New to this..

MYPINKSHOESTRING · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 1

Hello, I am a Medical Transcriptionist/Bartender/Student/Wife/Mom and a couple other things here and there.

Anyways, I wanted to join this forum because I decided to go back to school and get my Associates in Applied Sciences, what we call the degree for Radiology Technician. I am here because first of all, I haven't even been accepted, yet I havent applied. The program doesn't start until 2010, which is fine, I figure I will get all my classes out of the way that are required to graduate from the program.
(Biology, Math, Speech, Political Science..ect)

I guess I am here to ask is there anything that will make me stand out to get into the program? I work at a hospital now, not sure if they look at that and my GPA is a 3.8 and I know they look at those things, but do I have to write a paper or type up a resume type thing? I know there is an interview, but I am so nervous. I am hoping by taking all the classes ahead of time that they will see it as I am focusing on just the program.

So, if anyone has any advice they would like to lend me I would love to listen. And any advice about if it easy to obtain a job in this field. Just some ins and outs before I dive head first into the Radiology Technician program. Surprised

hjhogle · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 1:57 pm Post subject:

Congratulations. It's a rewarding field and is not for everyone. If you're going into this to make money, I suspect you will not be happy later. If you're going into this because it interests you or you feel otherwise drawn to it, there's almost nothing you can't do.

Our profession, like many others, is cyclical. Something like this - As you might imagine, our field will change but never be obsolete - there will always be sick patients needing our services. ..... More sick people? Oh my gosh, we need more radiographers, there's a shortage!
1. Schools add instructors and classes to open more spots for students to graduate.
2. New schools open (because they can make $... after all, there's a shortage!)

What do you know. They pump out so many graduates and fewer of us boomers retire (can't afford to) that .. you guessed it. Many more RT's than jobs out there.
3. Schools cut enrollment,
4. Some schools close altogether.

What happens next? Go back to #1 & #2.

We're currently in this kind of slump. Don't let it rattle you, the pendulum will swing back the other way - the market has behaved like this for the entire 29 years I've been at this.

It's a remarkable and ever-changing field. I love healthcare (although it's incredibly different than it was when I started), I love patients, I love technology and I have NEVER fallen out of love with this profession.

Don't sweat it. Get your pre-reqs out of the way (smart move). Youi're already working in healthcare - that's a real plus. So many of us (like I did) came to this with no exposure to clinical environments. My class of 27 dropped to 14 after the first two weeks of clinicals. That won't happen to you, because you're already accustomed to what happens here. Stay focused on and be able to clearly verbalize WHY YOU WANT TO DO THIS. Stand up straight, look people in the eye and behave like the adult you are. That'll go a long way, believe me.

I wish you well, good luck
hjh, RT

azradgirl · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 36 Location: Mesa, AZ

Yeah, another mom going back to school! Taking pre-reqs is required before getting into the program at my school. They won't even interview you unless you will be done with pre-reqs before the program starts. So what you are doing is smart. Sounds like you will have a very good chance in being accepted with your background. I'm going to see if I can do some volunteer work with the Radiology department this next year to help me get into the program.