schools

Is it better to go to a taditional collage or is it ok to get your certification from a school like Pima med institute.. Pima offers a full scope program..

bill in Atlanta, Georgia said: Is it better to go to a taditional collage or is it ok to get your certification from a school like Pima med institute.. Pima offers a full scope program..

It honestly doesn't really matter, it is up to you though a school like Pima will charge much more than a community college. Just so you know though right now the x-ray Market is pretty bad for techs and for new grads. There are just too many schools now pumping the field and making money off selling education. Most of which are newer that have been putting out as many techs as possible for the last few years and it has finally caught up to the job market. Schools like making money and Hospitals like having too many techs in the market.

"Radiographer in Beaverton, Oregon"]It honestly doesn't really matter, it is up to you though a school like Pima will charge much more than a community college. Just so you know though right now the x-ray Market is pretty bad for techs and for new grads.The schools WILL NOT tell you this they will spin it and make it sound like the best thing in the world. Of course you can find jobs in select areas like any market but not like it used to be. There are just too many schools now pumping the field and making money off selling education. Most of which are newer that have been putting out as many techs as possible for the last few years and it has finally caught up to the job market. Schools like making money and Hospitals like having too many techs in the market.This is leaving many of the new techs who have been graduating jobless.

Listen to Goldsboro, NC THERE ARE NO JOBS ANYWHERE!
The greedy schools and programs have destroyed our career!

There are too many xray techs for the market to support in the Knoxville area. You probably will have to go on to nuclear med or something. That is not even a sure thing around here. Hopefully the class sizes will downsize and help future graduates placement.

what kind of other jobs could one work towards in the same field. ( like ct and so forth)

I live in Lancaster,Ohio. It is approximately 25-30 minutes away from Columbus,Ohio. I can't even find a school near me to even attain any information on nuclear med techs. No one offers this in my area, and I certainly cannot move to go to an out-of-state college. Does anyone have any suggestions concerning this matter? I would be very grateful for any ideas as where to start looking.
Take heart, they say that soon the baby boomers will be retiring and that there will be more openings in the medical field than they will have students available. It is projected to be on the rise in the very near future.

Hi I have a couple of questions. I'm planning to go back to school after facing the fact that a BA in journalism is not goin to get me anywhere. Now I have been considering taking the x- ray medical tech program at heritage education here in fort myers,fl. But I don't know if I'm choosing the right school. Edison College offers a Radiology Technologist programe but only 30 students get in each year out of 300-400 applicants. This is a big reason for choosin heritage education, the program is only 14 months and I have better chances of getting in. If anyone can give me some feedback in rewards which school to choose I would really appreciated.

There are no jobs for RT(R). The job market has been destroyed by a geedy, corrupt system that does not take us into consideration. Go into nursing or some other field that is desperate for people. Do your research here and the other Radiology Technologist message boards and you will see the lack of jobs!
Do not listen to the schools and the flunkees of the schools that will tell you I am full of sh8t. Look for yourself, here alone on this site it backs up the facts I am stating.

THERE ARE NO JOBS.
DO YOUR RESEARCH AND I WILL BE PROVEN TO BE A GENIUS.

Ok...I have been reading the comments on this web link and am a bit concerned. I have been approved by the V.A. for Voc Rehab and am considering X-Ray Tech because it is one of only a few occupations that show on job projection sites like Onet, where one can earn at least $50K a year out of a tech school.
Your arguments make a lot of sense, but as a licensed xray tech; assuming you can't find work w/in that vocation, could your license at least get you in the door in some aspect of the medical field? I have also been told once inside, the social structure is club like where one can advance based on performance and 'who you know'...
Is this true?

People would be amazed if they new how immature, infantile, sexist against men, uncaring, and how some supposed healthcare providers hardly have a beating heart.
People that like Jerry Springer, reality shows, the Veiw, etc. would love a show of and on went on in hospitals, etc.
The Job market sucks!!!!!!
If you have the talent become your own boss. Start your own business.

Radiographer in Beaverton, Oregon said: It honestly doesn't really matter, it is up to you though a school like Pima will charge much more than a community college. Just so you know though right now the x-ray Market is pretty bad for techs and for new grads. There are just too many schools now pumping the field and making money off selling education. Most of which are newer that have been putting out as many techs as possible for the last few years and it has finally caught up to the job market. Schools like making money and Hospitals like having too many techs in the market.

