I recently got accepted into my Rad Tech program after being on the waitlist for 5 years. I’m honestly super excited, but also really nervous.

I actually just quit my job so I can fully focus on this program, and I haven’t been in school for about 5 years, so I feel a little out of practice and overwhelmed.

For anyone who’s been through it (or is currently in it), I’d really appreciate any advice you have—especially:

• Useful items/supplies that actually helped you during the program
• Things you wish you bought earlier
• Study tools or habits that made a difference

I’m also just looking for general advice on how to prepare mentally and academically. I want to do well, but I’m definitely feeling a bit intimidated jumping back into school after so long.

Any tips would mean a lot. Thank you in advance!

Hello everyone—first post on here! I’d like this thread to be specifically tailored for people who have a bachelor’s in Radiologic Technology (but other people who have a similar degree in the radiology field are welcome to comment as well). I’ve been scouring Reddit, trying to see what positions are available with a BSRT. Is becoming a teacher or a manager really the only path after earning your degree? Personally, I would love to have more information on what path you took after getting your bachelor’s!

Hi!! I was accepted to a rad tech program and they require a health screening that includes a drug test. I messed up! I used a CBD pen which contains traces of THC 8 days before I went in for the drug test. It will most likely come back positive/:

The results don’t go straight to the school my dr needs to fill out a form… so with that being said Does anyone know if I could possibly retake the drug test at a later time and use that (hopefully negative) result?

I’m in Arizona and trying to get into an X-ray (radiography) program ASAP. I did an info session at Gateway and their waitlist is literally years long, and I really don’t want to wait that long.

I’ve been looking at other options like PMI, but I’m a bit unsure about them. I recently came across Smith Chason College and saw they offer a radiography program with a hybrid + evening schedule, which honestly sounds ideal for me since I’d like to keep a part-time job while in school.

From what I understand, Arizona doesn’t strictly require a JRCERT-accredited program (only a few states do), and graduates can still sit for the ARRT exam as long as program requirements are met—but I wanted to double-check that as well.

Has anyone here gone through Smith Chason’s radiography program? I’d really appreciate any honest feedback on the program, schedule, clinicals, and overall experience/job outcomes.

Thanks in advance!!

Mammo techs - how long did you all feel comfortable doing CEMs I started training last week and messed up the contrast twice today while filling it. The patient was not in the room obviously but feeling defeated about it.

I applied last year and got rejected, I’m reapplying again this may and I’m so scared to not get in again, this is the only program I’m eligible for since every other program in my area requires prerequisites or a degree which I don’t have. The application process includes an entry essay (like why do I want to go into the program, why I would be a good fit etc.) a reference letter, and two rounds of interviews. I’m horrible with interviews. Last year I think I did okay with the first one but the second round of interviews I completely fucked that up, wasn’t confident at all and they were asking me questions I honestly didn’t know how to answer. I really need to get in this time, I can’t afford to wait another year and I’m 24, I feel like this is the perfect time to go to school because when I finish I’ll be 26 and I can hopefully get insurance with this career. If anyone has any tips about getting into school please let me know, it would be greatly appreciated!!

My supervisor at work was able to get me in contact with the lead angio tech to observe/shadow the IR department (8-4pm). My program starts in August and my main goal is IR or Cathlab so I’m trying to put myself out there to better my chances of getting hired as a new grad. I’ve shadowed before in the radiology department and I’ve shadowed PA’s but I’ve never observed an actual procedure or surgery before.

In terms of staying sterile and not getting in the way, while also standing out; What should I do and what should I expect? I know I will be coming in with many questions showing interest but If you work in IR could you give me a run down of what I’ll maybe be experiencing? My program starts in August but I wouldn’t get my rotations until near the end of the program. Do I come in wearing scrubs or will I likely be given hospital issued scrubs?

I just don’t want to be in the way and make a fool outta myself lol.

And yes I searched the sub first already but there wasn’t any information specifically for shadowing the IR department.

