7 answers
Juan-Pablo
Student
Durham, North Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
2190 views
Radiology/Radiography and where to start!
Hello, This is my first time writing here, I am interested in my career pathway of becoming a radiologist or radiographer! Any tip's internship wise and what to expect? I Wake Tech has a radiography program and was wondering if that would be a good start? I am getting my Associate in Sciences's at Durham tech and want to broaden my spectrum in the Healthcare/Science field as I like helping people. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
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7 answers
Nicole Haut
MRI technologist
12
Answers
Anchorage, Alaska
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
I’m a radiology tech with 18.5 years experience and I graduated from the Wake Tech program so I think I can help you with this. To begin, seems you may want to first decide if you want to become a doctor or a technologist. If you are tending towards radiological technologist, I can tell you that Wake Tech’s program was stellar back in the day and likely still is. Should this be your chosen path, you may want to be in touch with them sooner rather than later as there may be fewer seats for the program than there are applicants. If this is the case, you may need to wait a year or more to be accepted.
Decide whether you want to go to medical school or tech school.
If tech school is your path, get a copy of the most recent student catalog and become familiar with requirements for acceptance into the program.
Consider making an appointment to meet with the director of the program or one of the instructors and have a list of any questions you have after looking at the catalog. This serves the dual purpose of them meeting you, knowing your name, and hopefully remembering you positively as they sort through all their applications.
Do your best to get nothing but As in your current classes - this helps to make you a better candidate for earlier selection into the program.
If it’s going to be a semester or more before switching from your current school to Wake Tech, take one or more of Wake’s required preliminary courses like A+P. If you do this, be certain that you are taking the exact course that will transfer to Wake. This can be a question during your conversation with the program director. These are the classes you want to do especially well in as they may be used in a points system to determine who gets into the program and how quickly. Finally, try to volunteer at either Wake Medical or Rex Hospital to get a feel for the hospital environment and patient care in general. This will help you decide if you truly want to work with patients at all or in a hospital or clinic. And it will make you that much stronger of a candidate for the program. Good luck!
Nicole recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for your response! And yes I do want to work on the technological aspect of radiology, and I like to work with my hands and like to help others, Since I am currently a student at Durham Tech I know I can take courses here that will transfer as credits to Wake Tech due to a partnership between the two if I'm not mistaken. I also have a question, what is an A+P? & Is there anything else from your known and vast experience that could help me in my journey, apprenticeship and course wise? If so, that would be greatly appreciated! And thank you again, truly!
Juan-Pablo
I only had an 800 character limit to respond to you, so I amended my original post to include my answer
Nicole Haut
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
265
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Radiographers or Radiologic Technician's operate state of the art energy or particle radiation machines or equipments such as X-ray, Gamma ray, MRI scan, CT scan, Ultrasound scans machines and more... (More into machine operations, and documentation for diagnoses)
Radiologists delve into therapy aspects using radiant energy or radioactive particles in treatment of patients. (More into therapy).
Radiologists delve into therapy aspects using radiant energy or radioactive particles in treatment of patients. (More into therapy).
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Juan-Pablo,
Embarking on a Radiology/Radiography Career
To successfully launch a career in radiology or radiography, a robust educational background and pertinent training are fundamental. Here's a roadmap to guide you in this exciting journey:
1. Academic and Practical Training:
Enroll in a radiography or a related degree program from a recognized institution. Wake Tech, for instance, offers a comprehensive program that equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a proficient radiologic technologist.
Think about acquiring certifications like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, a requirement that many employers in this field insist on.
2. Internships and Practical Exposure:
Take advantage of internships or clinical placements during your studies to acquire hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare environment. This will enable you to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations and develop invaluable skills.
Forge connections with professionals in the field to not only secure internships but also gain insights into the daily tasks of a radiologic technologist.
3. Career Advancement:
Stay abreast of the latest developments in radiology technology and procedures by participating in conferences, workshops, and continuous education courses.
Become a member of professional bodies like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) to network with colleagues and access career development resources.
4. Career Prospects and Expectations:
The future for radiologic technologists looks bright, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As a radiologic technologist, you'll likely work in hospitals, imaging centers, clinics, or doctor's offices, conducting diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
In summary, a career in radiology/radiography can be gratifying and fulfilling for those with a passion for healthcare and science. By securing the right education, training, and experience, you can set yourself up for a successful career in this field.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): The ARRT is a premier credentialing body for radiologic technologists in the U.S., offering certification exams and setting professional standards.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: The BLS provides invaluable data on job prospects, salaries, and education prerequisites for a variety of occupations, including radiologic technologists.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT): ASRT, a professional association for radiologic technologists, provides resources, networking opportunities, and continuous education for its members.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Embarking on a Radiology/Radiography Career
To successfully launch a career in radiology or radiography, a robust educational background and pertinent training are fundamental. Here's a roadmap to guide you in this exciting journey:
1. Academic and Practical Training:
Enroll in a radiography or a related degree program from a recognized institution. Wake Tech, for instance, offers a comprehensive program that equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a proficient radiologic technologist.
