Bachelors Degree - Radiologic Sciences vs Health Sciences

xrayMOM in Crossville, Tennessee said: A Bachelor's degree will open more doors in the future. As an entry level radiographer, I doubt it would make much difference. After getting some years of experience under your belt, a bachelor's would qualify you for jobs with equipment manufacturers, clinical education, and management, etc. When I went to school, a Bachelor's was not available. If I was doing it today, I would do a 2 + 2 program. I would attend full-time to get my Associate's so I could begin working (if you wish). I would then immediately enter the school's Bachelor program as a part-time student. Research and compare the Bachelor's programs. Some do not require much more time than just the Associates. In that case, I would go straight thru the Bachelor's program as a full-time student. All schools are not the same. Be sure to pick a regionally accredited school (not nationally accredited). The radiology program should be JRCERT accredited as well. Hope this helps.

Hi XrayMom, about that last comment i am in a two yr college rite now in NYC and my college has the radiologic technology major but i dont think its accredited. I tried finding out via internet but had no luck. When i go back to school i will ask. You said u wud do 2 + 2 which sounds like a great idea bc i really do wanna get a bachelors degree. I just recently changed my major but i wudnt be able to get into the program until next fall. So my plan was get my degree in rad tech, and then transfer to a school like st johns university or go to SUNY Downstate Medical Center. But im confused and i dont know what to do bc i wud love to work after i get my associates, but if its not accredited i wont have any luck finding a job. Do u have any advice for me? and do u kno of these schools i wish to transfer to if they're good schools? i need help?!?? lol thank you! =)

What school in NY do you attend?

www.jrcert.org/cert/Search.jsp

Do a search here. If you do not see your school, it's not accredited to be a full-service Radiographer.

Stephen S in Long Beach, California said: What school in NY do you attend?

www.jrcert.org/cert/Search.jsp

Do a search here. If you do not see your school, it's not accredited to be a full-service Radiographer.

its Bronx Community College i tried looking for it there but i dont really kno how to use that website

Mely in New York, New York said: its Bronx Community College i tried looking for it there but i dont really kno how to use that website

I searched for you... Good news. Your school is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission and the radiology program is accredited by JRCERT. So your courses and degree will all be transferrable.

www.msache.org/institutions_view.asp?idinstitution=55

Mely in New York, New York said: Hi XrayMom, about that last comment i am in a two yr college rite now in NYC and my college has the radiologic technology major but i dont think its accredited. I tried finding out via internet but had no luck. When i go back to school i will ask. You said u wud do 2 + 2 which sounds like a great idea bc i really do wanna get a bachelors degree. I just recently changed my major but i wudnt be able to get into the program until next fall. So my plan was get my degree in rad tech, and then transfer to a school like st johns university or go to SUNY Downstate Medical Center. But im confused and i dont know what to do bc i wud love to work after i get my associates, but if its not accredited i wont have any luck finding a job. Do u have any advice for me? and do u kno of these schools i wish to transfer to if they're good schools? i need help?!?? lol thank you! =)

I looked about those two bachelor program schools. I found St. John's on JRCERT's accreditation page, but did not see SUNY Downstate. I found the SUNY Upstate (Bachelors) and a SUNY Westchester (only seemed to be an Associate program). St John's has a great reputation. You could not go wrong there.

xrayMOM in Crossville, Tennessee said: I looked about those two bachelor program schools. I found St. John's on JRCERT's accreditation page, but did not see SUNY Downstate. I found the SUNY Upstate (Bachelors) and a SUNY Westchester (only seemed to be an Associate program). St John's has a great reputation. You could not go wrong there.

Thank you so much you've help me a whole lot.. i notice that dowstate was only for sonography. so i guess st johns is it. i really hope someone helps u with u question =)

Hi,

I too am going on with a bachelors. I just graduated with a AAS, and the bachelor's actually says BS in health sciences. Then, it says in parenthesis (diagnostic imaging and therapy). If yours just says one or the other, either one would be sufficient to be in upper management in a hospital. at least it says health sciences. However, be aware you may face discrimination in the hospital systems as most managers including the manager at my level I trauma center of the radiology dept. is actually an RN a bachelors RN. Most depts in hospitals prefer their patient care managers including radiology to be RN,'s so I really don't know how getting the 4 yr degree will help you except getting the teaching job at a commnuity college. Although they will hire an associates degree to teach rad tech at a community college. I don't know Im confused. Im 47 and just feel im too ,and it wont help me anyway to get my bachelors in health sciences at this age. But education probably won't hurt either of us anyway. What do the rest of you think about this? Going on to get a bachelors in health sciences for rad techs? will it help us and how?

