Concerning backgrounds

talan113 · Joined: 08 Jan 2010 Posts: 1

I am 27 years old and have two possession misdemeanors on my record from 1999 and 2001. I also have a dwi i was charged with in 2007. I have really marked myself and i have changed my ways since. I was just wondering if this will disqualify me from getting into a Radiology school.

hjhogle · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:17 pm Post subject:

It's a fact - you're a less attractive candidate than someone without those negatives.

The real concern, however, is whether or not it will affect your opportunity to take the national certification exam. It's all well and good to get into and graduate from an accredited radiography program. But that's only part of the battle. Once you graduate from an accredited program, you're not an RT and cannot work in many states until you pass the national certification exam. And I don't have the scoop on what type of conviction disqualifies you.

Contact the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). That's the only national agency charged with certifying Radiologic Technologists. Be honest with them, they can tell you 1) if your convictions disqualify you or 2) if there are any additional hoops you need to go through prior to applying to take the exam.

Contact info for the ARRT is found on their website here :
http://www.arrt.org

And DON'T assume that your previous trouble will prevent you from doing what you want - if you really want to do this, then work on what's possible. Contact the ARRT.

Good luck,
hjh, RT