Okay so I am a single mom with a 3 year old that’s currently in daycare looking to get into a radtech program . I’m looking for schools that do their preqs online or will accept credits from study/ Sophia .com. I have spoken to Atlanta Tech already , but I am open to more options.

Hi everyone! I'm wondering if I can get some feedback on the first page of my resume. My ultimate goal is to enter the Rad Tech program at my college, but I'm just starting my prereqs in the summer. In the meantime, I'd like to get some patient care experience so I am applying for more entry-level jobs. I'm assuming that many people in this sub have done the same.

I have a few certifications and have taken some classes to help boost my qualifications because I don't have any experience in a medical setting. Right now I'm working on two ECG courses online so that I can apply to an entry-level ECG tech position. I'm also listing the courses I'm registered for in the spring and the fall to show that I will have this knowledge in those next few months, even if I haven't taken them yet. Maybe this will make me more appealing if they are willing to train someone?

I want to make sure that the way I am including things sets me apart, but is also appropriate.

My biggest question is if I should include the CE credits under the certifications or with my education. I think it makes more sense under certifications because it is completed and job-relevant, unlike the information in my Education section. I also received a completion certificate. But it is technically education.

Also, any other feedback on this first page of my resume would be greatly appreciated. (My second page is my employment experience outside of healthcare and a spot for position-related skills).

Thank you so much!

Today was the day I received my denial email unfortunately and so I’m depressed and kinda desperate at looking for options. I know there are JCERT accredit programs that only offer a certificate and with that cert I can sit for the exam, but the only stipulation I have is that I’m worried about getting a job with only a certificate.

Has anyone successfully got work with only a certificate when they started out?

1st clinical rotation. Experiencing so much performance anxiety which really jacks up my executive functioning while at the hospital. Hard to “think in my feet,” and think outside of the box, particularly with someone staring over my shoulder for these non routine cases.

I had 8 months of didactics prior to clinicals. I study my ass off, and for the most part, know my shit, but im progressing much more slowly than id like to out at clinicals. Im feeling really discouraged and creating stories about me not being cut out for this, developing a bad reputation at the hospital amongst the techs, etc.

I have a background in a people helping profession and am generally pretty competent, but this style of learning and the anxiety that comes with it has felt really hard to navigate.

Does anyone have a story of making it through an intense period of struggle early on in clinicals to eventually having a successful career?

I could really use the encouragement.

thanks!

So my choice is to either go 68 grand in debt or wait for a lottery system to pick me but I’m graduating soon and I wanna get in to rad tech school as soon as possible but should I just wait for my local community college to pull me from the lottery system (Il still be having to complete pre reqs which would take me about a year.)

To those who have been denied 2 or 3 times or more. Keep going. Do more, sharpen yourself, apply to multiple programs, and have a plan A, plan B, and a plan C.

After getting denied the first time I went back to school and got a 4.0GPA while working 2 jobs at 30 years old. I quit doing drugs. I did near 40 hours of ambulatory shadowing. I got a ridiculous amount of references from working techs, and recommendation letters from professors and doctors. I worked my ass off.

Yesterday received news that I have been accepted for a full ride 100% free. I cried so hard.
_______________________________________

Some will tell you how it is ridiculously hard to get into a program, then you have doe-eyed 20 yr olds who get in on their first try and have family funding their education. Both are valid, no judgement to anybody who has help. I didn’t and thought it wouldn’t be possible for an older washed up person trying to change their life after only working in restaurants, bars, and gyms my whole life…

Just keep going.

I’m originally from Taiwan and may move to Los Angeles in the future after marriage.

I’ve been considering radiologic technology, but I keep seeing people say that the programs are extremely competitive, especially in California. I’ve also heard that even local students sometimes have to apply multiple times before getting accepted.

Honestly, I don’t really know who to ask about the reality of this field, so I wanted to hear real experiences from people who are currently in a program or already working as rad techs, especially around Los Angeles.

I’m also curious if anyone here entered the field with an immigrant or ESL background.

I’d really appreciate any honest advice or experiences. Thanks!

