Hello there, before I moved to United States, I work as radiologic technician in my country. I have more than 15 years experience in the radiology field. I was trained in Hospital and Clinic, I have certificate. now I would like to attend courses to become a licensed R.T in United States. I'd like to have advice from you, what should I do?
Hi Sydney! I’m starting my x ray program this fall and I’m so nervous!! I hope to become a mammography tech in the future🩷thank you for this video, there’s not much x ray content on RUclips.
This is the exact route I’m hoping to take ! I have one more prerequisite to complete, the CPR certification and the ATI teas before applying to my program. I do work full time right now but I hope to be able to lean on my partner once I get in. Do you plan to work ? && Good luck !
@@shantelwatkins7292 yayyy you got this!!! I don’t plan on working while in the program, I’m currently living with my family :) I will probably do DoorDash to have a little spending $ on me!
@@shantelwatkins7292 yayyy you got this!!! Luckily I still live with my family so I don’t have to work while attending the program but I’m planning to Doordash to have spending money :)
@@shantelwatkins7292yayyy you got this!!! Luckily I still live with my family so I don’t plan on working while in the program, just DoorDash to have spending $
I'm a 49 year old male and taking all my prereqs. right now and should be able to apply for the fall of 25. Its pretty overwhelming for sure especially with algebra! Another thing that is worrying to me is the school being full-time so having enough money to manage this for 22 months may be extremely hard😕
Luckily you’ll be so busy with full time classes that you won’t have any time to spend “fun” money. Haha. But in all reality it is going to be challenging and tight for the time being. However, if you take out loans or end up in debt through school you will most likely have the opportunity to work overtime or two jobs (one full time one PRN) to pay it off quickly once you graduate.
I am thinking about going back after just graduating with my bachelors or 2 years in a different career. This has always been my dream job and I’m excited to start this adventure at almost 30!
And what to study before ? Getting general associate ,know about math ,physics and english right ? and how much time it will take to get general associate ?
Would I still need to do the pre requisite classes if I have a bachelor’s degree in a non related course. Would I be able to go straight to the core classes? 😅
There are specific prerequisites you are required to take that you may have credit for with your bachelors. Some of these courses may be English 1 & 2, anatomy and physiology, college algebra, physics. If you didn’t take these classes prior to earn your bachelors then you will still need to take them either before your core classes or alongside them depending on your program. Your first step would be choosing the school you’re wanting to attend and comparing their corse catalog to your transcript to see what will transfer. The college can help you with this process as well.
Hi Sydney,i really like ur videos,can u plz tell first step to choose the kind of program in order to get into this field and futurw opportunities avail. in job.Also i am confused is it xray tech course or xray radiologist course to start study.
X-ray tech (radiologic technology) programs are for students wanting to perform X-ray exams and it is a 2-4 year program. Radiologists are physicians that read the X-rays and tell the ordering doctor what is wrong with their patient. If you’re starting to look into programs then I’d suggest making a list of schools in your area and compare wait lists, length of programs and tuition rate to see what will best fit your needs. Good luck!
Hello! What’s the radiology “culture” like? For nursing, it’s super toxic. The nurses talk sh*t behind each others back and there always seems to be drama amongst them. I’m a traveler and I see it so often. Is radiology the same? I would hope that I would get to work independently and not need to communicate very much with my fellow coworkers to avoid drama.
In general I would say that x-ray techs are much more supportive of one another than nurses. However, drama is not avoided completely. There are positions where you are able to work independently such as outpatient facilities or on third shift if you're a night owl. In my personal experience, I can think of one hospital where I witnessed hostility between techs and it made for a very uncomfortable environment. This hospital is unfortunately known in the x-ray community for the attitudes of their staff and they have a hard time hiring because of it. Every other experience that I have had was overall very welcoming and pleasant. I hope this helped!
I'm currently in college for a certificate for broadcasting, I have an appointment on October 30th to see if I can start my prerequisites for radiological technologies which gives me an AAS (associates of accredited science) They also help with the ARRT testing. Then after I get that I'm going for my bachelors of accredited science. I was wanting to try to go for it this year but the program was full. I guess it fills up fast. I want to have a career where I actually have a part in helping people, I'm tired of working a dead end minimum wage job where the company can replace me in a few hours if needed. I am Almost 24 years old and just feel stuck (Still live with my mom, and other reasons that are more personal) Your video gave me more of a insight as to what to expect and just wanted to say thank you :)
Thank you for sharing part of your story. Rad tech programs do fill up quickly but the wait is absolutely worth it (in my opinion)! I was working as a scheduler for a medical office and also feeling stuck, like you, when I started looking into the program. Being a radiographer is a very rewarding career and there are so many avenues you can progress into that it’s hard to feel stuck once you start working. I hope your appointment in October goes well, good luck in your future studies!
I love the information here, I am very intrigued by it. I want to start a new career path but IDK what where or how to even go about it, because I have rent and bills. I was talking to my friend earlier about different career paths and she does paralegal work, we some how ended up at radiology technician and I was really intrigued by it and started to google it more and more, now 3 hours have gone by I’m here. So my question is how do I go about rent plus bills if I want to go to school full time for RT?
That’s absolutely a challenge that many face when changing careers. Some are able to move back in with family or bring in an extra roommate to help with the cost of rent for the two years of schooling. You would have weekends free which would allow for work. Ultimately, most people end up accruing debt over their time in school but it can be quickly repaid after graduation. Check into your local college’s financial aid opportunities to see if you can apply for any grants or scholarships that can help you along your journey. Good luck!
Do you need to bring all the big books to school at least for the first year? Or there are e books? I start in a few weeks and trying to figure out if I need a big backpack or a normal sized will be okay.
Im looking at a medtech school that has direct entry into a LMRT certificate program as their prerequisite to a bridge program for the RT AAS. Pretty much everything but the clinic hours is online, so Im not too sure about that. However, its one of two schools my state's medical board recommends.