Daryll

Hi, You all will be a big help to me. I graduate next year from HS. I wanted to know what the difference was in A radiological Technology program and Radiological sciences and therapy.also if it was better for me to have a associates degree or bachelors degree. and i did understand how to check tht website. but i was thnking University of Cincinnati And Ohio State Unversity Both are in ohio.

Daryll in Tucson, Arizona said: Hi,

I too am going on with a bachelors. I just graduated with a AAS, and the bachelor's actually says BS in health sciences. Then, it says in parenthesis (diagnostic imaging and therapy). If yours just says one or the other, either one would be sufficient to be in upper management in a hospital. at least it says health sciences. However, be aware you may face discrimination in the hospital systems as most managers including the manager at my level I trauma center of the radiology dept. is actually an RN a bachelors RN. Most depts in hospitals prefer their patient care managers including radiology to be RN,'s so I really don't know how getting the 4 yr degree will help you except getting the teaching job at a commnuity college. Although they will hire an associates degree to teach rad tech at a community college. I don't know Im confused. Im 47 and just feel im too ,and it wont help me anyway to get my bachelors in health sciences at this age. But education probably won't hurt either of us anyway. What do the rest of you think about this? Going on to get a bachelors in health sciences for rad techs? will it help us and how?

Daryll

so after the rad tech program i shud go back to skool to get a degree in nursing? is that what ur saying? im confused as well. I just know that i want to be able to say i have a bachelors, but i also want to make more money because i have a bachelors.. but idk if it works like that.

Hi, I'm currently attending a community college and was hoping to transfer to an university to obtain my bachlrs but just last night I went to their website (which i do often for updates or new info) as of july 23 09 they terminated RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES and 3 other programs. So i just hit a brick road because ucf was the only school in florida to offer the bachlr degree, im about to be done with my classes. Do anyone know of any public university that might offer the bachlr degree

Hi, I have a Bachelors' degree in Management and with the economy being the way it is I am considering studying again to be a radiographer. Can someone please tell me is there a difference between AA or Ba in Radiology and if Bronx Comm. College have this program. ?? Just trying to figure out how to go about obtaining a degree in this if I already have a Bachelor's degree. What are the steps that I need to take? Thanks!

An Associates Degree in Radiologic Sciences is fine. I graduated with an Assoc Degree many years ago and have had no problems getting employment as a staff technologist or as a clinical coordinator, where I was in charge of student education. Now I work in the field of Magnetic Resonance and love it!
As stated in othere postings, I'd recommend a 4 year BS in Radiologic Sciences if you plan to get into Radiology Management.
Make sure any school you are considering is accredited. You can get valuable info by emailing the American Registry or Radiologic Technologists and/or by contacting your state's Society of Radiologic Technologists.

I graduated with a BA in communication but the degree got me nowhere...I know want to persue a degree as a Radiology Technologist. What schools do you recommend in NYC? What is starting salary? How long will it take me to graduate...I would appriciate anyones help...Thank you

uuuu... i don't mean to discourage you or be the bringer of bad news =/ but, i really don't think that be a good idea. i mean, from what i see it's definitely an overflowing market, "as is" and the waters not! receding anytime soon. but, who am i to say... i don't even have an associates degree yet *haha*

on the main radiologic technologist forum page? look for "warning in cleveland, ohio", discussion. titled? "it IS as bad as..". i'm sure it'll make you think twice about pursuing any! degree in radiography, these days and besides! it's coming from an actual "employed" RT ^ ^ i know, that for some it's like.. ooh he's just trying to protect his own ass from up and coming talent. but, that's sooo not true. i mean, i don't know him personally =/ but, i really do believe that he means well and that if your not one of those "trust fun kids" *haha* that he's actually trying to protect you from joining what seems to be a never ending list of RT graduates who are suddenly and now! stuck in student loan debt, wondering wtf! to do because there are no jobs... PERIOD! but, it's your money and good luck, with that ^ ^

oops! typo... i ment "trust fund! kids" *haha*

I'm an RT with a 4 year degree and I while I would never discourage anyone from pursuing a career in radiology, I can tell you that right now the market is horrible for RT's. 3-4 years ago there weren't enough of us to go around, but nowadays things are a lot different. If you haven't yet begun and you're looking to start a new career I'd recommend you go into radiation therapy, ultrasound or even nursing. There are still lots of jobs in those fields, whereas in radiology there aren't. The other thing that makes it tough for RT's is that most of the university's don't teach you the specialty skills like MRI, CT, Mammography and Cath Lab which would make you more marketable right out of the gate. You'll be getting started doing general diagnostic radiology and there just isn't any demand for radiographers who aren't specialized.

