Right reasons to pursue Radiology Technology?

WannabeRadTech · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 19

Intresting.

Anyway, from what I understand about different careers....it seems you can either choose a mentally stressful career or a physically stressful one

Pick your poison Confused

hjhogle · Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 5:25 pm Post subject:

Yup - it's ALWAYS about choices.

I've always loved construction. I LOVE powertools, have a garage full. I actually don't know what all of them DO, but I have the tools just in case. (For my 35th birthday, also the year I got divorced, my folks bought me my first power drill. I love that drill, still own it.)

So why didn't I go into construction? Well, 30 years ago, there weren't many women going into construction and the work is too physically demanding. There are those who think that lugging cassettes (they were a lot heavier in the old days) and pushing portables, lifting dead-weight patients is just as hard. And maybe it is. But at least it's indoors!

So I picked my poison and I've been content with my choices ever since. Moving into education (I did that a few times), then into admin, and finally landing on IT has all been about changing my mind about what I wanted.

Good luck, whatever you decide
hjh, RT

WannabeRadTech · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 19

Thanks for the pep talk.

It seems engineering would take it's tole on you too........working long hours traveling....getting mentally burned out

Which would you say is better in the long run?

EDIT: After reading a engineering forum, it looks like engineers sometimes have to work 80 and up hour weeks.....that's gonna do a number on me in my 40s.

It's REALLY a hard choice to make. Do I wear my body out and have pain when I am old.....or do I kill myself early from mental stress.

What to do...what to do...

EDIT: Looks like you can get into less physically demanding jobs in radiology like IT.

I guess that is comforting

hjhogle · Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:36 pm Post subject:

Don't forget, it's ALL about choices. I work in Radiology IT which doesn't sound demanding, right?

I work 55-60 hours/week. I care for aging/ailing parents, attend school half time. I'm about to move my household, which includes 3 adults, 2 dogs, 2 cats and and multiple half-finished projects.

My workday includes hiking all over a medium-sized city (walking is better than trying to find a place to park your car) - today I did two trips while carrying a 19" computer monitor an addition to my briefcase and a projector.

And my life is only as demanding as I allow. I love it this way, wouldn't trade it for anything.

Oh, and I love naps. Smile

You choose your life. After all, not making a choice IS a choice.

hjh, RT

954heat · Joined: 29 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: south florida

i believe the original question was the right reason(s) to pursue radiology technology? well ill just throw my 2 cents in here lol i think you should pursue it because its something your interested in. i think you said your split between this or engineering, i would get into which ever one you would enjoy more. i got into radiology technology because i wanted to get into mri and thats a common pathway into it. and now im about half way done with my mri program and recently i've been scanning patients on my own, and actually today at clinicals, as i was doing an exam i thought, i really enjoy what i do, i'm actually one of those people that enjoys there jobs( or will once i get my mri license and start working) i dont know if my little story helped but what i mean is whatever you decide to do be it radiology, engineering, or something else you should pick something you think you will enjoy. good luck!

hjhogle · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:00 am Post subject:

Good answer, heat.

Every time I see posts from folks whose focus is "can I make a lot of money in radiography" I groan. For heaven's sake. You'll spend at least 1/3 of your life working - do something because you're passionate about it or at least, is something you enjoy. You'll end up hating anything you do if your primary motivation is money.

Thanks
hjh, RT

WannabeRadTech · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 19

Well, I think I have come to my choice. I shall pursue Radiology Technology.

One other question, is it possible to take the 2 year degree from a community college and somehow turn that into a Bachelors in MRI.

hjhogle · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:48 am Post subject:

Yes and no.

It IS possible to take a 2-year degree and turn it into a 4-year degree. While it is FINALLY possible to earn a 4-year degree in Radiologic Sciences, there is no such thing as either a 2- or 4-year degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Think of it this way. You might earn a degree in American Literature, but you wouldn't earn a degree in writing novels, even though that is how you make your living.

You can earn a degree in Law, but not in personal injury, even if that's your specialty.

Does that make sense?

And welcome aboard. I think radiography is a terrific choice and it sounds like you've thought it through. Glad to have you.

hjh, RT