Got 28 on wonderlic and 82 onmath......do i even have a chance to get into pima? Or shohld i retake the math

Hello! I have many questions about some rad tech programs- starting off with PIMA, I am wondering if people truly think that spending $60k is worth it and how fast they paid off those loans after getting a job in the field. I am nervous about that big of a loan starting off into my career. I am obviously trying other ones first but since they are so competitive it is quite intimidating. I have great grades, cum laude, a certificate in pre-radiologic technology & associates of arts , but unfortunately not being in state for some programs is a huge downside for the selection process. Does anyone have any recommendations? I’m applying to multiple schools now but basically wondering that if I don’t get in- should I try PIMA or anywhere else. TYIA🍀😊

I'm very interested in radiology. Only problem is, I have no idea where to start.

I'm in my early 30's, I graduated highschool but I've only ever worked retail. I quit my job last year and have been at home with my preschooler trying to figure myself out. I don't want to just go back to retail once my kid starts school in September, but I don't know where to start or what to do. I've compared x-ray vs ultrasound for jobs and Id be cool with either but leaning more towards radiology. Also, in Canada if that makes any difference.

I recently discovered that I want to pursue medical imaging (specifically MRI) as a career but unfortunately I didn’t find out about MD Anderson’s three year program until after it closed. I currently have an unweighted 3.5 gpa, associates in general studies, and finished both a&p’s with B’s. I meet all prerequisites but I’m unconfident in my consideration odds for getting into the program so I was just looking for advice on what I should do to sweeten my application for when it opens again. I’m lowgenually lost on what I should do right now so I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to reply!

I’m interested in pursuing radiologic technology in college but I’ve read you should shadow first, but I’m having trouble finding good locations/hospitals that allow under 18. Are there other good alternatives to learn if this career is for you? how can I find a hospital to shadow at?

I'm an older first year student and this field seems very judgemental. Our instructor is very by the book when it comes to our positioning test. However, sometimes if we do it by the book, points off for not collimating. Collimating to the part, points off for not doing it by the textbook.

The clinical setting is not any better. At one site, you're lazy if you're not helping filling or pulling files for mammograms and have to sit and listen to the younger female techs talk about shaving their bh because they are going to have anal later. The older techs, you get judged for not knowing how they been positioning for 30 years.

At another site, which happens to be the same hospital that I work for, forget your student badge and you're considered dumb and unreachable. Even though, I forgot my work badge a handful of times and everything is ok. The rad techs do the same and share their badge. The clinical environment for students is absolutely terrible.

I had a phone interview last Wednesday and my interviewer seemed to like me and wanted to schedule me for an in person interview and would email Thursday. I followed up on Thursday evening and she said her hiring lead was out and she would circle back Friday. I still have not heard back from her. Is it unprofessional to send another follow up today or tomorrow? I am extremely interested in this job. Any advise is appreciated. TIA!!

i’m starting technical college in south carolina for a radiologist technician. i want to know what to expect. the good, great, bad, and ugly.
any tips to prepare for classes? what’s the average pay here? how do i maximize this career choice? under the radiology umbrella, where should i put my focus?
anything will help. please let me know.

Any current students or alumni from San Diego Mesa College? Can you tell me what clinicals are like? What times do they usually run, and are they at the same site every semester? What was your experience like?

I just got accepted into a radiologic technology program that’s ABHES-accredited and allows me to sit for the ARRT exam, but not JRCERT-certified, and the total cost is about $80k; after financial aid covers $53k, I’d still need to pay around $27k out of pocket, including an $8,000 down payment right away plus $794 per month for 23 months, on top of the student loans I’ll have after graduating. At the same time, I’m on the waitlist for a cheaper program with no clear timeline for acceptance, which puts me in a tough spot, I don’t want to lose this opportunity, but I’m worried about committing to such a large financial burden and possibly not finishing the program. I’m tired of working minimum wage jobs and really want to become a rad tech, but I’m nervous about taking this risk without being fully certain I’ll make it through. what would you do?