I haven’t heard of going that route before but I am glad that there are hybrid programs available for those who are disciplined enough to have all of their radiology courses online. I’m definitely not one who would benefit from this style of learning but I’m sure that has been a great option for some. Another thing to keep in mind is how long it would take you to complete both the initial certificate then the bridge program.. from a quick glance I found this route in one circumstance to take over 28 months whereas my associates degree was complete in roughly 21 months. Just something to keep in mind when weighing pros and cons for either side. Good luck on your journey!
I couldn’t help but notice that you’re using your GI Bill! How was the process for you? I’m looking forward to get out of the military and use my GI Bill for x-ray school
It was so easy! It paid for both my associates and bachelors and I still have some remaining to work on my masters! The financial aid office will work with you and all you should have to provide them with is your GI bill letter of eligibility (might be called something else). Just make sure to apply for FAFSA too so that you can support yourself/family while you’re in school!
@SydneyPipp What did you get your bachelor's in? Also, how did you manage to have the GI Bill pay for both associates and bachelor's? I just started college and I'm doing prerequisites right now, and I'm just worried I won't have enough time left from the GI Bill to pay for a bachelor's.
My bachelors degree is a bachelor of science with an emphasis in education. I took my time completing all of the required courses (sometimes only taking 2 courses per semester) and I still have 12 months of benefits remaining for my GI bill. I plan to use it again for a masters program in the near future 😅 Even if you are taking your time with prerequisites you SHOULD have enough to complete a bachelors degree as well.
Hi! I have a one year old and am a SAHM so when you said you had a one year old at the time I got hope. I am looking to start work again, I don’t know what I want to do but you make it seem doable! Did you have to find childcare frequently while going to school?
If you have support from family to help cover the second shift clinicals (my school had a 1pm to 9pm second shift schedule) then the childcare you need would be similar to just having a regular day shift job. The biggest struggle I had was trying to find time to study after bedtime since toddlers need your constant attention! Haha. I sat up front in class and paid close attention to lectures in order to try to retain enough information so that I didn’t need to study as much 😅 It is totally doable though! Good luck!
Currently browsing through these videos trying to see if this career path is the move for me. I am currently 25 and like so many other people stated I am looking to start over in my professional career. This looks like a great path for me. I just have personal reasons that are detering me from taking the leap of faith(having no savings and having to go back to live with family until I finish Xray school). Any helpful advice or words of encouragement?
For you it may feel like you are taking a step backwards (moving back with family) in order to take two steps forward with this career. You can find a two year program and come out of school being able to pay off any student loans you’ve accrued in your first year of working. So by the time you’re 28-29 you would have a solid career with no debt. If you don’t have a family of your own yet then I’d highly suggest you jump on this opportunity now. Having a spouse and kids multiplies the stress but it’s still possible! Good luck with your decision!
There are programs out there that can lead directly to a career in MRI without going through X-ray first. If you’re looking into this then ensure that the program you choose is accredited through the ARRT or the ARMRIT so you’re able to sit for your registry. Also check into local facilities that you’d like to potentially work to ensure that you can get a job easily with just MRI and no RT credentials.
Thank you for your support! Classes as well as daily tasks in your career will rely heavily on bony anatomy, yes. You can always start studying that now. Good luck in your schooling!
I’m so glad I found this video. Is there any way I can contact you via email ? I’m getting out of the service this winter and going to use my GI bill for the Pre-Rad program I was just accepted into and was looking for further guidance !
I’m a full time police officer with a master in Acc, wanting to switch roles into this field for after retirement. But LE schedule doesn’t allow me to be full time in school for this :( 😢. And pretty sure the Acc degree wont transfer many prerequisites 😢😢.
If you're able to knock out some of the prerequisites online during your days off then it could help get a jump start on starting your new career once you retire! The first step for you would to be to choose which college you would like to attend then speak with an academic advisor to see which credits will transfer. Then the two of you can discuss what is needed and how to accomplish your next set of goals. Good luck on your new adventure!
Physics is a more challenging class for many. I’d suggest taking whatever general physics prerequisite that is required for your program before starting your main classes.
Okay so this is kind of weird, and i won't mention the nearby city bc you clearly aren't disclosing that but i think i know where you live or at least near (possibly where you work) because you said you live in Ohio and there are 2 colleges nearby with rad tech programs and im in ohio with 2 rad tech programs nearby. Not really relevant i just hope the school you mention having a wait list isn't the one i want to go to bc theres one that sounds great until you realize its a solid 10k more a semester (its a private/religious college) and the other is like everyone goes there for everything (seriously, its the best nursing school, hosts a trade school for welders, plumbers and electricians, has decent to great programs for pretty much every medical support position there is, along with 10 different types of mechanic training programs) so i bet that would be the one with a wait list.
That does sound like the location I am familiar with. The Seventh Day Adventist college does not have a wait list but it is substantially more expensive. The community college is more affordable however it has a two year wait list and typically they will require you to take classes at the college to remain on the waitlist.
Can you talk more about using the gi bill and FAFSA? Would it be easier to do online classes and clinics in person? I’m about to separate from the military and no one is telling me anything lol
You would get more GI Bill benefits for doing in person classes (online core classes aren’t an option for radiology programs in my area anyways). Once you select a program/school use the GI bill comparison tool to see if the Montgomery GI bill or the Post 9/11 would better serve you. Then you will need to contact the financial aid office once you are accepted into the program so that they can begin the background paperwork. You may need to provide them with a statement of benefits letter but they can walk you through what they need. Before you start class you should go onto the FAFSA website and apply for financial aid. Once the school receives all of the information they will send you a benefit summary for you to accept grants you’re eligible for. It will also offer loans that you would have to repay so make sure you’re only accepting what you need so that you aren’t going into student loan debt. You can look into this website for more info on the options for the GI bill: www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/
Also TAPS is a joke. If they actually think they are preparing anyone for the transition into civilian life they are sadly mistaken! Lean on those you know who have recently made the leap out of the military for any solid information and advice. Good luck!
