Radiology Forums

mmartinez527 · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 5

Hello everyone. I just interviewed at Nassau Community College for their Radiation Therapy Program. While waiting for my interview I started chatting with other applicants. Every applicant I spoke to indicated that this was their 2nd year applying to the program. I wish I would have asked this during my interview, but I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of a mandatory rejection for first time applicants? Being that they only accept 11 students for the program, I thought this might be a way for them to weed out the people that are less committed. One important bit of information, these 2nd year applicants all lacked API, APII, and a few other courses when they first applied to the program. While these classes are not prerequisites for this particular program, I would like to believe that this could have been a factor for them not getting into the program the first time they applied.

I hope this makes sense Rolling Eyes

I look forward to hearing your responses.

Thanks so much.

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 608 Location: CT

Taught in several programs - never heard of such a thing, can't imagine that a reputable school would operate like that.

I think you're reaching. The fact is - they had only 11 spots. With many applicants, plenty will be left over to apply again a second year.

As far as courses that are not pre reqs? Again .. more applicants than spots. Those who have more experience/education/drive ... that indefinable something .. they take the applicants they feel are the best qualified.

Just apply, do your best. If you don't get in this school, try another. Reevaluate if you still want to be a Radiation Therapist - if you do, contact the school that turned you down. Ask them what they recommend that would make you a more attractive prospect and try again next year.

Good luck
hjh, RT

mmartinez527 · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 5

Thanks for the response, and I agree; I’m definitely reaching with the mandatory rejection thing. I understand that these types of programs are highly completive. Therefore, I completed as many classes as I could (API, APII, Algebra..etc.) prior to applying to the program and I was thrilled when I was selected to be interviewed.

The interview started out very well, I was told that my grades were strong and that my admissions essay was beautifully written. Next I was asked to describe my life, which I did. I mentioned that I had one child, and was then asked how old I was, and if I planned on having any more children. After assuring them that I was not having any more children, one of the interviewers asked about my marital status. I understood at the time where they were going with these types of questions, but feel a little discouraged because these were the only types of questions I was asked.

I guess all I can do is wait and see what happens.

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 608 Location: CT

Yeah, the unfortunate thing is that, once you weed out applicants who are less qualified, you may still be left with a large group.

So, within this group of highly qualified individuals .. how do you choose? It's incredibly difficult. It's usually a combination of things. The experience of the director/instructors (who have thought long and hard about "what makes a good therapist") is key.

Don't be discouraged, it may not be what you think. Some instructors I know prefer women with children (especially if they're not planning on becomign pregnant any time soon). Mothers .. in general ... are compassionate people and usually develop a good rapport with their patients.

So.

Good luck

mmartinez527 · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 5

Looking at it from the perspective of the people conducting the interviews gives me a migraine. With only eleven seats available and so many applicants they have a tremendous amount of stress. It makes sense that they don’t sugar coat anything during the interview process. If I didn’t know how grueling the program was prior to being interviewed, I might have thought they were trying to discourage me from pursing this career.

Anyway, thanks for all of the great advice, it was a pleasure talking to you. I’ll let you know whether I get accepted or not.