Thanks for telling the tale -- schools have bills to pay, too, so they must accept a bottom line number of students whether jobs exist for the training those schools offer or not! Radiology is flooded, pharmacy technician is flooded . . . the only reason that there are so many job openings in veterinary technology (assistance) is that the work environment is so abusive that people put in their two years at two or three clinics, stunned by how low the pay/how high the responsibility/how relentless the ridicule, until those people realize that it isn't themselves, it's incompetent veterinary owner/managers, & move into other (usually nursing) fields since all of our first year veterinary technician courses are pre nursing anyway. My classmates are now specialists in cardiac nursing, anesthesiology . . .

Few Xray medical Tech jobs in Colorado, but many applicants and graduates. Also, many medical offices use non certified MA's to take Xrays. Be careful before spending the big tuition.
Signed,
A lesson learned the hard way

i am considering attending heritage school in ft myers fl for r tech and med tech how is the job climate in this area ? is it flooded
like i am reading about in other parts of the country?

Why does the department of labor and statistics say this field is growing over the next 5 years...up to 14%?Have you people ever considered other reasons why you may not be getting hired?Stop trying to scare people...maybe the job market for this is just better in Alabama.

Dear: youpplseembitter in Troy, Alabama
How much are you being paid to be a patsy for the schools and propaganda machine? Please crawl back under the bridge.
The reason SO MANY real people are talking about the poor job market is because it sucks!

Well, Since I first posted 3 mos ago, I decided not to enroll in an Xray tech school, but am volunteering at a local hospital, and here's why;
1) Tech Schools are paid to produce the students- it's big business, and there are jobs available, but in the labor climate we're finding ourselves, your competition for that position is going to be great- so you'd better practice now on selling yourself! It is true as well however, that Clinics and small practices are utilizing the present employees to do the X-rays.
2) I decided to go and inquire about volunteering at a hospital- the manager and I hit it off, and this is what I have/am learning;
Once you finish school, you still need experience in that field to qualify for an interview- let alone stand a chance competing for that position! Graduates out of nursing schools are finding it hard to land work as well- for the same reason! The hospitals in my area are desperate for nurses, but will not even consider fresh grads!

Here's what you do: Go volunteer at a local hospital! Not only are you going to get the experience you need, you'll be networking! Who would you consider for filling a vacant position- someone your familiar with who's known and liked? Or someone you don't?
Sure, you've gotta devote at least 4 hours a week (my hospital anyways) for free, but it's an investment. Do it for 100 hours minimum!
It will brighten up your resume like you wouldn't believe. It shows ambition, socially participating, desire to be a part of a team, and interested in the well being of others!
NEVER go into it expecting to get hired though. Nobodies gone pay you to do something your already doing for free- but sooner or later, those positions are gonna open up! And when they do, guess who's going to be considered for it?
After (3) months of volunteering, I've been able to work firsthand in ER, Recovery, Patient Floors and Front Desk. I'm finding where my interests are - and I don't think Xray is one of them after all.

I ran out of space-

I sum it with this: Go to school! But if your not sure in what area to pursue, volunteering will help you to know. A stint in a good Tech school (college is even better if you can afford both the time it takes and cost), plus the experience gained and contacts created by volunteering, will catapult you faster towards your goal!

Oh, I forgot to add; after (3) months as a volunteer- and requesting different departments after several days in each, I was offered a job! The pay however, was less than I wanted-(I'm still working fulltime somewhere else), but it goes to show- 'it's who you meet in the process')!
-Podi

So what exactly did you know when you volunteered at the hospital?

So what exactly did you know or were you already certified in something to get in as a volunteer. I'm not really sure that I understand how you were able to go to all these departments as a volunteer, unless you knew something about the department. I would not mind doing what you say that you did. The question is who did you speak to? Was it H.R.? If you could give me some advice I would really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Deborah Savage in Ohio

deborah_savage in Lancaster, Ohio said: So what exactly did you know or were you already certified in something to get in as a volunteer. I'm not really sure that I understand how you were able to go to all these departments as a volunteer, unless you knew something about the department. I would not mind doing what you say that you did. The question is who did you speak to? Was it H.R.? If you could give me some advice I would really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Deborah Savage in Ohio

