Few questions:

luckoftheirish · Joined: 17 Oct 2009 Posts: 3

I'm seriously pondering enrolling in PMI's Radiography Tech program. If I did, the start date would be June. My problem is that I live 2 hours away from the school. Housing isn't a problem, as I have family there, but my wife and kids will have to stay here due to our mortgage.

My first question is: I work full time in law enforcement (graveyard shift, the hours wouldn't interfere with anything) and would have to transfer to a unit in that city. I have to keep my job to pay our bills here at home and can't take a pay cut for part time or another job. Has anyone else done full time employment at the same time as a Rad, program, and if so, how hard is it?

Second, I'm interested in the "externship" they mentioned. Am I looking at 8 hours a day of clinicals, or is it only 3 or 4? If it helps, I'm looking at PMI-Tucson, Arizona. Although I know I can push myself to work 8 hours and then do another 8 of clinicals with minimal sleep, I don't really want to! Smile

I'm scrutinizing every angle of this before I enroll and before I am only able to see my family once or twice a week for many months. PMI's website is exceedingly vague, and I'm sure this information session I'm scheduled for is not going to touch on any negative aspects so I appreciate any replies. Thanks!
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hjhogle · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2009 8:39 am Post subject: SORRY FOR THE LENGTH OF THIS POST

Good for you for researching before you uproot your life, and for being willing to do whatever.

TRADITIONALLY - externship isn't really a good descriptor - in radiography education, the program is a (roughly) 24 month, full-time committment. PMI's program results in an associate degree. Some full time days, you'll be in the classroom, other full time days, you'll be at a clinical site.

The associate degree keeps the focus on the academic year, but ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) requirements are based on completing a given number of hours in the clinical environment and demonstrating competency.

I'm not going to say that full-time school and full-time work can't be done - but I would try to discourage anyone who was thinking about it. The loss of cognitive skills and poor reactions that result from lack of sleep and being overextended means - you are not likely to perform well either in your current law-enforcement position or at school.

Sometime within the last year, someone posted a link here with a list of part-time radiography programs and I thought I saved it - can't find it. I did an internet search for 'part-time radiography program' - I did get hits, like
http://ribiobank.org/rih/services/diagimag/school/radiologic/evening/ for Rhode Island Hospital.

I also found this description of PIMA Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
The associate's degree in radiological technology at Pima Community College trains students in diagnostic medical imaging and the operation of radiological equipment. Courses in radiographic positioning, medical imaging technology and clinical education prepare radiology students to take the medical radiography exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which qualifies them for employment in hospitals and doctors' offices. This 2-year program can be completed on weekdays or through evening and weekend classes.

NOTE - For any program that you find, please make certain that it is accredited by one of the following
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
- Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
- Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)
- Regional Institutional Accrediting Agencies (degree-granting divisions)
- Conjoint Accreditation Services of the Canadian Medical Association
- Australian Institute of Radiography

If you attend a program that is not accredited by one of the above agencies, you will not be permitted to take the national certification exam, and there are few (if any) places in the US that will hire you. For a list of accredited educational programs, visit the ARRT website here:
https://www.arrt.org/index.html?content=nd/listOfSchools.ndm/listSchools&iframe=yes

I wish you luck
hjh, RT

luckoftheirish · Joined: 17 Oct 2009 Posts: 3

Thank you for your response. I have one more question, if that's alright. If I'm lucky enough to get enrolled and receive a start date I plan on taking one or two classes to get acclimated to the material before hand. Which class would be the most beneficial: Physics, Biology, College Algebra, or Anatomy & Physiology. They're all 101 introductory level. Thanks for you time.
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hjhogle · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 5:45 am Post subject:

Any of the ones you mentioned is a good choice.

I don't know how your math skill are, but if you have the chance to take Physics on its own, that would be great. I found it the most difficult.

Good luck

hjh, RT

CigarPete · Power User Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 118

I did full time school and full time work and I can tell you.. it can be done. It's very difficult but it can be done. It all depends on how bad you want it.

And hopefully by the time you get out of Radiology school.. there will be some jobs open.

Good Luck

Pete

wvaio · Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 82

Hjh is right. Physics for sure.