dual reply here,

Magnus- I'm not trying to protect my own butt, it's far to late for that to do any good. I'm just fed up seeing students that I've helped teach be booted out the door at graduation with nothing but bills and hardships and fears to show for their efforts.

Mervin- Fully agreed that the field is horrible now. The thing is that multi-skilled techs are having ALMOST as difficult a time as general ones. I have to disagree with you on the radiation therapy point, the overflow of students in that seems almost worse than RT right now and the schooling is longer, more in-depth and much more expensive.

oh, i know ^ ^ that's why i said it's not true and that although, i don't know you personally. i do believe that you mean well nonetheless. x2 by the way[bills, hardships and fears].

warning in Cleveland, Ohio said: dual reply here,

Magnus- I'm not trying to protect my own butt, it's far to late for that to do any good. I'm just fed up seeing students that I've helped teach be booted out the door at graduation with nothing but bills and hardships and fears to show for their efforts.

Mervin- Fully agreed that the field is horrible now. The thing is that multi-skilled techs are having ALMOST as difficult a time as general ones. I have to disagree with you on the radiation therapy point, the overflow of students in that seems almost worse than RT right now and the schooling is longer, more in-depth and much more expensive.

Correct, there are mostly only PRN positions in Radiology. Many foreigners were brought in threw loopholes in government contracts which were to only fill nursing positions, instead of just hiring nurses the loopholes allowed countless facilities to hire Technologist from shorter Radiology Programs abroad to fill positions in Radiology,which lead to the overfilling of jobs in all modalities of Radiology by less skilled individuals, leaving U.S. Citizens jobless and unable to pay off college loans. HCA/Tenet Facilities are well known for hiring foreigners from shorter programs. After each facility retrains the foreign technologist on the job (U.S. Licensed R.T. retrain the foreign students)the ARRT has been letting these individuals sit for the Registry which requires U.S. Citizens to do more clinical time, take more classes in Psych, Chemistry, Public speaking, etc....basically Americans pay more for their education but get less.. This all started in 2001 hopefully Obama can give U.S. Citizens their jobs back and send back help on Temp Visa's

missy1love in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: Hi, I'm currently attending a community college and was hoping to transfer to an university to obtain my bachlrs but just last night I went to their website (which i do often for updates or new info) as of july 23 09 they terminated RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES and 3 other programs. So i just hit a brick road because ucf was the only school in florida to offer the bachlr degree, im about to be done with my classes. Do anyone know of any public university that might offer the bachlr degree

Unfortunately only State Universities will give BS in Radiology or in Science. The only BS or BA degrees given in Health care by Community Colleges is in Nursing. You can get a BA or BS in Nursing just about anywhere but not in Radiology. I had the same problem when I graduated. FL is not like CA where you can easily get a BA or a BS. My friends moved to CA to get ahead, I wish I went with them, so much more opportunity in advancing your education. CA has a college on every block nothing like FL

missy1love in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: Hi, I'm currently attending a community college and was hoping to transfer to an university to obtain my bachlrs but just last night I went to their website (which i do often for updates or new info) as of july 23 09 they terminated RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES and 3 other programs. So i just hit a brick road because ucf was the only school in florida to offer the bachlr degree, im about to be done with my classes. Do anyone know of any public university that might offer the bachlr degree

In Florida there is a bachelors offered at Florida Hospital College (I believe that is in Tampa). It is a private adventist school with a good reputation. I graduated from Santa Fe College with my A.S. and am also looking at higher ed programs. I just found one in Idaho (I now live in Spokane WA) that charges in state tuition regardless of residency status if you only take 7 credit hours per semester. LCSC.edu is the school. Regionally accredited and offers bacheolors in Medical Diagnostic Imaging, focus CT and/or MRI, and a Management in Radiography degree. I am currently debating on one or both. It also looks like they would consider Gen ED requirements fulfilled with a transfer A.S., which most schools will only ddo with an AA. Looks good to me. Weber State in Utah also has a good reputation. There are getting to be more and more degrees in our field, and I think you will see higher requirements moving forward (promoting) and less nurses, etc. running departments (although that is not common on the west coast). Hope some of that helps.