If you want to be technical then it would be doubling a number, halving a number or adding/subtracting 13% to 15%. But in the real world we manipulate the technique by pushing an arrow up and down.. no physics involved when you’re on the job other than understanding that you need to stay away from the X-ray tube.
My husband was frustrated with that also as he went through the program. Ultimately that is the difference between earning a degree from a college versus gaining a certificate through a trade school.
I have a 10 month old and considering going back to school for this. What did you do for childcare? Trying to figure that out as daycare is crazy expensive where I am and we don’t live near family?
I was lucky enough to have my sister help watch my son as I went through the program. The hours for school are typically normal “day shift” hours that daycares can cover and some childcare facilities may have discounted tuition that you can take advantage of while you’re in school. I do not have first hand experience with this though.
Requirements may vary between schools but if the one you’re interested in shows that venipuncture is part of their curriculum then I would trust that. My school included a short class on venipuncture and we had to get checked off on starting an IV. This is not a common task for X-ray techs but if you go into advanced imaging such as MRI or CT then you will most likely be required to start IV access for contrast exams. I hope this helped!
I personally don’t know any radiographers outside of the states so I can’t speak to the salary abroad. However, if you post this question on my other video that speaks about salary there may be some radiographers in Australia that can let you know!
Hi ,i would like to start x ray 2 years program but in canada its 3 years should i continue my program at usa or canada i dislike 3 years things thanks ?
I would imagine changing schools and starting college in the States would prolong your schooling. It takes a minimum of 2 years to earn your associates degree in radiologic technology. However, there are also programs that are 4 years where you earn a bachelors degree. Certain programs also have a wait list which may take a year or more to get into before you begin your 2 years in the actual program. It’s best to narrow down specific schools you’re interested in attending to find out what will work well for you. Good luck!
Thank you for your video!! I have a question how do you see this field in the future? What I mean is do you see a lot of job opportunity do you see a lot of growth in the future I heard they’re gonna pass a bill that nurses are gonna do x-rays. In NC that would be crazy
I don’t see nurses overtaking the field of x-ray, they can’t even order exams correctly 🤣. It would be ridiculous to expect them to perform X-rays on top of their list of existing duties. There are so many opportunities in the field and different routes of advancement to take depending on what you want out of your career. I think the field of radiology will remain in demand long term and medical advances will require our skills for years to come.
@@SydneyPipp Thank you so much for replying back. I’m actually going through your videos because I’ll be starting the program in 2026 I think you said you have kids? Did you do the program when you had your kids how was it or do you have a video? I have one right now and another on the way
I don’t have one specifically about going through the program with kids. I had a one year old when I started the program and we became pregnant with my second near the very end of the program. It’s challenging but as long as you are able to focus in class and your child is generally healthy so that you’re not missing classes or clinicals then you will be just fine. You may have to lean on your support system to help take care of the kids while you study for big tests or have second shift clinicals. Good luck!
@@SydneyPipp Yes! You are so right about a support system I know I still have a year till I get but I been talking about it with others and seeing what is gonna work for us.
Hello there, before I moved to United States, I work as radiologic technician in my country. I have more than 15 years experience in the radiology field. I was trained in Hospital and Clinic, I have certificate. now I would like to attend courses to become a licensed R.T in United States. I'd like to have advice from you, what should I do?
I advise any international students and radiographers to contact the ARRT for specific advice. I am not familiar with the process that you would need to go through but you should be able to use this website to contact someone trained to guide you appropriately: www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/how-to-apply/international-inquiries
I got sick halfway through the program with pneumonia many years ago. Glory to God and good friends who taught me how to trade stocks otherwise I'd never be able to retire!
Yes, we did have a class on beginning IVs. However, general X-ray techs don’t often need to start their own lines (almost never). As you go into advanced imaging such as CT and MRI it is more common that you’ll need to begin IVs on your patients.
You can take prerequisites online but the program that you choose to go into has the ability to approve or decline transfer credits so make sure that any online courses you take will transfer to the school you’d like to attend.
If you have an associates degree in something other than radiologic technology then then there is a possibility that you would have credits to transfer into the rad tech program. If you do not have any college credits to transfer then you would need to complete pre requisites such as your English and math either before or alongside taking your X-ray classes.
Hello , I am currently taking my last two prerequisites and I can apply for the program in February , I am super nervous I have a one year old and I know it’s going to be difficult but I really want to do this for my son and myself as well. Do you have any tips for the mommy’s that want to succeed and do you think it’s possible ?
It’s absolutely possible! My son was a year old when I started school and then I went back for my bachelors after my daughter was born. My biggest tip is to really focus when you’re in lecture and make the most out of your time that you’re physically in class. That way once you’re home you can give your son all of your attention. Then if you need to study you can try to squeeze that in after bedtime. Don’t wait until it’s quiz time to ask for help understanding a topic- if you don’t get it in class then immediately ask your instructor to explain it in a way you can comprehend it. That way you aren’t trying to teach yourself at midnight right before an exam 😅 You’ve got this!
My school requires us to pay a fee to “save your seat” once accepted into the program. I believe it was around $800. I cannot attest to fees for other schools.
@@SydneyPipp Thank you I'm really happy to know that the fees are at least affordable. As a foreign rad tech and a permanent resident in the USA who's really into his job I've always wanted to continue my journey here in the united states in this amazing field that I admire
Hi Sidney. I came from Turkey. I’m currently in Utah. I worked as a radiology technician for 16 years in Turkey. How can I get equivalence for my own department here?
