5 things I wish I knew before becoming an X-ray Tech

[@leavfast4421]

“as a radiology tech, you will always be learning” that’s music to my ears honestly, currently studying physics but im interested in rad tech but am worried about potentially feeling stagnant, i like to be challenged. also hearing that progression and branching to other areas is obtainable will keep me interested and motivated 👏

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

For sure! I'm the same way, I get bored easily so I need to keep my mind stimulated. I've worked in many hospitals as a traveler so I constantly get to learn in that aspect, but once I settle down I plan to branch off into another modality as well so it's nice to have the options when you're ready for a change

[@Hecyael]

I finished high school last June and wanted a little break before starting school. Rad tech is whats #1 on my list on what to study and I appreciate this video greatly. I'm still somewhat unsure yet of what I'm going to do 100% but this video is lowkey making me more sure being a rad tech is in my future. I'm still pretty unsure about what my course will be like and the rest of it but thats what videos like yours are for, thanksss

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Yea thanks for watching, totally understand how hard it can be deciding what to do as a career. I had like 6 different career paths before eventually deciding on x-ray. KZbin is definitely great in that aspect, can learn so much

[@cwm8565]

As a massage therapist working with 8+ bodies A DAY back to back, the physical aspect of this seems like a little walk in the park ngl

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

I think I would agree! that sounds exhausting

[@cwm8565]

@ Hence my new hat coming up 🤣🥂 Thanks for the videos!

[@jasondelatorre4992]

Can you make a video sharing your experience on travel contracts? How do you get one? What kind of pay bumps did you see? what are the benefits/drawbacks? What kind of places can you work? Really appreciate the videos!

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

@@jasondelatorre4992 definitely! I plan to make a whole travel series and cover all of those details bc I had the same questions before I started traveling. Thanks for the support!

[@motecasa]

Thanks for the video!

[@williamwalter2725]

Hey Avs fan here, thank you for Blackwood!

[@AniC_1530]

I really appreciate your video about becoming an x-ray tech. I am actually in the works of completing my pre-req classes to apply to the rad tech program in my state. Acceptance into the program is based on a point system. One of the things on the point system is job shadowing. I feel kind of dumb for asking this, but if I want to job shadow do I just call up my local hospital's x-ray department and ask them about job shadowing?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

This is a good question! What I would do is contact either the program manager of the radiology program you are interested in or the admissions person of that program. You could say something like this - "Dear (their name) I hope this message finds you well. My name is (), and I am very interested in applying to the radiology program. As part of my preparation, I would like to gain firsthand experience by shadowing at one of your local clinical sites. Could you kindly assist me in setting up this opportunity, or direct me to someone who can help with this process? I appreciate your guidance and look forward to learning more about the program. Thank you for your time and assistance." You could say something like this and adjust it in any way you want, but for one it will kind of put your name on their radar which is a good thing, and two they will connect you to a site or at least someone who can set up a shadowing for you. Hope this helps and good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions because I know these types of things can be hard to navigate

[@AniC_1530]

@ Thank you so much! That's really helpful! I feel like I might ask you quite a few questions in the future haha would love to see you make a video about traveling rad techs cause I eventually want to do that. Thanks again for the info!

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

@@AniC_1530 Definitely! Always feel free to ask questions. And yes, traveling as an x-ray tech was the best decision I ever made so I plan to post many videos going over all the details of it - just trying to find the time!

[@InTheMeanTime_]

Thanks for the info !!

[@xsclusivemomentz8167]

Do you ever have to be in people personal areas like on a intimate level . I was in nursing school and didn’t like it . But I’m interested in this but I want to know more about what I’m getting into before spending my money

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Good question. Yes, we do have to do that for some fluoroscopy procedures, as well as for basic positioning in those areas. But for basic positioning, we usually "palpate" the bones around the area to make sure we are in the correct position without having to get too personal. But long story short, there are times where we are in people's personal areas.