All I did was go into the hospital lobby and tell them I wanted to volunteer. They gave me an application, I filled it out. Then I got a call a few days later letting me know about an orientation-I went.
Next, I met with the volunteer manager of the hospital and we talked for a few minutes about what I wanted to accomplish-(the main reason for meeting with her was to determine where to place me once I passed a background check)- which I did.
She placed me at the front desk. After working there for about 12 hours- and remember- 4 hour shifts once a week, I told her I would like a different department. So she placed me in Recovery, where I spent another 24 hours. After that, I told her I'd like to try another department, so she put me on Patient Floors. I lasted only 8 hours there-(I didn't like it because they never had anything for me to do). So now I'm in ER, and I like it so far. Your kept busy, and your exposed to more there, than anywhere else in my opinion, when it comes to making a decision.
I'm not certified in anything yet. I am planning on taking an evening class at a Tech school though- something related to the medical field- either lab work or billing. Billing sounds good because once you get established you can do it from home.
Hope that helps!
-Po

That is an interesting idea, something I may consider doing considering I am not working anyways... networking really is everything!

Gang, we're living in a new era, for me anyways- I'm 46. It use to be all about education! And though education still is vital to landing a job anywhere- Networking has become just as important-More so perhaps! I meet people everyday who've got a job because of someone they knew! I presently work as an employee for a contractor for the City of Los Angeles. The pay is good, but there's no passion. If I could stress anything for the younger generation, it would be to pursue your passion! NEVER let fear stop you! You'll be miserable if you do! Persistence will always pay off- whether you want to be a Doctor or an Actor- attitude and persistence WILL get you there!
Fear is a smoke screen! We're born with it, but see it as it really is; False Evidence Appearing Real. I know that sounds corny, but when you really think about those things your afraid too do- someone else has done it! ...And there no different than you!

To add to what you just said, don't confuse your passion with your hobby!
My hobby is to fabricate and build race cars. Not your typical loud exhaust car, but literal race cars that are trailered tot he track, etc. I pursued that as a career for the last 6 years of my life, and it has financially gotten me nowhere, as well as stressing me out and making me hate my hobby.

My PASSION however, is human interaction. I love making people laugh and smile, and making them feel comfortable. I happen to love the x-ray field (my father is a 10 year CT tech and nets $95k annually, seriously) and have already worked in the field before in the film library.

This is now what I am pursuing, and keeping my hobby as a hobby.

I wonder what would have happened if you had gone 7?
I know where your going- and I don't mean to sound polly-anish-one needs to differentiate between hobby and passion. My point is to pursue passion-and speaking as one from experience-Military, Tech Schools, Real Estate, Restaurant Owner and back to an employee at 46- (and I do have money), there's a void. And it's my opinion with MY experience, that if I had to do it all over again-(and I'm not spent yet), I would pursue my passion! Why? Because that which consumes you is that which your most knowledgeable.
I lost too much time not pursuing my passion(s) because of fear- rear of failure, fear of people, fear of whatever...maybe none here can relate to that. Most never wake up!
I have!

Allow me to qualify:
When I say most never wake up, that's not a reflection of anyone pushing ahead in life to get where they want to be, especially those who on this site! You/they are here- like myself, because we're searching!
Unfortunately, statistics show that the majority of people- in this country anyways, are unhappy doing what their doing, and most don't know why!
I congratulate you on at least making the attempt to build race cars- sorry it didn't work out. Glad to see your not stopping there!
Keep plugging forward with diligence- whatever your goal is!
Best Regards!

You as well Mr. Career ;)

Race cars is pretty neat, but by nature it is a stressful job.

I never officially left the industry, it's more like, the industry left me. So I am taking advantage of it while I can :)

I'm into mechanics too! I joined the A.F. to work on helicopters- (a passion having worked on them at a tech school in attaining an A&P)- I got lied to. That's life! I'm still in the process of completing a private pilots license though. Never put your eggs in one basket! ...And it sounds like your one step ahead of most by knowing where your passion is-plus a background building race cars!
Who knows- You may get to do both in your future career! What a bonus that would be!

WOW.
I am extremely impressed with all of these discussions (most recently with "Jimmy" and "Career Changer".
I just came in (this site) looking at what it would take to be a X-Ray Technician.
The BEST advise I thought came from CC, where by volunteering, she is closer at finding her niche. Seems like a Win-Win too on "finding" your niche, along with the ever-important "network" ties you develop. Seem to me: 1) Volunteer, 2) Find Niche, 3) Pursue schooling. Too bad it's such a LOOOOOOOONG process (and costly too).