I always refer international inquiries to the ARRT website to inquire about next steps for your particular situation. Good luck! www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/how-to-apply/international-inquiries
hi i am in california near to Fresno county , i want to start everything from scratch and i want to know how can i find pre req for radio tach program and which school is get into public or private ?
First, I would recommend searching schools with radiologic technology programs near you. Choose one you’d like to attend and look at their program curriculum which should include required prerequisites. When you have a list of prerequisites then you can decide if you would like to start taking those courses at the same college as the program you would like to attend or if you want to take them at a different college to then transfer when you’re ready to enter the rad tech program. Typically it’s easier to take all courses with the same college but it might be more cost effective to take courses elsewhere. I hope this helped!
@@SydneyPipp do u think its easier to get into program in the same college where we have done pre req? What if i don’t get seat in that same college ? Can u help me with this question thnku
It is more likely that you’ll gain a seat at the college you’re already attending. However, if you perform well at another college for your prerequisites then it will show them that you’re likely to do well in their program therefore increasing your chance of gaining a seat.
Also, if you are waitlisted or denied attendance to the program you applied to then you’re able to request a reason as to why you didn’t make it into this years cohort. Then you can take that information to improve next year or attempt to apply for an alternative college.
Im in my second semester of getting my general associates. I just learned about x-ray tech. Will my general associates degree be any help? Because now i realize I have to go to xray school for 2 years. Am i waisting time by continuing my genral associates? I'm 22 just to put that out there
If you want to commit to the Rad tech program and feel as though you can manage a full time course load with clinicals then I would look into changing your program entirely as soon as possible. Some of your credits should transfer over to your associates degree in radiologic technology if you were taking basic courses like math/english/physics. If you continue to take general courses (completing prerequisites for the rad tech program) with the expectation to change programs at a later date then it will lighten the load once you’re in the program. Then you’d be able to focus more on the core courses that will be important to comprehend when it comes to taking the ARRT registry. I hope this helped, good luck making your decision!
I was active duty so I can’t speak from experience as a reservist. I know that their education benefits are really good for the reserves though. I’d suggest talking to a recruiter if you’re interested- they’d love to talk to you about it!
With the rad tech program you can work while taking all of the prerequisites. If you do this then there will be semesters where your lecture days are pretty short and if your work has a flexible schedule you can go in after lectures and on weekends. Still not easy but it’s possible!
@@SydneyPipp I'm thinking about pursuing this program and pretty much have all of the perquisites but 3 because I have a bachelor's. I'm more worried about once the program starts and what the school load will be like then especially with clinicals because I would need a part time job.
Physics and calculus ALMOST made drop out of undergrad😅I vowed to never take either of those courses again but I really want to go to radiology school.
I live in a well-populated area with a lot of medical facilities around so we have a lot of opportunities locally. However, before choosing to go into this field you may want to look at your local hospitals through their websites or indeed.com to see what kind of need your city has for radiographers. If you’re living in a rural area but you’re willing to relocate for a job then you will most likely find facilities that are hiring.
I just turned 28 and didn't go to college. So, i need to take some classes before going into an xray course, right? How long will it take for me to take all these classes along with this course? Is there a possibility that i can do everything online, or do i have to quit my job so i can attend in person?
You could potentially go straight into the program without prerequisites being completed depending on the college you choose. However, with it being your first college experience it would be good for you to knock out some prerequisites while you’re working. Once you’re in the program it is possible to work but you’re only going to be available in the evenings or weekends most likely. Clinicals are all day in person 2-3 days a week through most of the program. The other core courses are also in person. You might be able to get some prerequisites done online though.
I send all international inquiries to the ARRT website: www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/how-to-apply/international-inquiries This way you are able to contact someone that can give you information based on your specific situation.
I am not aware of any rad tech program that is completely online. However, you may be able to find one out there somewhere. Also, you can do your prerequisites online if the college you’ll be attending approves them.
I am 50 and just got accepted on my second try! I love your videos. THANK YOU so very much for your time!!
That’s awesome! Thank you for your support. Good luck!
Thank you for this 🙏 I'm 42
Hello there,
before I moved to United States, I work as radiologic technician in my country.
I have more than 15 years experience in the radiology field.
I was trained in Hospital and Clinic,
I have certificate.
now I would like to attend courses to become a licensed R.T in United States.
I'd like to have advice from you, what should I do?
Wow! Congrats! I'm 36 and in school right now doing pre req before I try and get in.
@@xxvenomsame!
Thank you I'm 28 and figuring out what I want to do with a career and you made me feel more sure of myself with this career path ❣️
I'm on the same page as you😊
Sameee
Hi Sydney! I’m starting my x ray program this fall and I’m so nervous!! I hope to become a mammography tech in the future🩷thank you for this video, there’s not much x ray content on RUclips.
That is so exciting! Just take each day as it comes and stay focused on your mammo goals!
This is the exact route I’m hoping to take ! I have one more prerequisite to complete, the CPR certification and the ATI teas before applying to my program. I do work full time right now but I hope to be able to lean on my partner once I get in. Do you plan to work ? && Good luck !
@@shantelwatkins7292 yayyy you got this!!! I don’t plan on working while in the program, I’m currently living with my family :) I will probably do DoorDash to have a little spending $ on me!
@@shantelwatkins7292 yayyy you got this!!! Luckily I still live with my family so I don’t have to work while attending the program but I’m planning to Doordash to have spending money :)
@@shantelwatkins7292yayyy you got this!!! Luckily I still live with my family so I don’t plan on working while in the program, just DoorDash to have spending $
I'm a 49 year old male and taking all my prereqs. right now and should be able to apply for the fall of 25. Its pretty overwhelming for sure especially with algebra! Another thing that is worrying to me is the school being full-time so having enough money to manage this for 22 months may be extremely hard😕
Luckily you’ll be so busy with full time classes that you won’t have any time to spend “fun” money. Haha. But in all reality it is going to be challenging and tight for the time being. However, if you take out loans or end up in debt through school you will most likely have the opportunity to work overtime or two jobs (one full time one PRN) to pay it off quickly once you graduate.
