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Occupational Therapy Asisstant or Radiology Technician? Don't know which one to choose.
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Comments (19)

Julia in Miami, Florida

49 months ago

Please give me your opinion on which one is better pick.

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Jamie in Nashville, Tennessee

47 months ago

Occupational Therapy Asisstant has emotional consequences to deal with, but the pay is probably a bit better. But if you do decide to go for Rad Tech, please remember it is Technologist, not technician!

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Julia in Miami, Florida

47 months ago

Thanks Jamie> I chose OTA because the waiting list for RT was about 2 years long.

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Cathy Wellman in El Monte, California

47 months ago

What is the difference? Technician or Technologist ?

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Julia in Miami, Florida

47 months ago

A technician actually does the x-rays and a technologist is the specialist in the study of radiology.

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lynn

46 months ago

Go for COTA. Their are more job opportunities available as such.

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J.H. in Miami, Florida

46 months ago

Thanks.

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dana in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

46 months ago

I would definitly go for the radiology. It is cleaner. Even if you are around sick people you do not have to take them to the bathroom, dress them or watch them eat and throw up. It is also a more respectable job. And I really think the pay does not make a diffenence.

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Sue in Houston, Texas

46 months ago

dana in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: I would definitly go for the radiology. It is cleaner. Even if you are around sick people you do not have to take them to the bathroom, dress them or watch them eat and throw up. It is also a more respectable job. And I really think the pay does not make a diffenence.

Excuse me, but are you really an R.T? I am, and I've been cleaning up puke and all assorted body fluids for years, taking them to the bathroom, dressing and undressing them and waiting on them hand and foot. It is NOT cleaner.

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dana in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

46 months ago

Sue in Houston, Texas said: Excuse me, but are you really an R.T? I am, and I've been cleaning up puke and all assorted body fluids for years, taking them to the bathroom, dressing and undressing them and waiting on them hand and foot. It is NOT cleaner.

I suppose I was thinking of a technician that uses the equipment for radiation and ultra sound. Actually if that is what you do--- the messy stuff then it sounds like an unpleasant job afterall. I am not an RT, and wouldn't want to be I guess.

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hootie in Indianapolis, Indiana

46 months ago

yea, Iam a RT, and yes you dress, take to bathroom ect, its whatever they need when they are in your care!!!

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Johnny in Orlando, Florida

42 months ago

I am an outpatient COTA and we never had to take a patient to the bathroom and dress them up. Our patients are clean and decent all the time.

COTA also makes around 60K entry level. Companies are waiting to hire new grads even before they take their board exam. Unlike RT's, I see (and talk to) a lot of them who graduated years ago and is still looking for a job. That does tell you something?

Also, COTA's are well respected because of their education. Some programs require up to 90 credit hours for graduation (Bachelor is 120 minimum).

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danielle in Manheim, Pennsylvania

41 months ago

Julia in Miami, Florida said: Please give me your opinion on which one is better pick.

I am actually an occupational therapist looking to change to RT. My salary would improve as an RT, but that is because I work in non-profit pediatrics. That's not why I am changing. You take a lot of work home with you in OT (both paperwork and emotional) but with RT, you get to leave it at work. Let me know if you have specific questions that I can help you with. Good luck!

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bilgsmf in Sacramento, California

41 months ago

Cathy Wellman in El Monte, California said: What is the difference? Technician or Technologist ?

hi cathy, i see your in california. i am also and am thinking about a career as an RT. is this something that you are doing or have done??? just looking for advise.

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di in Wyckoff, New Jersey

41 months ago

Johnny in Orlando, Florida said: I am an outpatient COTA and we never had to take a patient to the bathroom and dress them up. Our patients are clean and decent all the time.

COTA also makes around 60K entry level. Companies are waiting to hire new grads even before they take their board exam. Unlike RT's, I see (and talk to) a lot of them who graduated years ago and is still looking for a job. That does tell you something?

Also, COTA's are well respected because of their education. Some programs require up to 90 credit hours for graduation (Bachelor is 120 minimum).

hi, what is required in studies to become a COTA? pursuing another career...
thank you

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di in Wyckoff, New Jersey

41 months ago

Jamie in Nashville, Tennessee said: Occupational Therapy Asisstant has emotional consequences to deal with, but the pay is probably a bit better. But if you do decide to go for Rad Tech, please remember it is Technologist, not technician!

Just how demanding is being a OTA..i have heard different responses..I had worked as a Certified Oral Surgery Assistant for 16 plus years and looking to change careers..kinda tired of "standing" all day....what are the studies to pursue and for how long? I do see there is quite a demand for this type of work..at least where i live...any advice would be much appreciated.
thank you
di

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B in Cleveland, Ohio

40 months ago

Cathy Wellman in El Monte, California said: What is the difference? Technician or Technologist ?

A technician fixes things. A radiologic technologist/radiographer creates images from which the radiologist (doctor) will interpret and diagnose. Diagnostic, ultrasound, MRI, CT, Nuc. Med. - ALL technologists, NOT technicians.

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Kman in Los Angeles, California

40 months ago

danielle in Manheim, Pennsylvania said: I am actually an occupational therapist looking to change to RT. My salary would improve as an RT, but that is because I work in non-profit pediatrics. That's not why I am changing. You take a lot of work home with you in OT (both paperwork and emotional) but with RT, you get to leave it at work. Let me know if you have specific questions that I can help you with. Good luck!

pretty sad danielle, you should really expand your horizon and try different settings before thinking a new career. i'm an Ot and the profession is anything but what you're saying..gl with your life!

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sam in Kaneohe, Hawaii

8 months ago

danielle in Manheim, Pennsylvania said: I am actually an occupational therapist looking to change to RT. My salary would improve as an RT, but that is because I work in non-profit pediatrics. That's not why I am changing. You take a lot of work home with you in OT (both paperwork and emotional) but with RT, you get to leave it at work. Let me know if you have specific questions that I can help you with. Good luck!

I am currently in the mix of rad tech or occupational therapy assistant. Is the salary alot hight?

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