Magnus said: oops! typo... i ment "trust fund! kids" *haha*

You are right. And the worse part is that if "IF" you do manage to get a job after you graduate, plan on it being all weekends and or all nights or varying shifts as well as call, this is not nursing this is on call, crazy shifts alone most of the time in a Trauma facility, you only have yourself and a CODE button that you never press unless your patient is on his/her way out, inhibiting any chance of having a normal life or a social life, no such thing as 9-5. As the highest ranked student I was one of only a few that found employment of course it was 13 years of all weekends and call, every other holiday etc..Seniority does not matter when other employees are there 20 years, we all had seniority. I am going back to college to work a 9-5 job-Government job would be sweet!! Imagine no holidays, good ins, good pension, can get away with darn near anything and No Call!!!!!!!!

Harvey Olson in Spokane, Washington said: In Florida there is a bachelors offered at Florida Hospital College (I believe that is in Tampa). It is a private adventist school with a good reputation. I graduated from Santa Fe College with my A.S. and am also looking at higher ed programs. I just found one in Idaho (I now live in Spokane WA) that charges in state tuition regardless of residency status if you only take 7 credit hours per semester. LCSC.edu is the school. Regionally accredited and offers bacheolors in Medical Diagnostic Imaging, focus CT and/or MRI, and a Management in Radiography degree. I am currently debating on one or both. It also looks like they would consider Gen ED requirements fulfilled with a transfer A.S., which most schools will only ddo with an AA. Looks good to me. Weber State in Utah also has a good reputation. There are getting to be more and more degrees in our field, and I think you will see higher requirements moving forward (promoting) and less nurses, etc. running departments (although that is not common on the west coast). Hope some of that helps.

Thanks for the info. As soon as I found out that UCF cancelled the program I started researching and found Florida Hospital College (btw its located in orlando). Unfortunately that school offers the program online only and not in person I wouldn't trust any Doctor who received their degree online...lol. So the only choice i have is to go out of state. I've found a couple of schools out of state,one in particular is armstrong atlantic state university which is public located in savannah georgia. my thing is paying out of state fees is whats going to really hurt me.

Harvey Olson in Spokane, Washington said: In Florida there is a bachelors offered at Florida Hospital College (I believe that is in Tampa). It is a private adventist school with a good reputation. I graduated from Santa Fe College with my A.S. and am also looking at higher ed programs. I just found one in Idaho (I now live in Spokane WA) that charges in state tuition regardless of residency status if you only take 7 credit hours per semester. LCSC.edu is the school. Regionally accredited and offers bacheolors in Medical Diagnostic Imaging, focus CT and/or MRI, and a Management in Radiography degree. I am currently debating on one or both. It also looks like they would consider Gen ED requirements fulfilled with a transfer A.S., which most schools will only ddo with an AA. Looks good to me. Weber State in Utah also has a good reputation. There are getting to be more and more degrees in our field, and I think you will see higher requirements moving forward (promoting) and less nurses, etc. running departments (although that is not common on the west coast). Hope some of that helps.

If I may ask, how was your experience at Santa Fe College ? What program did you take ?

thanks

Christain Reese in Florida said: The people that run the Radiology Department are almost all R.T.'s with a BS or at least they have a Bachelor in Health. No RN runs a Radiology Dept. Years ago they were going to make a BS a requirement for Medical Radiographers but the shortage of Tech's prevented that.Human resource people have a Bachelor in health. No matter what a Bachelor's in Health can only help and if you are a R.T. with a BA or BS you will get any job in Radiology before a RN with a BA or BS. Another field that started in approx 1998 was R.A. Radiologist Assistant and even though it is just getting some speed it will be in high demand if this Radiologist MD shortage does not improve. I wish I would have become a Radiologist($500,000-750,000 a yr)If I knew that I would have borrowed $ and paid off college in 1 yr. suggestion for the kids out there

Ok im an Aspiring Radiologist, recently ive join the National guard to pay for my schooling because of my parents outrageous salaries. Im attending a 4yr college at the moment persueing a degree in Nursing, once ive finished with my nursing degree i plan to work an pursue the associates degree in Radiology Technician.Or should i pursue the radiology degree first than pursue the nursing degree im in need of some professional help any ideas. Another thing with a bachleor degree in nursing an associates degree in radiology technician what does the two consist of am i on the right path to becoming a radiologist is the Question

warning in Cleveland, Ohio said: dual reply here,

Magnus- I'm not trying to protect my own butt, it's far to late for that to do any good. I'm just fed up seeing students that I've helped teach be booted out the door at graduation with nothing but bills and hardships and fears to show for their efforts.