[@connorflahive9510]

Did you work like a part time job while in school? If not how did you afford necessities? If you did how did you balance the school/work hours?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Yes I worked a part time job during school. Balancing school/work hours was hard but not impossible. It helped that the part time job I did work had flexible hours, so I could pick up more hours certain days, weeks/weekends if I wanted to. I would pick up less hours during mid terms or big tests, and pick up extra shifts when I had a little more time. It was a grind at times, but school was the #1 priority so I lived frugal and worked when I could to get through. I did take out some loans as well, but was able to pay them off within a year after graduating by picking up overtime shifts here and there

[@ishamehta8919]

I am 43 f and thinking of getting into x ray tech program. I already have a bachelor’s in physical therapy from India but was a SAHM for a long time. As you mentioned this job is physically demanding, do you advise getting into this career at this age.?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

I know many people who went to school in their 40s and above and have done great in the profession. Certain hospitals or departments can be more physically demanding than others. There are options to work in surgery centers and clinics that can be much less demanding on the body. Cross-training into other modalities can be less demanding on the body as well. There are ways around it, it's just finding the right hospital or department that has good staffing and workflows and it can make all the difference

[@rayshaunparis1176]

What’s the difference between ARRT and JRCERT?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

JRCERT is an accrediting body that makes sure x-ray programs are up to standard. ARRT is the organization that certifies and regulates technologists by administering exams and issuing credentials. So basically if you’re a student you’ll first attend a JRCERT-accredited program to gain the education needed to sit for the ARRT certification exam and become a certified radiologic technologist, earning your credentials

[@rayshaunparis1176]

@ I went on the JRCERT find a program but the place I am looking at does not appear to show up on the JRCERT website, but the program I am looking at does say it is an accredited by JRCERT on their website. Also it’s not a college it’s a place that offers residency if that makes sense.

[@avilescarlos411]

Thank you for the video! I have a BA in Graphic Design located in CA but want to switch careers and I’m trying to break into this field. I’m interested in doing X-Ray Tech or MRI Tech, but I am not sure exactly where or how to start and what the best practice/process is to get into this career. What would you recommend for me to learn some more about getting started? Thanks in advance for any help!

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Yes thanks for watching and sharing your story! I would start by going to "JRCERT - find a program" website to look for accredited radiology programs in your area. You'll be able to find more information regarding radiology schools, frequently asked questions and have an idea of what school would look like and eligibility to apply. If you are interested in MRI, it's very common to cross-train into it after radiology school - and this is super nice because you get paid to learn and earn this credential, as well as get a pay bump. It may be a good idea shadowing an xray tech or MRI tech for a day. I was initially interested in radiation therapy (another modality of radiology), and shadowed a day in that and in xray, and it kind of solidified that I was making the right choice going forward because I thought it was all super interesting. Other than that, I'd probably recommend watching more youtube videos to get an idea of what a day in the life looks like and if you could see yourself doing it, and it sounds like you are already on the right track. I know it's a lot looking into a new career so please feel free to ask more questions along the way, I'll do my best to help you out!

[@jacobshanholtzer5532]

Is there a difference between x ray tech and rad tech?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

nope, they are the same/interchangeable

[@kings_0nlyy]

Hello there man, I’ve always been passionate about working in the healthcare field and I already have my bachelors in health sciences in healthcare management & ive been considering becoming an XRay tech as it looks fascinating to me and I’ve been working at an ortho clinic myself. Would that path be easy to get into for me considering that background?? Thanks in advance

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Hi, yes I would think the path would be easier for you considering the background you have. I would think you would have all (if not most) of the prereqs required to be eligible to apply, as well as working in an ortho clinic you have an idea and understanding of what an x-ray tech does. I would think you would be a great candidate to get into a program with your experience and background, if that's what you chose to pursue

[@kings_0nlyy]

@ thank you!