Good luck with the career change :)
Thank you for the GI Bill tip, I'll be looking to use that in the near future!
I’m glad you are going to be able to benefit from that bit of information! Good luck!
GI Bill can basically be used for any "school"
27 and you just convinced me to swallow my fear and just do it! thank you
Yesss! You’ve got this! Good luck!
Subscribed. LOVE the "every day is an interview" portion especially.
I start my program this May. Are you able to use a calculator for math problems on exams and the registry?
Yes you will be given a basic calculator for any math problems you have to do on the registry.
I am thinking about going back after just graduating with my bachelors or 2 years in a different career. This has always been my dream job and I’m excited to start this adventure at almost 30!
I’m excited for you to start your new adventure! I hear 30’s are the best years so cheers to a decade of growth and discovery. Good luck!
And what to study before ?
Getting general associate ,know about math ,physics and english right ?
and how much time it will take to get general associate ?
Would I still need to do the pre requisite classes if I have a bachelor’s degree in a non related course. Would I be able to go straight to the core classes? 😅
There are specific prerequisites you are required to take that you may have credit for with your bachelors. Some of these courses may be English 1 & 2, anatomy and physiology, college algebra, physics. If you didn’t take these classes prior to earn your bachelors then you will still need to take them either before your core classes or alongside them depending on your program. Your first step would be choosing the school you’re wanting to attend and comparing their corse catalog to your transcript to see what will transfer. The college can help you with this process as well.
Hi Sydney,i really like ur videos,can u plz tell first step to choose the kind of program in order to get into this field and futurw opportunities avail. in job.Also i am confused is it xray tech course or xray radiologist course to start study.
X-ray tech (radiologic technology) programs are for students wanting to perform X-ray exams and it is a 2-4 year program. Radiologists are physicians that read the X-rays and tell the ordering doctor what is wrong with their patient. If you’re starting to look into programs then I’d suggest making a list of schools in your area and compare wait lists, length of programs and tuition rate to see what will best fit your needs. Good luck!
It’s so hard to go to school when you work a full time job, considering I’ll have to take night classes it’s going to take forever
Your hard work will be rewarded! Keep pressing on, you’re doing better than you think.
Hello! What’s the radiology “culture” like? For nursing, it’s super toxic. The nurses talk sh*t behind each others back and there always seems to be drama amongst them. I’m a traveler and I see it so often. Is radiology the same? I would hope that I would get to work independently and not need to communicate very much with my fellow coworkers to avoid drama.
In general I would say that x-ray techs are much more supportive of one another than nurses. However, drama is not avoided completely. There are positions where you are able to work independently such as outpatient facilities or on third shift if you're a night owl. In my personal experience, I can think of one hospital where I witnessed hostility between techs and it made for a very uncomfortable environment. This hospital is unfortunately known in the x-ray community for the attitudes of their staff and they have a hard time hiring because of it. Every other experience that I have had was overall very welcoming and pleasant. I hope this helped!
I'm currently in college for a certificate for broadcasting, I have an appointment on October 30th to see if I can start my prerequisites for radiological technologies which gives me an AAS (associates of accredited science) They also help with the ARRT testing. Then after I get that I'm going for my bachelors of accredited science. I was wanting to try to go for it this year but the program was full. I guess it fills up fast.
I want to have a career where I actually have a part in helping people, I'm tired of working a dead end minimum wage job where the company can replace me in a few hours if needed. I am Almost 24 years old and just feel stuck (Still live with my mom, and other reasons that are more personal) Your video gave me more of a insight as to what to expect and just wanted to say thank you :)
Thank you for sharing part of your story. Rad tech programs do fill up quickly but the wait is absolutely worth it (in my opinion)! I was working as a scheduler for a medical office and also feeling stuck, like you, when I started looking into the program. Being a radiographer is a very rewarding career and there are so many avenues you can progress into that it’s hard to feel stuck once you start working. I hope your appointment in October goes well, good luck in your future studies!
great video!
I love the information here, I am very intrigued by it. I want to start a new career path but IDK what where or how to even go about it, because I have rent and bills. I was talking to my friend earlier about different career paths and she does paralegal work, we some how ended up at radiology technician and I was really intrigued by it and started to google it more and more, now 3 hours have gone by I’m here. So my question is how do I go about rent plus bills if I want to go to school full time for RT?
That’s absolutely a challenge that many face when changing careers. Some are able to move back in with family or bring in an extra roommate to help with the cost of rent for the two years of schooling. You would have weekends free which would allow for work. Ultimately, most people end up accruing debt over their time in school but it can be quickly repaid after graduation. Check into your local college’s financial aid opportunities to see if you can apply for any grants or scholarships that can help you along your journey. Good luck!
Do you need to bring all the big books to school at least for the first year? Or there are e books?
I start in a few weeks and trying to figure out if I need a big backpack or a normal sized will be okay.
A normal backpack is okay. E-books are offered for many classes but your main radiology program should only have one to three textbooks.
@@SydneyPippThank you!!
Im looking at a medtech school that has direct entry into a LMRT certificate program as their prerequisite to a bridge program for the RT AAS. Pretty much everything but the clinic hours is online, so Im not too sure about that. However, its one of two schools my state's medical board recommends.
I haven’t heard of going that route before but I am glad that there are hybrid programs available for those who are disciplined enough to have all of their radiology courses online. I’m definitely not one who would benefit from this style of learning but I’m sure that has been a great option for some. Another thing to keep in mind is how long it would take you to complete both the initial certificate then the bridge program.. from a quick glance I found this route in one circumstance to take over 28 months whereas my associates degree was complete in roughly 21 months. Just something to keep in mind when weighing pros and cons for either side. Good luck on your journey!
