potential student with questions

feralnostalgia · Joined: 25 Oct 2009 Posts: 1

hey all. I'm considering a Rad-Tech program nearby and i'm wondering if you could give me some feedback:

best and worst parts about the job?

After several years as a social science student I decided I wanted to do something other than professional think at people when I graduated, and got interested in the allied health fields. I did one semester of nursing school largely because I love the stability and the honest nature of medical work, but I got cold feet and withdrew from the program, afraid my weak stomach would overpower my natural tendency towards nurturing. Radiology seems really cool, and I'm partially interested in it due to a prior interest in Anthropology (high tech non-invasive investigation techniques ftw!), so I'm wondering if ya'll could provide me with some feedback. is this a computer/desk job, or are you always on your feet like nurses? how involved is the patient care? do you feel respected by coworkers? was it hard to find a job? is an associate's degree enough to get work or do you really need a BS? would you pick radiology again? what would you do differently?

the program I'm looking at lets you pick up to 2 specialties, mammography, CT, MRI, and vascular systems. which would you pick and why?

thanks!

hjhogle · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:07 pm Post subject:

I'd be fascinated to hear what potential (accredited?) program you're considering that "lets you pick up to 2 specialties, mammography, CT, MRI, and vascular systems" before you've even become an RT.

In the meantime.

General radiography ... this is not a desk job. You'll be on your feet, involved with your job and your patients every minute that you're on shift. You'll be lifting patients, pushing portable machines, moving other equipment - this profession is physically demanding. Patient care is a significant part of what we do. Students are expected to experience all of it and it isn't always pretty. I've been thrown up on, pooped on, bled on. Punched in the gut once by a ER patient on PCP.

And I wouldn't change my career choice for any amount of money. I've done a lot of different things, worked from Florida almost to the Canadian border. I've never found it difficult to find a job, but in the current economic environment with an excess of Radiography graduates out there, new graduates are finding it tough.

I've usually felt respected in the hospitals I've worked in, others do not feel that way.

And by all means, if you are able, I would encourage you to go for the 4-year degree. Begining in 2015, you will not be eligible for national certification if you do not have a 2-year degree - having been active in the profession for the last 30 years, it makes sense to me that it won't be long after that the 4-year degree becomes the norm.

hjh, RT