Mervin- Fully agreed that the field is horrible now. The thing is that multi-skilled techs are having ALMOST as difficult a time as general ones. I have to disagree with you on the radiation therapy point, the overflow of students in that seems almost worse than RT right now and the schooling is longer, more in-depth and much more expensive.

Ok im an Aspiring Radiologist, recently ive join the National guard to pay for my schooling because of my parents outrageous salaries. Im attending a 4yr college at the moment persueing a degree in Nursing, once ive finished with my nursing degree i plan to work an pursue the associates degree in Radiology Technician.Or should i pursue the radiology degree first than pursue the nursing degree im in need of some professional help any ideas. Another thing with a bachleor degree in nursing an associates degree in radiology technician what does the two consist of am i on the right path to becoming a radiologist is the Question

xrayMOM in Crossville, Tennessee said: A Bachelor's degree will open more doors in the future. As an entry level radiographer, I doubt it would make much difference. After getting some years of experience under your belt, a bachelor's would qualify you for jobs with equipment manufacturers, clinical education, and management, etc. When I went to school, a Bachelor's was not available. If I was doing it today, I would do a 2 + 2 program. I would attend full-time to get my Associate's so I could begin working (if you wish). I would then immediately enter the school's Bachelor program as a part-time student. Research and compare the Bachelor's programs. Some do not require much more time than just the Associates. In that case, I would go straight thru the Bachelor's program as a full-time student. All schools are not the same. Be sure to pick a regionally accredited school (not nationally accredited). The radiology program should be JRCERT accredited as well. Hope this helps.

Ok im an Aspiring Radiologist, recently ive join the National guard to pay for my schooling because of my parents outrageous salaries. Im attending a 4yr college at the moment persueing a degree in Nursing, once ive finished with my nursing degree i plan to work an pursue the associates degree in Radiology Technician.Or should i pursue the radiology degree first than pursue the nursing degree im in need of some professional help any ideas. Another thing with a bachleor degree in nursing an associates degree in radiology technician what does the two consist of am i on the right path to becoming a radiologist is the Question

latica1107 in Bronx, New York said: Hi, I have a Bachelors' degree in Management and with the economy being the way it is I am considering studying again to be a radiographer. Can someone please tell me is there a difference between AA or Ba in Radiology and if Bronx Comm. College have this program. ?? Just trying to figure out how to go about obtaining a degree in this if I already have a Bachelor's degree. What are the steps that I need to take? Thanks!

Yes, Bronx Community College has a Radiology Program. I used to live right across the street from Bronx Community College. They have many excellent programs now.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis on Health Services Administration. I did an internship at the hospital in my town, and now I am working at a physicians' clinic in the insurance department. While I'm "getting my foot in the door," I'm also only making 9/hr. This equals 17,000 a year BEFORE taxes and health insurance are taken out of each of my checks so I pretty much make 13,000 a year. Fresh out of college, I have loans and bills and rent and this salary isn't cutting it. But I can't get a job ANYWHERE without "EXPERIENCE." Sooooooooooooooooo frustrating to me! Why did I even get this degree if I'm making about as much as I did as a Sonic car-hop? What should I do?!

frustrated2theMax in Little Rock, Arkansas said: I have a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis on Health Services Administration. I did an internship at the hospital in my town, and now I am working at a physicians' clinic in the insurance department. While I'm "getting my foot in the door," I'm also only making 9/hr. This equals 17,000 a year BEFORE taxes and health insurance are taken out of each of my checks so I pretty much make 13,000 a year. Fresh out of college, I have loans and bills and rent and this salary isn't cutting it. But I can't get a job ANYWHERE without "EXPERIENCE." Sooooooooooooooooo frustrating to me! Why did I even get this degree if I'm making about as much as I did as a Sonic car-hop? What should I do?!