I couldn’t help but notice that you’re using your GI Bill! How was the process for you? I’m looking forward to get out of the military and use my GI Bill for x-ray school
It was so easy! It paid for both my associates and bachelors and I still have some remaining to work on my masters! The financial aid office will work with you and all you should have to provide them with is your GI bill letter of eligibility (might be called something else). Just make sure to apply for FAFSA too so that you can support yourself/family while you’re in school!
@SydneyPipp What did you get your bachelor's in? Also, how did you manage to have the GI Bill pay for both associates and bachelor's? I just started college and I'm doing prerequisites right now, and I'm just worried I won't have enough time left from the GI Bill to pay for a bachelor's.
My bachelors degree is a bachelor of science with an emphasis in education. I took my time completing all of the required courses (sometimes only taking 2 courses per semester) and I still have 12 months of benefits remaining for my GI bill. I plan to use it again for a masters program in the near future 😅 Even if you are taking your time with prerequisites you SHOULD have enough to complete a bachelors degree as well.
Hi! I have a one year old and am a SAHM so when you said you had a one year old at the time I got hope. I am looking to start work again, I don’t know what I want to do but you make it seem doable! Did you have to find childcare frequently while going to school?
If you have support from family to help cover the second shift clinicals (my school had a 1pm to 9pm second shift schedule) then the childcare you need would be similar to just having a regular day shift job. The biggest struggle I had was trying to find time to study after bedtime since toddlers need your constant attention! Haha. I sat up front in class and paid close attention to lectures in order to try to retain enough information so that I didn’t need to study as much 😅 It is totally doable though! Good luck!
Currently browsing through these videos trying to see if this career path is the move for me. I am currently 25 and like so many other people stated I am looking to start over in my professional career. This looks like a great path for me. I just have personal reasons that are detering me from taking the leap of faith(having no savings and having to go back to live with family until I finish Xray school). Any helpful advice or words of encouragement?
For you it may feel like you are taking a step backwards (moving back with family) in order to take two steps forward with this career. You can find a two year program and come out of school being able to pay off any student loans you’ve accrued in your first year of working. So by the time you’re 28-29 you would have a solid career with no debt. If you don’t have a family of your own yet then I’d highly suggest you jump on this opportunity now. Having a spouse and kids multiplies the stress but it’s still possible! Good luck with your decision!
What about just going to a trade school for radiology MRI?
There are programs out there that can lead directly to a career in MRI without going through X-ray first. If you’re looking into this then ensure that the program you choose is accredited through the ARRT or the ARMRIT so you’re able to sit for your registry. Also check into local facilities that you’d like to potentially work to ensure that you can get a job easily with just MRI and no RT credentials.
@@SydneyPipp thank you for that information
Thank u so much for making this video! I start next year. Quick question is the class heavy on bones?
Thank you for your support! Classes as well as daily tasks in your career will rely heavily on bony anatomy, yes. You can always start studying that now. Good luck in your schooling!
I’m so glad I found this video. Is there any way I can contact you via email ? I’m getting out of the service this winter and going to use my GI bill for the Pre-Rad program I was just accepted into and was looking for further guidance !
You can email me at xrayquestions@yahoo.com!
I’m a full time police officer with a master in Acc, wanting to switch roles into this field for after retirement. But LE schedule doesn’t allow me to be full time in school for this :( 😢. And pretty sure the Acc degree wont transfer many prerequisites 😢😢.
If you're able to knock out some of the prerequisites online during your days off then it could help get a jump start on starting your new career once you retire! The first step for you would to be to choose which college you would like to attend then speak with an academic advisor to see which credits will transfer. Then the two of you can discuss what is needed and how to accomplish your next set of goals. Good luck on your new adventure!
Hi there, im not good at physics is that hard and such?
Physics is a more challenging class for many. I’d suggest taking whatever general physics prerequisite that is required for your program before starting your main classes.
@@SydneyPipp Thank you 😊
Great vid. Thanks.
Okay so this is kind of weird, and i won't mention the nearby city bc you clearly aren't disclosing that but i think i know where you live or at least near (possibly where you work) because you said you live in Ohio and there are 2 colleges nearby with rad tech programs and im in ohio with 2 rad tech programs nearby. Not really relevant i just hope the school you mention having a wait list isn't the one i want to go to bc theres one that sounds great until you realize its a solid 10k more a semester (its a private/religious college) and the other is like everyone goes there for everything (seriously, its the best nursing school, hosts a trade school for welders, plumbers and electricians, has decent to great programs for pretty much every medical support position there is, along with 10 different types of mechanic training programs) so i bet that would be the one with a wait list.
That does sound like the location I am familiar with. The Seventh Day Adventist college does not have a wait list but it is substantially more expensive. The community college is more affordable however it has a two year wait list and typically they will require you to take classes at the college to remain on the waitlist.
Can you talk more about using the gi bill and FAFSA? Would it be easier to do online classes and clinics in person? I’m about to separate from the military and no one is telling me anything lol
You would get more GI Bill benefits for doing in person classes (online core classes aren’t an option for radiology programs in my area anyways). Once you select a program/school use the GI bill comparison tool to see if the Montgomery GI bill or the Post 9/11 would better serve you. Then you will need to contact the financial aid office once you are accepted into the program so that they can begin the background paperwork. You may need to provide them with a statement of benefits letter but they can walk you through what they need. Before you start class you should go onto the FAFSA website and apply for financial aid. Once the school receives all of the information they will send you a benefit summary for you to accept grants you’re eligible for. It will also offer loans that you would have to repay so make sure you’re only accepting what you need so that you aren’t going into student loan debt. You can look into this website for more info on the options for the GI bill: www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/
Also TAPS is a joke. If they actually think they are preparing anyone for the transition into civilian life they are sadly mistaken! Lean on those you know who have recently made the leap out of the military for any solid information and advice. Good luck!