Think about acquiring certifications like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, a requirement that many employers in this field insist on.
2. Internships and Practical Exposure:
Take advantage of internships or clinical placements during your studies to acquire hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare environment. This will enable you to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations and develop invaluable skills.
Forge connections with professionals in the field to not only secure internships but also gain insights into the daily tasks of a radiologic technologist.
3. Career Advancement:
Stay abreast of the latest developments in radiology technology and procedures by participating in conferences, workshops, and continuous education courses.
Become a member of professional bodies like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) to network with colleagues and access career development resources.
4. Career Prospects and Expectations:
The future for radiologic technologists looks bright, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As a radiologic technologist, you'll likely work in hospitals, imaging centers, clinics, or doctor's offices, conducting diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
In summary, a career in radiology/radiography can be gratifying and fulfilling for those with a passion for healthcare and science. By securing the right education, training, and experience, you can set yourself up for a successful career in this field.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): The ARRT is a premier credentialing body for radiologic technologists in the U.S., offering certification exams and setting professional standards.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: The BLS provides invaluable data on job prospects, salaries, and education prerequisites for a variety of occupations, including radiologic technologists.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT): ASRT, a professional association for radiologic technologists, provides resources, networking opportunities, and continuous education for its members.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Veronica Antoinette Morris
Technical Support
9
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Veronica Antoinette’s Answer
Great question! I started in radiology in college many many moons ago. I would say one of the most lucrative is in the maternal sonogram field. Babies constantly come into this world. This is a career that can branch out and develop going forward. You picked a great one!
Nicole Haut
MRI technologist
12
Answers
Anchorage, Alaska
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
I’m a radiology tech with 18.5 years experience and I graduated from the Wake Tech program so I think I can help you with this. To begin, seems you may want to first decide if you want to become a doctor or a technologist. If you are tending towards radiological technologist, I can tell you that Wake Tech’s program was stellar back in the day and likely still is. Should this be your chosen path, you may want to be in touch with them sooner rather than later as there may be fewer seats for the program than there are applicants. If this is the case, you may need to wait a year or more to be accepted
Very happy to answer any and all of your questions. Radiography is a fantastic field to get into. You can cross-train into other modalities once you’ve been in x-ray for a bit, jobs are readily available, and the pay is great, especially for being just an associates degree. “A+P” refers to anatomy and physiology. I’ve taken a quick look at Wake’s radiography program and it looks like this would be the BIOL class or classes. It also looks like there is no longer a wait list so your best chance of getting into the program would be to get the absolute highest grade in every single pre-requisite class. (When I applied, I had heard there were several hundred applicants for just 24 spots). Be CERTAIN your Durham Tech classes are exactly what you need and transfer to Wake Tech or just go ahead and transfer as a student to Wake, if possible. Know your deadlines!! The program has only 1 start per year so it isn’t like you can choose to start the program in either fall, spring, or summer. Save up as much money as you can right now to hopefully not have to work during the program. It’s a straight 5 semesters and FT of hard work, leaving not much time for anything else. Try to get some volunteer time in with patients somewhere. It will help you to know if you truly like working with sick people and it will give you a head start on learning patient care. If you want to work in a hospital, work on physical body strength . Many times you will need to help support or slide a patient into position and that can take its toll on you. Learn what makes you emotionally resilient and what works for you when you are stressed or upset. You will be meeting patients who may be at a significant turning point in their lives which has caused the need for imaging and they may come to you angry/scared/emotional, etc. you will routinely be the first to see on film what is wrong with the patient but you have to keep a poker face when talking to them and that can especially take its toll if you move on to CT and MRI and are routinely seeing strokes, tumors, and every other terrible thing the body can do to you. I may have strayed a bit from your request here, but for now just focus on what courses are required and do your very best. If you want it, you can make it happen! Feel free to ask anything more that I might be able to help with. I am registered for X-ray, CT, and MRI and I am a certified MRI safety officer. And, clearly, I’ve got a lot to say! One more point: seems small but it’s weirdly a big deal. Never call an imaging tech a technician. They should always be referred to as a technologist. Trust me. :)
Decide whether you want to go to medical school or tech school.
If tech school is your path, get a copy of the most recent student catalog and become familiar with requirements for acceptance into the program.
Consider making an appointment to meet with the director of the program or one of the instructors and have a list of any questions you have after looking at the catalog. This serves the dual purpose of them meeting you, knowing your name, and hopefully remembering you positively as they sort through all their applications.
Do your best to get nothing but As in your current classes - this helps to make you a better candidate for earlier selection into the program.
If it’s going to be a semester or more before switching from your current school to Wake Tech, take one or more of Wake’s required preliminary courses like A+P. If you do this, be certain that you are taking the exact course that will transfer to Wake. This can be a question during your conversation with the program director. These are the classes you want to do especially well in as they may be used in a points system to determine who gets into the program and how quickly. Finally, try to volunteer at either Wake Medical or Rex Hospital to get a feel for the hospital environment and patient care in general. This will help you decide if you truly want to work with patients at all or in a hospital or clinic. And it will make you that much stronger of a candidate for the program. Good luck!
