like to help people.

5. How's the job outlook for Radiology (San Diego, CA area) if known?

6. To see if I really like it is it common to ask a Hospital or clinic to follow you guys around a bit just to see what it's like? Like a ride along cop program.

OK, I guess that's a good start if anyone out there can help I would appreciate it.

Thanks a head of time,
Roman11

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

1. Going back to school what am I looking at to get started if I already have an AA degree?

*You can a) enter an accredited certificate program (2 years +-), earn a certificate and the right to take the national board exam. b) enter an accredited associate program (2 years +-), earn a second associate degree and the right to take the national board exam. c) enter an accredited bachelors degree program (4 years), earn a BS/BA and the right to take the national board exam. For the collegiate choices, some of your prior credit may or may not be recognized - it depends on the institution to which you apply.

2. I've read from some Tech schools that you can get a certificate? Is this something you do to get in then go the degrees AA, BS/BA then Masters?

*Not really. There are SOME (fewer and fewer as educational standards rise) 2-year programs that are not college affiliated. They have been accredited by the appropriate agencies and successful completion of their program will make one eligible to take the national board exam. They are usually called "hospital-based" programs - in the "old" days, most large hospitals had their own "x-ray school". All programs, whether it's a certificate only program or a degree program, require many hours spent in a clinical environment (hospital or clinic). But hospital-based programs do not earn a college degree of any kind.

If you select a non-degree program (certificate program), you are not required to return to school to earn any other degrees. As a technologist, it's important that you pass the national board exam. Once you've done that, you've earned the right to use R.T. You can work in any facility with those credentials. Degrees become important as you expand your career - do you want to go into management or perhaps teach? If so, you'd best start off with a 4-year degree. You'll need it if you want to move into management or education.

3. Should I stay away from Tech schools like Maric College or California College San Diego or are they OK to get started?

*No idea - anyone out there know about these schools?

4. Do Radiologist have nursing responsibilities such as shots, taking blood... I'm not to sure I want to do that but I've got great people skills and really like to help people.

*BIG NOTE - we are NOT Radiologists. Radiologists are fully trained, licensed physicians. They are MD's, we are not. We are Radiographers. Radiographers can have some nursing care responsibilities - however, we are not trained to give patients medications and we are not phlebotomists (those who are trained to take blood). (Yeah, ok. there are some exceptions for the injection of radiographic contrast, but you don't need to worry about that here.)

5. How's the job outlook for Radiology (San Diego, CA area) if known?

*Never been to California. Dave? You have the link for the salary survey?

6. To see if I really like it is it common to ask a Hospital or clinic to follow you guys around a bit just to see what it's like? Like a ride along cop program.

*There are many facilities which will allow you to "shadow" an RT to see what a typical day is like. Contact the Director of the Radiology or Imaging Dept in your local hospital. Be aware, patient privacy laws MAY require that you sign a confidentiality statement prior to shadowing.

Good luck.