Your situation sounds exactly like mine....I also have a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, but with a concentration in Microbiology and I have yet to find a job that isn't a couple of bucks over minimum wage. I am in major debt from attending school and with my current job prospects, I feel there is no other way but to go back to school and accrue more debt! I applied for the Medical Technology program, so hopefully I can complete it in 4 semesters and be able to have a job that pays at least enough for me to live on...........by the way, before I went to college I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and now after graduation, this is stil the only job that I can get.......it's ironic because I swore that when I graduated that I would never work as a CNA again.....boy, was I wrong!!

Harvey Olson in Spokane, Washington said: In Florida there is a bachelors offered at Florida Hospital College (I believe that is in Tampa). It is a private adventist school with a good reputation. I graduated from Santa Fe College with my A.S. and am also looking at higher ed programs. I just found one in Idaho (I now live in Spokane WA) that charges in state tuition regardless of residency status if you only take 7 credit hours per semester. LCSC.edu is the school. Regionally accredited and offers bacheolors in Medical Diagnostic Imaging, focus CT and/or MRI, and a Management in Radiography degree. I am currently debating on one or both. It also looks like they would consider Gen ED requirements fulfilled with a transfer A.S., which most schools will only ddo with an AA. Looks good to me. Weber State in Utah also has a good reputation. There are getting to be more and more degrees in our field, and I think you will see higher requirements moving forward (promoting) and less nurses, etc. running departments (although that is not common on the west coast). Hope some of that helps.

i too am pondering on going back to school. i got my rt license in dec 2008 from spencerian in louisville, ky. checked into a school in evansville (usi) and figured i'd share this link if anyone is interested in returning to get their BA :)

Jourdan in Evansville, Indiana said: i too am pondering on going back to school. i got my rt license in dec 2008 from spencerian in louisville, ky. checked into a school in evansville (usi) and figured i'd share this link if anyone is interested in returning to get their BA :)

Guess it would have been helpful to put a link for you guys to check out :)

health.usi.edu/acadprog/radtech/bsc/default.asp

I completed my bachelors degree in Kinesiology. I soon realized that this degree is only a "stepping-stone" degree...that I would need to continue my education in order to find a decent job!! I then completed an associate's program in radiologic technology. I was very lucky upon graduation to find a f/t job!!! The majority of the people in my class are STILL working prn without benefits 3 years later! The market for rad techs has definately become over-saturated depending on where you live & whether or not you are willing to move. There are 5 schools/hospitals with xray programs within an hour or two from my hometown!! WAY TOO MANY for the population!!! Although I completed my degrees backwards...i feel that they will help me in the future. I DO NOT get paid any more having my BS vs those with an associates...but I plan to continue on for a master's after I get a few more years of experience under my belt...but am trying to make the executive decision of which route I want to take....education or management!!! /Any suggestions or advice??? Where I live...as long as you are a registered RT...you will get paid the same base pay...it doesn't matter which degree program you completed. There ARE pay increases, though, for those who become REGISTERED in other modalities such as CT,MRI,US, etc.... The trend is definately leaning towards registered techs, though, vs OJTs.

Hi
I am finding a very hard time in finding schools and i am confused.
I am finishing an associates in liberal arts and want to do radiation therapy. On the us bureau of labor statistics it saids that you can also get into the field by getting a degree in radiology and then do a 12 month certificate program. I dont know if i have to start over with an another associates degree and what schools are their in brooklyn and manhattan for radiography

I am definitely confused about what educational path to take. Ultimately, I would like to manage a radiology department. I am about to graduate for Northwest Florida State College with my A.A., and I have been working towards obtaining the position mentioned above. After reading some of the posts, I am afraid I may choosing the wrong career. My current school offers an A.S in radiology but competition is steep they will only except honor students( 3.5 or higher). IF I am able to obtain my A.S in radiology from this school, what is the next step to meeting the qualifications? healthcare management or BS, etc... HELP! should I just scrap this dream and transfer to a university to pursue another field?