@@SydneyPipp thank you for the advice! I really appreciate this
With anatomy, is it like blood and muscle or more like the major organs? Or just all of it?
There is anatomy and physiology 1 and 2 which covers everything. After those prerequisites then the program focuses mostly on bones and major organs.
What math is involved on the job? You said not much but some right, when would that be? (Using physics)
If you want to be technical then it would be doubling a number, halving a number or adding/subtracting 13% to 15%. But in the real world we manipulate the technique by pushing an arrow up and down.. no physics involved when you’re on the job other than understanding that you need to stay away from the X-ray tube.
I will never understand why they make u go through extra classes when it’s not even used on the job…
My husband was frustrated with that also as he went through the program. Ultimately that is the difference between earning a degree from a college versus gaining a certificate through a trade school.
Am form Mumbai Maharashtra India ..I love you watching maam ❤
I have a 10 month old and considering going back to school for this. What did you do for childcare? Trying to figure that out as daycare is crazy expensive where I am and we don’t live near family?
I was lucky enough to have my sister help watch my son as I went through the program. The hours for school are typically normal “day shift” hours that daycares can cover and some childcare facilities may have discounted tuition that you can take advantage of while you’re in school. I do not have first hand experience with this though.
one question, ive looked through courses required. it looks like venipunture is one of them. is that correct?
Requirements may vary between schools but if the one you’re interested in shows that venipuncture is part of their curriculum then I would trust that. My school included a short class on venipuncture and we had to get checked off on starting an IV. This is not a common task for X-ray techs but if you go into advanced imaging such as MRI or CT then you will most likely be required to start IV access for contrast exams. I hope this helped!
What about radiology tech in Australia ? What is the average salary of them ?
I personally don’t know any radiographers outside of the states so I can’t speak to the salary abroad. However, if you post this question on my other video that speaks about salary there may be some radiographers in Australia that can let you know!
Hi ,i would like to start x ray 2 years program
but in canada its 3 years should i continue my program at usa or canada i dislike 3 years things thanks ?
I would imagine changing schools and starting college in the States would prolong your schooling. It takes a minimum of 2 years to earn your associates degree in radiologic technology. However, there are also programs that are 4 years where you earn a bachelors degree. Certain programs also have a wait list which may take a year or more to get into before you begin your 2 years in the actual program. It’s best to narrow down specific schools you’re interested in attending to find out what will work well for you. Good luck!
Thank you for your video!! I have a question how do you see this field in the future? What I mean is do you see a lot of job opportunity do you see a lot of growth in the future I heard they’re gonna pass a bill that nurses are gonna do x-rays. In NC that would be crazy
I don’t see nurses overtaking the field of x-ray, they can’t even order exams correctly 🤣. It would be ridiculous to expect them to perform X-rays on top of their list of existing duties. There are so many opportunities in the field and different routes of advancement to take depending on what you want out of your career. I think the field of radiology will remain in demand long term and medical advances will require our skills for years to come.
@@SydneyPipp Thank you so much for replying back. I’m actually going through your videos because I’ll be starting the program in 2026
I think you said you have kids? Did you do the program when you had your kids how was it or do you have a video? I have one right now and another on the way
I don’t have one specifically about going through the program with kids. I had a one year old when I started the program and we became pregnant with my second near the very end of the program. It’s challenging but as long as you are able to focus in class and your child is generally healthy so that you’re not missing classes or clinicals then you will be just fine. You may have to lean on your support system to help take care of the kids while you study for big tests or have second shift clinicals. Good luck!
@@SydneyPipp Yes! You are so right about a support system I know I still have a year till I get but I been talking about it with others and seeing what is gonna work for us.
@@SydneyPipp One more question they gave you study guides for your test.
just got appected to my program i start in fall
Good Luck! You can start becoming familiar with bone anatomy to help before your classes begin.
Hello there,
before I moved to United States, I work as radiologic technician in my country.
I have more than 15 years experience in the radiology field.
I was trained in Hospital and Clinic,
I have certificate.
now I would like to attend courses to become a licensed R.T in United States.
I'd like to have advice from you, what should I do?
I advise any international students and radiographers to contact the ARRT for specific advice. I am not familiar with the process that you would need to go through but you should be able to use this website to contact someone trained to guide you appropriately:
www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/how-to-apply/international-inquiries
@@SydneyPipp Thank you, I really appreciate
I got sick halfway through the program with pneumonia many years ago. Glory to God and good friends who taught me how to trade stocks otherwise I'd never be able to retire!
I’m glad you were able to recover!
Quick question did u guys get taught how to do ivs?
Yes, we did have a class on beginning IVs. However, general X-ray techs don’t often need to start their own lines (almost never). As you go into advanced imaging such as CT and MRI it is more common that you’ll need to begin IVs on your patients.
@@SydneyPipp Im a little confused… but did u guys had to practice on ur peers or?
We did not practice on peers. We were taught how to place IVs and practiced on a mannequin arm. It wasn’t mandatory to place a real IV in class.
can we do pre req online ? if yes could you recommend something ?
You can take prerequisites online but the program that you choose to go into has the ability to approve or decline transfer credits so make sure that any online courses you take will transfer to the school you’d like to attend.
Wouldnt getting the associates degree satisy the pre req for the english and math or no? Sorry, still trying to learn abour school lol
If you have an associates degree in something other than radiologic technology then then there is a possibility that you would have credits to transfer into the rad tech program. If you do not have any college credits to transfer then you would need to complete pre requisites such as your English and math either before or alongside taking your X-ray classes.
@@SydneyPipp Gotcha. Thanks for your knowledge!
Hello , I am currently taking my last two prerequisites and I can apply for the program in February , I am super nervous I have a one year old and I know it’s going to be difficult but I really want to do this for my son and myself as well. Do you have any tips for the mommy’s that want to succeed and do you think it’s possible ?