Very happy to answer any and all of your questions. Radiography is a fantastic field to get into. You can cross-train into other modalities once you’ve been in x-ray for a bit, jobs are readily available, and the pay is great, especially for being just an associates degree. “A+P” refers to anatomy and physiology. I’ve taken a quick look at Wake’s radiography program and it looks like this would be the BIOL class or classes. It also looks like there is no longer a wait list so your best chance of getting into the program would be to get the absolute highest grade in every single pre-requisite class. (When I applied, I had heard there were several hundred applicants for just 24 spots). Be CERTAIN your Durham Tech classes are exactly what you need and transfer to Wake Tech or just go ahead and transfer as a student to Wake, if possible. Know your deadlines!! The program has only 1 start per year so it isn’t like you can choose to start the program in either fall, spring, or summer. Save up as much money as you can right now to hopefully not have to work during the program. It’s a straight 5 semesters and FT of hard work, leaving not much time for anything else. Try to get some volunteer time in with patients somewhere. It will help you to know if you truly like working with sick people and it will give you a head start on learning patient care. If you want to work in a hospital, work on physical body strength . Many times you will need to help support or slide a patient into position and that can take its toll on you. Learn what makes you emotionally resilient and what works for you when you are stressed or upset. You will be meeting patients who may be at a significant turning point in their lives which has caused the need for imaging and they may come to you angry/scared/emotional, etc. you will routinely be the first to see on film what is wrong with the patient but you have to keep a poker face when talking to them and that can especially take its toll if you move on to CT and MRI and are routinely seeing strokes, tumors, and every other terrible thing the body can do to you. I may have strayed a bit from your request here, but for now just focus on what courses are required and do your very best. If you want it, you can make it happen! Feel free to ask anything more that I might be able to help with. I am registered for X-ray, CT, and MRI and I am a certified MRI safety officer. And, clearly, I’ve got a lot to say! One more point: seems small but it’s weirdly a big deal. Never call an imaging tech a technician. They should always be referred to as a technologist. Trust me. :)
Nicole recommends the following next steps:
Martin Schoen
APRN
282
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
The phrase "sky's the limit" perfectly encapsulates the growth potential in the field of radiology, thanks to advancements in technology. The opportunities are not just confined to X-rays, but also extend to CAT Scans, MRI, Ultrasound, and several other semi-invasive techniques to examine the human body.
To embark on this journey, you would need a foundation in basic sciences, anatomy, and physiology. Physics and mathematics also play a crucial role in all radiology fields. Once you've completed a basic program, you can choose to specialize in a variety of fields. These specializations can be pursued through dedicated courses or on-the-job training. It's important to note that most specialty areas will likely require some form of certification upon completion.
While some of these areas may necessitate an affiliation with a healthcare facility, there are others that do not. For instance, as an ultrasound technician, you have the option to work independently, contracting your services to physicians or medical groups, and even running your own business. So, find what truly sparks your interest and climb the ladder from there. The radiology field is ripe with opportunities, and with determination and hard work, you can reach for the stars!
To embark on this journey, you would need a foundation in basic sciences, anatomy, and physiology. Physics and mathematics also play a crucial role in all radiology fields. Once you've completed a basic program, you can choose to specialize in a variety of fields. These specializations can be pursued through dedicated courses or on-the-job training. It's important to note that most specialty areas will likely require some form of certification upon completion.
While some of these areas may necessitate an affiliation with a healthcare facility, there are others that do not. For instance, as an ultrasound technician, you have the option to work independently, contracting your services to physicians or medical groups, and even running your own business. So, find what truly sparks your interest and climb the ladder from there. The radiology field is ripe with opportunities, and with determination and hard work, you can reach for the stars!
Pamela Knight
Student
109
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Juan-Pablo
I will be praying🙏🏾 with you on decision making.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Hello! It's great to hear that you're interested in pursuing a career in Radiology or Radiography. Starting with Wake Tech's radiography program sounds like a good step, as it will provide you with the necessary education and training to enter the field. Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and network with professionals in the field. I would recommend reaching out to local hospitals or imaging centers to inquire about internship opportunities. It's important to stay dedicated to your studies and continue to seek out opportunities for professional development. Good luck on your journey! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Wishing you great success!
Remember to choose what you love❤️
_Professional Pamela Knight
I will be praying🙏🏾 with you on decision making.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Hello! It's great to hear that you're interested in pursuing a career in Radiology or Radiography. Starting with Wake Tech's radiography program sounds like a good step, as it will provide you with the necessary education and training to enter the field. Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and network with professionals in the field. I would recommend reaching out to local hospitals or imaging centers to inquire about internship opportunities. It's important to stay dedicated to your studies and continue to seek out opportunities for professional development. Good luck on your journey! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Wishing you great success!
Remember to choose what you love❤️
_Professional Pamela Knight