Hi,

I am about to graduate from highschool, and about to attend Saint Francis college. I want to get a Bachelors in Radiologic technician, but I don't know if this is an acreddited School. When i do receive my Bachelors in radiologic technitian i want to specialize in sonography. The only thing is will i be able to receive a career easily when i am done with college? I am so confused, please help me!

chridesa in New York, New York said: Hi,
Go to JRCERT. org and click on accredited schools. It will give you a list of programs. The BS degree is better for advancement into education or management. Try to go to a program that offers an advanced level modality track. You should also consider a sonography program. You do not have to be an R.T. The A.S. degree is an entry level degree, however, the job market is very tight right now. I am not sure of the availability in New York. I would also check out radiation therapy programs, although it takes a very special person to work with cancer patients daily. I hope this helps you!!

xrayMOM in Crossville, Tennessee said: I am a ARRT registered Radiologic Technologist with an Associates of Science degree. I am going back to college for my Bachelors but am not sure whether it would be best to get a career specific degree (BS in Radiologic Sciences) or a broader healthcare degree (BS in Health Sciences). I am thinking of teaching, so the Radiologic Sciences degree might be best, but I would appreciate your advice and experience.

East Tennessee State University has an AS to BS transfer program on line for RTs.
It is a great program!!

A couple of points here..

I've been in Radiology for the better part of two decades, most of it in a Management/Leadership capacity.

First, the job market across the board is awful. This is not regional, its nationwide. I'd encourage no one to enter the diagnostic imaging fields right now. Jobs are exceedinly scarce, and healthcare reform may only worsen the problem. Pay scales are going backwards, this is particularly noticeable in Nuclear Medicine and Sonography.

As for Bachelors degrees, the ASRT and SNM are encouraging the Board Exams to move to a minimum BS requirement. I'd be shocked if this was not a reality in the next 5 years.

A minimum BS will greatly reduce the number of people entering the field. There are pros and cons to this. This benefits us both in salary competitiveness and hopefully will increase the professionalism of the entry level Technologists. On the negative side, potentially running short on employees is never good for patients or staff.

As another poster mentioned, a BS will eventually be the only path into management. If your satisfied working bedside then a BS really wont help you.

xrayMOM in Crossville, Tennessee said: A Bachelor's degree will open more doors in the future. As an entry level radiographer, I doubt it would make much difference. After getting some years of experience under your belt, a bachelor's would qualify you for jobs with equipment manufacturers, clinical education, and management, etc. When I went to school, a Bachelor's was not available. If I was doing it today, I would do a 2 + 2 program. I would attend full-time to get my Associate's so I could begin working (if you wish). I would then immediately enter the school's Bachelor program as a part-time student. Research and compare the Bachelor's programs. Some do not require much more time than just the Associates. In that case, I would go straight thru the Bachelor's program as a full-time student. All schools are not the same. Be sure to pick a regionally accredited school (not nationally accredited). The radiology program should be JRCERT accredited as well. Hope this helps.

Why? What is the difference betwenn the Regional accredited vs Nationly accredited?

Gamma Rays in Tampa, Florida said: A couple of points here..

I've been in Radiology for the better part of two decades, most of it in a Management/Leadership capacity.

First, the job market across the board is awful. This is not regional, its nationwide. I'd encourage no one to enter the diagnostic imaging fields right now. Jobs are exceedinly scarce, and healthcare reform may only worsen the problem. Pay scales are going backwards, this is particularly noticeable in Nuclear Medicine and Sonography.

As for Bachelors degrees, the ASRT and SNM are encouraging the Board Exams to move to a minimum BS requirement. I'd be shocked if this was not a reality in the next 5 years.

A minimum BS will greatly reduce the number of people entering the field. There are pros and cons to this. This benefits us both in salary competitiveness and hopefully will increase the professionalism of the entry level Technologists. On the negative side, potentially running short on employees is never good for patients or staff.

As another poster mentioned, a BS will eventually be the only path into management. If your satisfied working bedside then a BS really wont help you.

I disagree with "the job market across the board is awful. This is not regional, its nationwide" Houston is florishing. New facilities are in building progress as we speak. Just in the West part of Houston alone, atleast 4 to 6 hospitals are going up (Methodist, Mem. Herm. and HCA)I have been in Radiology since 2000.
I encourage people to follow the studies of Radiology. Salaries are enfluenced by a person's credentials.

i have been reading this whole thread, and my mind has just been for the most part basically racing with all kinds of questions. i'm so confused, people say go for it radiology is good, then others say no it's not. i'm currently attending st. catherine college and pursuing a BACHELOR'S in medical imaging. after graduation, you can have a choice to either pursue CT or MRI or both as a specialization. from what i've read apparently it's good to have these options but then what is it supposed to help if i'm not even going to get a job?? i was also going to go to university of kentucky to get my masters in radiation physics, which will only be two years more. sooooo..... is more school the only answer?