It’s absolutely possible! My son was a year old when I started school and then I went back for my bachelors after my daughter was born. My biggest tip is to really focus when you’re in lecture and make the most out of your time that you’re physically in class. That way once you’re home you can give your son all of your attention. Then if you need to study you can try to squeeze that in after bedtime. Don’t wait until it’s quiz time to ask for help understanding a topic- if you don’t get it in class then immediately ask your instructor to explain it in a way you can comprehend it. That way you aren’t trying to teach yourself at midnight right before an exam 😅 You’ve got this!
How much does it cost the initial associate, I mean do I have to pay anything for entering the program?
My school requires us to pay a fee to “save your seat” once accepted into the program. I believe it was around $800. I cannot attest to fees for other schools.
@@SydneyPipp Thank you I'm really happy to know that the fees are at least affordable. As a foreign rad tech and a permanent resident in the USA who's really into his job I've always wanted to continue my journey here in the united states in this amazing field that I admire
Hi Sidney. I came from Turkey. I’m currently in Utah. I worked as a radiology technician for 16 years in Turkey. How can I get equivalence for my own department here?
I always refer international inquiries to the ARRT website to inquire about next steps for your particular situation. Good luck!
www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/how-to-apply/international-inquiries
@@SydneyPipp 🙏Thank you
hi i am in california near to Fresno county , i want to start everything from scratch and i want to know how can i find pre req for radio tach program and which school is get into public or private ?
First, I would recommend searching schools with radiologic technology programs near you. Choose one you’d like to attend and look at their program curriculum which should include required prerequisites. When you have a list of prerequisites then you can decide if you would like to start taking those courses at the same college as the program you would like to attend or if you want to take them at a different college to then transfer when you’re ready to enter the rad tech program. Typically it’s easier to take all courses with the same college but it might be more cost effective to take courses elsewhere. I hope this helped!
@@SydneyPipp do u think its easier to get into program in the same college where we have done pre req? What if i don’t get seat in that same college ? Can u help me with this question thnku
It is more likely that you’ll gain a seat at the college you’re already attending. However, if you perform well at another college for your prerequisites then it will show them that you’re likely to do well in their program therefore increasing your chance of gaining a seat.
Also, if you are waitlisted or denied attendance to the program you applied to then you’re able to request a reason as to why you didn’t make it into this years cohort. Then you can take that information to improve next year or attempt to apply for an alternative college.
Also from Fresno county. City in the only cc that offers the rad tech program.
I'm a middle school teacher right now, and I'm also applying for Nova as a radiological technician, therefore I can't work while studying. 😳
Time management will be your friend since you aren’t able to double dip with working and studying. Good luck!
Im in my second semester of getting my general associates. I just learned about x-ray tech. Will my general associates degree be any help? Because now i realize I have to go to xray school for 2 years. Am i waisting time by continuing my genral associates? I'm 22 just to put that out there
If you want to commit to the Rad tech program and feel as though you can manage a full time course load with clinicals then I would look into changing your program entirely as soon as possible. Some of your credits should transfer over to your associates degree in radiologic technology if you were taking basic courses like math/english/physics. If you continue to take general courses (completing prerequisites for the rad tech program) with the expectation to change programs at a later date then it will lighten the load once you’re in the program. Then you’d be able to focus more on the core courses that will be important to comprehend when it comes to taking the ARRT registry. I hope this helped, good luck making your decision!
@@SydneyPipp thank you very much
How does GI bill work as a reservist?
I was active duty so I can’t speak from experience as a reservist. I know that their education benefits are really good for the reserves though. I’d suggest talking to a recruiter if you’re interested- they’d love to talk to you about it!
I just dont know how anyone can pay bills and financially afford to go to school full time 😭
With the rad tech program you can work while taking all of the prerequisites. If you do this then there will be semesters where your lecture days are pretty short and if your work has a flexible schedule you can go in after lectures and on weekends. Still not easy but it’s possible!
@@SydneyPipp I'm thinking about pursuing this program and pretty much have all of the perquisites but 3 because I have a bachelor's. I'm more worried about once the program starts and what the school load will be like then especially with clinicals because I would need a part time job.
Physics and calculus ALMOST made drop out of undergrad😅I vowed to never take either of those courses again but I really want to go to radiology school.
There is no calculus to worry about! If you passed your general physics the credit could transfer.
Im hearing it's hard to get a job in this field.
I live in a well-populated area with a lot of medical facilities around so we have a lot of opportunities locally. However, before choosing to go into this field you may want to look at your local hospitals through their websites or indeed.com to see what kind of need your city has for radiographers. If you’re living in a rural area but you’re willing to relocate for a job then you will most likely find facilities that are hiring.
I just turned 28 and didn't go to college.
So, i need to take some classes before going into an xray course, right?
How long will it take for me to take all these classes along with this course?
Is there a possibility that i can do everything online, or do i have to quit my job so i can attend in person?
You could potentially go straight into the program without prerequisites being completed depending on the college you choose. However, with it being your first college experience it would be good for you to knock out some prerequisites while you’re working.
Once you’re in the program it is possible to work but you’re only going to be available in the evenings or weekends most likely. Clinicals are all day in person 2-3 days a week through most of the program. The other core courses are also in person. You might be able to get some prerequisites done online though.
I wish to meet you by whatsapp to ask you about the process of enlisting in the university. Hello from Iraq.
I send all international inquiries to the ARRT website: www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/how-to-apply/international-inquiries
This way you are able to contact someone that can give you information based on your specific situation.
Nah I don’t think that math is that basic the way she said seem like yeah it’s real struggle I do not like math at all 😂
What part of the math do you find to be most challenging?
Online class
I am not aware of any rad tech program that is completely online. However, you may be able to find one out there somewhere. Also, you can do your prerequisites online if the college you’ll be attending approves them.
@ I am very interesting x ray