Hello transition-
Glad your finding some help on this page! Remember something; Nothing good comes easy! You will get out of life what you put into it! Same goes for education. A (4) year degree will always be more of an advantage in applying for work, because employers are looking for a well rounded 'discipline'! You may have a B.A. in a number of studies- and while a certain 'job' your applying for, doesn't have anything to do with your major, you may be selected over a Tech Grad simply because of the (4) year discipline! A Tech school mainly focuses on a particular study.
Sure, a degree can be a loooong hall for some, but if one can determine their 'niche', before undertaking studies, they'll find accomplishing their tasks much easier than someone still floundering. Why? Because once you hone in on your goal, you'll be eliminating unnecessary studies.
Good luck!
PS- 'She' is a 'He'.

Thanks CC,
I just read an article of a displaced paper worker in Maine, where he was eligible for TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance).
Here, he was going to use the funds to go back to school to become a Radiology Technician.
He called 10 schools and ALL of them were filled until 2010 and already have more applicants than slots.
YIKES.....
Is this what's everyone seeing?

That's a good question! I'm watching the world, and still trying to put the puzzle together- I could write a volume on what I think is happening, but this isn't the place for it.
Go to school. The medical field- (in my opinion), will always be the best bet on job security. Keep doing your homework on what areas of that field are not yet saturated. It's either continue educating yourself to stay competitive, or becoming self employed! If you've got a good idea of a venture to start- do it! It's the best way to take advantage of the tax shelters-while we've still got 'em!
Best-

I am wondering what the difference is between Edison State College in Ft.Myers Radiology program and Heritage Institutes program. I went to heritage to get some information and they were really pushy with everything like a car sales man. I know edison you get your A.S in radiology and you are able to perform any radiology equipment including MRI and Ultrasound but what about Heritage?

hey this is really an eye opener thank you i was just days away from siging away 6g+ a semester for a radiology tech a.s.. the thing is they also have a ma program which alows wrk in 8mths both classes have same g.e.c requirements so they say take m.a program then i'll have gec for radiology does this sound good i could have a ba in almost same time but cant wrk any help

wrk? ...Work? Sorry, I'm old school! If wrk is an acronym, please, spell it out. If you can't work, and can afford the education- do it! And study like your life depends on it!
NOW is the time to MOVE! The economy is slow, people are scrambling back to school, and classes at tech schools that once could place you right away, have waiting lists! It really is 'Bottom Floor' - training now- for a job tomorrow!
Listen- school is a sacrifice! You need to make it a priority above most everything else if you plan on finishing! That's easier done when you know what you want...and you want is a better life! Identify those things which you don't have, but would like to- and make a list! Visual aid is critical to accomplishing a given task! Is it a house? A different neighborhood? A Cessna 172? I don't remember the exact quote- but Abraham Lincoln once commented that he felt the best way to learn was by reading out loud, because it doubled the capacity for attaining information! Point; Identify your goals and keep them continually before you!
Good luck!

thanks for the advice,career changer. my problem is i sold my company,and only have a set time to live on that money. so the degree i want is too long right now. so i have to settle for a tech instead of a.s. regardless i plan on earning a b.a... (in the long run.. And i thought radiology was my ticket outta here but seems the markets flooded with them so maybe a, e.m.s or m.a for now...at 31 and three kids..and a 10yr old business i owned sold i'm run'n scared. right now and times fly'n

Understand.
Getting your foot in the door- in my opinion, is the best option at present! Only you know how much you need to make per hour to live on. I do know that ems techs average about $11.00 an hour, but the drivers can make up to $16.00. But that's here in L.A., and if you've got 3 kids, count on not seeing them much because of your crazy schedule. To get from point A - B the fastest, I would encourage considering volunteering a couple hours a week in your local hospital or clinic, and take a quick tech school course in something medical so as upon completion of school, you can apply- where your volunteering, and get a better shot at being hired because they know you now.

I am interested in becoming a CCT - Certified Cardiology Technician. This is a Career Change for me and I'm looking for On-Line Training, if possible or any schools or Hospitals in the Michigan area offering the training. I, too, like the idea from CC suggesting volunteering and doing networking first. I am not as young as I used to be, so any encouraging information would be appreciated. Thank you all very much.