question from a felon

b00sted · Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl

I am seriously considering going into school for radiology, but ive made some serious mistakes in my past. Mistakes that'll follow me indefinitely for the rest of my life. I am not a sex offender, just a recovering drug addict. Will it be pointless for me to pursue this career path? Because I know I would have to pass a background check for nursing school. I'm choosing this path because radiologists do not deal with narcotics. I hope someone understands where I'm coming from. Thanks.

hjhogle · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 11:32 pm Post subject:

b00sted - couple of things to note.

A Radiologist is a licensed, expert physician whose specialty is the interpretation of diagnostic images. Some additionally treat patients. After high school graduation, they spend the next 12+ years in training.

A Radiographer is a nationally certified (occasionally also state licensed) professional whose specialty is the creation of diagnostic images. After high school, we spend the next 2+ years in training.

As for the other - I get it.

I've been a Radiographer since 1979. I've worked in most of the modalities (except NM, which I wasn't interested in and MR which didn't exist when I got started). I've been a shift supervisor, worked in administration, taught in a college program and in a hospital certificate program. I've now been in Imaging IT for 10+ years.

Not a drug addict, but I've been sober since 1993. What you propose is do-able (maybe a little tough, maybe a little complicated), either as a Radiographer or should you decide to go into Nursing. You'll have to jump through a lot more hoops than the average Joe.

For Radiography, call (you may not find the specifics you're looking for on the web) the ARRT - (651) 687-0048 EXT 8580 (the Ethics section) for their assistance in determining if you will ever be eligible for national certification if you enter school.

For Nursing, contact the State Board of Nursing in your state.

You can also email me if you'd like me to talk to you about my experience.
radiographer@comcast.net

Good luck, whatever you decide.
hjh, RT