With a Bachelor's degree in Medical Imaging, you will have great opportunity in management, Assistant Director or even in some facilities as the main Director. Also some people are fortunate to get offered jobs with vendors and become Reps for BIG companies. Companies like Storz, Striker, Boston Scientific, ect... The field is sooooo broad. Associates degree is the bottom floor and the entry point , in other words its the FOUNDATION. And if the field is progressing to become a Bachelor minimum it would be great for us. As the person mentioned in a previous thread. I am at half way point of my Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Imaging.

(RT)R (CRLT) in Houston, Texas said: With a Bachelor's degree in Medical Imaging, you will have great opportunity in management, Assistant Director or even in some facilities as the main Director. Also some people are fortunate to get offered jobs with vendors and become Reps for BIG companies. Companies like Storz, Striker, Boston Scientific, ect... The field is sooooo broad. Associates degree is the bottom floor and the entry point , in other words its the FOUNDATION. And if the field is progressing to become a Bachelor minimum it would be great for us. As the person mentioned in a previous thread. I am at half way point of my Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Imaging.

okay, thank you that really does help a lot. i was just sitting there and really trying to figure out what else i could do!! i'm at a half way point as well, two more years! so i was thinking crap i'm screwed! but that helps a lot, i have another question. if i did decide to go to UK and get a masters in radiation physics would it help a lot as well? or would i just be content having a bachelor's?

I was wondering what school in Texas you are going to. Im from NY but want to go to school in TX , and im having trouble finding a school with a BS degree in radiologic science. Could you help?

Hi Everyone I Would really Like to input my 2cents...Im in the process of Getting an AS Degree as a RT. Prior to this ive worked several managment jobs without any college expirence, And done pretty well for myself. I am a firm beliver In "You Get what you want if its meant for you to have."...Soooo weather AS OR BS thats only half the fight. Who are you as a person? Are u a Go getter or do u just sit back n Wait for stuff to fall in your lap.That sheet of papper just says what you can do, So go sell yourself and make it happen.

in Houston, Texas"]With a Bachelor's degree in Medical Imaging, you will have great opportunity in management, Assistant Director or even in some facilities as the main Director. Also some people are fortunate to get offered jobs with vendors and become Reps for BIG companies. Companies like Storz, Striker, Boston Scientific, ect. The field is sooooo broad. Associates degree is the bottom floor and the entry point , in other words its the FOUNDATION. And if the field is progressing to become a Bachelor minimum it would be great for us. As the person mentioned in a previous thread. I am at half way point of my Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Imaging.
I'm glad I found this site. I am over 50 with a BA in English that I earned years ago and an Associate degree in Veterinary medicine that I also earned years ago. I'd like to get into the human radiography field. I have discovered a few schools in the Denver area. Some, such as Pima and Concord, charge around $20,000 for all the courses. Others, St. Anthony's Hosp., Comm. Coll. of Denver, and Red Rocks, charge around $6000. What is the difference amongst these schools? Why the big tuition difference? Any advice?

There are a number of private schools who offer Radiography training who are not accredited. You should verify that any school you consider is regionally accredited. If credentials are the same, its a no brainer to go where tuition is most affordable.

All are accredited by JRCERT. But some schools offer a certificate and others offer an Associate in Applied Science. What's the difference concerning radiology?

missy1love in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: Thanks for the info. As soon as I found out that UCF cancelled the program I started researching and found Florida Hospital College (btw its located in orlando). Unfortunately that school offers the program online only and not in person I wouldn't trust any Doctor who received their degree online...lol. So the only choice i have is to go out of state. I've found a couple of schools out of state,one in particular is armstrong atlantic state university which is public located in savannah georgia. my thing is paying out of state fees is whats going to really hurt me.

Just to clarify the program at Florida Hospital College, the online Bachelor's degree is a completion program designed for those individuals already working in the field. It is NOT an entry-level program. The Associate degree entry-level program can only be taken on campus in Orlando.

The BS completion program provides an avenue for AS degree x-ray techs to obtain a Bachelor's degree without having to commit to time away from home or work. Since the program is designed for radiology technologists that already have the required skill set, the curriculum is designed to give a student a broader understanding of the healthcare field in general.