Radiology Forums

radio_activity · Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 62

I'm 23 years of age and overthinking the subject of how bad do I really want to become a Radiologic Technologist. The grade competition is something I never thought I'd become apart of, before I thought school was just a bunch of overrated b/s but I see some light in how school really does help you in several insightful ways. I just want to know how this profession affects your everyday lives, for better or for worse? Do you dedicate yourself to this profession off the job? Are you constantly thinking about the days ahead of you? And, are there any of you currently in here thinking of changing your radiologic technologist profession for something else? Well, I'd appreciate any comments and advice given. It will be put to use within my thought process. In advance, thank you. This is quite a good forum and am appreciative for the opportunity.

ionized · Joined: 14 Oct 2006 Posts: 3 Location: TX

Hi, I can understand where you're coming from. I'm an RT student right now and when I started I was really unsure about whether or not it was something I wanted to do. It's the best and hardest decision I ever made. As far as carrying it with you everyday, you do. The biggest thing I've noticed is how technical you are when refering to body parts when talking to people not in the healthcare field. You also carry your patients with you. I go to school at a hospital so I'm in clinical A LOT and you see the same ptients over and over so you get to know them. It's hard to see people die and suffer, but that's why we do it. We do it in the hopes that we can help them get better and help them get out of the hospital and that makes it all worth it. I love doing this so much that I also enrolled in a nuclear medicine program and will later enroll in radiation therapy and dosimetry. There are so many opportunities and so many specialties that there's pretty much something for everyone, even if being an x-ray tech doesn't excite you that much. There's CT, Ultrasound, MRI, Nuc Med......just hang in there!
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Take a deep breath and hold it!

MurphyMobile · Moderator Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 148 Location: WNC

radio_activity-

You are being hard on yourself. You are only 23 yrs. old. Why not
wait to you feel better about the idea of going into the radiologic technology
field.

You can still go to school and take classes that will be needed to enter
the program. But do not let the pressure of a time frame keep you from
enjoying life.

I was 24 when I went into the program 26 yrs. ago. I was the oldest at the
time. I could not imagine going into college immediately after h.s. That
is where I think parents have put a lot of pressure on thier children.

The field of radiology is a great one for me. I have enjoyed it over the years. I never considered it a career, but after 26 yrs, I guess I should.

If you go into the field like it will be a job, you need to take some time
off from school and do something new and different.

MM Cool

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littlegreek25 · Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Posts: 4

Hi I live in AZ and I just found out that the school I want to go to (Gateway) has a 2-3 year waiting list to get in. I want to be a Radiation Technologist. Are there classes I could take while I'm waiting to get into the program that would help me once I get into Gateway? Does the Radiation Therapist program have pre-requisite classes that I'll need? Thank you for your help. Smile