[@lus8112]

Thanks for the video and advice! Currently in my 2nd sem of pre reqs for the program, i failed bio my first semester and its super discouraging. Even retaking it now and getting a better grade i feel that still lowers my chances of getting accepted to my program😓😞😞 Any advice for applying to the program? should i apply to more than 1 near me ?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

I had a hard time with bio too so don't feel discouraged. That was never my strong suit. Couple things: I would talk to an academic advisor about advice on retaking the course and how it will look on transcript and applying to program, bc one course shouldn't make or break you. And I would definitely look into applying to more than one program, this will only help your chances. That was the single best piece of advice I got in regards to applying to programs. I was accepted into only 1 of the 3 programs I applied to, and almost didn't apply to the one I got into because it was farther away so do yourself a favor and apply to as many as you can in your area!

[@blissfull7648]

Are you still in school?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Graduated in 2015

[@libbythorntonmusic]

I have never heard of the required continuing education credits.. is this something nationwide or depends on what state you’re in? I plan to apply to X-ray school next month and was just curious about this

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

@@libbythorntonmusic Good question. This is nationwide. When you graduate school and pass your test, you’ll be credentialed by the ARRT (radiology credentialing body). To maintain your license, you’ll have to do those 24 continuing eds. This is similar to many other health professions as well. States require their own licenses to work in, which can be confusing, but that usually just entails filling out a document and paying a fee, then you’re licensed by that state.

[@motecasa]

Continuing education is basically keeping your license up to date, I'm a cna, and we have educational lessons every now and then, and then every 2 years, we're recertified not really something to worry about.

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Yep exactly. Very common and nothing to worry about!

[@jonathanrolle5118]

Hello, found your channel on recommended. Is it worth it getting a bachelors in radiography or is an associate degree is sufficient?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

@@jonathanrolle5118 associates is sufficient. You can start working as an xray tech and cross train into other modalities as well. Most xray techs don’t ever get a bachelors. BUT if you wanted to get into management/administration, teach or other types of roles like that down the road, a bachelors degree may be required. At that point, you can get your bachelors online while working and most hospitals have some type of tuition reimbursement for furthering education.

[@jonathanrolle5118]

@@The_Nomad_Rad Oh ok thank you for the information intrigued in possibly going into radiography

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

​@@jonathanrolle5118 sure thing! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@Stoicspartan333]

If I go to a private school specific for MRI can I possibly cross train at a hospital or place of employment?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

What would you cross train into after MRI school?

[@Stoicspartan333]

@ well I’ve heard from other videos you need a degree to cross train in other modalities. (I’m from California). Most have suggested getting a rad tech degree in x-ray as a good foundation, which would allow you to be more versatile in the work field. I’m curious however if I go to a private school which only teaches MRI is it unheard of to be trained in other modalities while working in a hospital?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

@@Stoicspartan333 Oh I see your question now. So yes, having an xray tech foundation makes it the easiest to cross train into many other modalities, and probably the most common route MRI techs take (every MRI tech I know has cross trained from xray). You wouldn't have the radiation background by going to a program that focuses solely on MRI (unless that program covers foundational radiography), so you most likely would need to take extra coursework if you wanted to cross train into other modalities. I don't think a hospital would allow you to cross train into another modality without that. Having an x-ray degree will give you more versatility and options rather than going through an MRI specific program.

[@sohi8029]

I'M quiting medical school to do this do you think it's worth it What's the salary like and is it a good career to have and live comfortably doing it ((I'm from tunisia))planin to work in the usa or canada after finishing

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

@@sohi8029 that’s tough, it is a good salary for a 2 year degree. I made another video going over median salaries in the USA but you’d be looking at around 70k or so median, but there are a lot of factors involved and ways to make much more than that. But overall, that decision is up to you and your standards. Personally, I think it’s a good career and offers plenty of opportunity

[@blissfull7648]

No, stay in medical school, are you nuts​@The_Nomad_Rad

[@blissfull7648]

Stay In medical school

[@cwm8565]

If you’re doubting medical school now, it isn’t for you. Just gonna be blunt about it.