i need some facts

scotchlite5 · Joined: 06 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

hello to all
I have just been accepted into the radiologic science program at St. Johns university in queens new york. the program consists of two years at the college and another two years at a separate school where I get didactic education, and my last year is clinical experience. I graduate with a bachelors and I am qualified to get my license.
even more good news.
i just finished my first year, and there allowing me into the other school this fall. that means i can apply for my license after my third year, and could start applying to jobs. this would give me around two years of experience, and then i come back to st. johns for my last year(while hopefully working) and get my bachelors in rad science.
now I've done a lot of research, but i want to know from experts.. what kind of salary will i be making in 2012, working in queens or Bronx NY. with a bachelors and around two years experience as a tech.
also can i apply for jobs such as supervisor..etc
thanks for reading, and thanks for any help!!!

hjhogle · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject:

If I read your post correctly, you will be starting a Radiography program this fall, is that correct? When will you be eligible to take the national certification exam (ARRT)?

Just a quick note so that your expectations are not out of whack.

Time spent as a student is not considered "experience" as a technologist.

When you look for your first job, you'll be looking for entry-level, no experience.

Good luck
hjh, RT

scotchlite5 · Joined: 06 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

i will be eligible to take the exam by 2011. and the dean of my college said that since the clinical year means that you will be in the hospitals, it does count as experience, but it sounds like you would know better.
I wanted to know what kind of salary i would expect from a license and a bachelors degree in radiologic science, while working in nyc. I've done a lot of research, but i want an experienced opinion. I know that it doesn't matter how much i make, as long as you like your job, but I'm just curious.

hjhogle · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:54 pm Post subject:

Try here: http://www.salary.com/

They search for salary ranges based on zip code, and I would bet that there would be significant differences based on exactly where in NY you're looking.

Personally, I think you've made a very smart move - getting your degree now will put you ahead later on.

Good luck

hjh, RT

scotchlite5 · Joined: 06 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

yes thank you, I've been on that website and others, and different websites give me different salaries. I figured with a bachelors degree, would the 50,000 a year range be close? that's the national salary, but in NYC..it seems even higher. thanks again for your help!!!

hjhogle · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:06 pm Post subject:

In the short-term, having a 4-year degree may not start you off as high as you think - many facilities don't pay higher for new grads with a degree - they care about whether or not you're nationally certified/state licensed ... not much other than that.

Having the degree will come in useful as you change gears in the future to enter admin/education or other paths.

hjh, RT

scotchlite5 · Joined: 06 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

ok so..i get my license and work as a tech for three years, and get my bachelors. so with three years experience and a bachelors degree what kind of jobs can i apply for, and what kind of salary am i expecting...just curious

Sidney · Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 73

I would recommend looking at your school to answer these questions. They should have some sort of career guidance counselor that might be able to better answer questions about your specific area of the country.

And yes, clincial time is definitely experience, but it falls under "education" as a student on your resume, not under "employment" as a technologist.

No one knows what salaries will be like 3 years from now....hopefully higher than they are right now.