How to Get Into X-RAY School the FIRST Time: Tips & Advice + Step by Step Guide

[@divineo923]

going back to school for my pre-reqs next week ! thank you for all this info

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Good luck!!

[@_breadd]

Thank you for making this video, loving your content and planning to start my pre-reqs to apply for a program this year!

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Thanks and glad to hear it, good luck!!

[@408BARZ]

Just started my prerequisites at foothill, thanks for the advice sir

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Good luck!

[@sinings]

Applying after this semester ends with a 3.8 gpa, thanks for the tips!!!!

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

That's a solid GPA!! Good luck!

[@DianaSotoxo]

What if my gpa was not the best since I attended college over 10 years ago and now looking to make a complete career change ?

[@redrobotdubz]

I'm in the same boat

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

I would just try to consider all your options. I would check with an admissions person of the program you're interested in to make sure classes are eligible to transfer if still applicable. I'd try to apply to at least 3 programs to give yourself a better chance, and I'd maybe look into some of the private instution programs (more expensive because they are private, but tend to have less competition). I didn't have the best grades either, so I didn't have much luck getting into some of the competitive public programs, but I did end up getting into a private school that was less competitive. So again just try to consider all options, but you can get in contact with programs you may be interested in and they can give you more information about how competitive, how many seats available etc.

[@therealmcgoy4968]

How do you call a hospital and ask to shadow as a Nurse or Radiology Tech? I am considering changing my major to either or as both interest me. Right now I am a business major and not sure that accounting is right for me. I use to work in a hospital as a supply chain specialist and use to procure everything from Barium to catheters, needles, those portable nurse work stations, I use to fill the ER carts with needles, bandages etc, and also delivered medication and even use to assist the morticians with escorting/moving dead bodies (probably the least favorite thing about my job honestly LOL), and I also use to have to deliver supplies to every department across the hospital and ensure store rooms were fully stocked at all times. It was probably the most stressful job I ever held and also felt the most rewarding for some odd reason. I felt like every day was a victory because I never had a complaint from Nursing Directors, Doctors or other healthcare admin staff. Everyone liked me and respected me despite me being the lowest wrung on the ladder pay scale wise LOL. Anyway I did that job for 7 years until the company shit canned me along with a lot of other staff and employees (including Nurses and Doctors) due to a "restructuring" of the hospital company as it merged with a different healthcare network. Ever since I kind of floated through life with jobs as my first goal was to be a police officer which did not quite work out for me. I do kind of miss working in a hospital. It was structured despite everyday being different and I miss that.

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Supply chain is so important in the hospital! We are always grateful for the supply chain specialists keeping us stocked so we can keep the flow moving. I would probably first look at a program you are interested in on that website. Click on the hyperlink that takes you to that program's website, and from there I would either email the program director or admissions counselor of that school/program. You can say something like "Hi, my name is ..... I'm very interested in applying and gaining 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 someoone who could help with the process?" You could say something like that. They will be able to get you in touch with the lead techs at the hospital sites to set up a time to job shadow. I think it's easier that way than cold calling hospitals trying to reach lead techs or nurse managers

[@jasondelatorre4992]

Thanks for the video. I’m applying this Spring and looking for any advice possible!

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Good luck! I know it's a process so feel free to ask questions along the way if you feel stuck

[@_DVCKIE_]

I’m in NW OH and I feel like Mercy will be good for me because there’s a hospital in my town. They offer a scholarship program but I have to work for Mercy while I’m in school.

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

NW as in Toledo area? That doesn't sound like a bad idea if offered a scholarship depending on the terms

[@_DVCKIE_]

@ Yessir, Mercy College in Toledo. I have to work for any Mercy Hospital (I live in Defiance) there’s a mercy here. I can work for. The requirements are 36 hrs per week for 18 months. I can work there while I’m in school. Not sure what position I’d be doing though it didn’t say.

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

@ I went to Mercy in Toledo and had a great experience. Albeit this was 10 years ago, but i'm sure it's still just as good as it was. I remember Defiance being a clinical site, but I never had the chance to go there since I went to the clinical sites near the college. Mercy's tuition is expensive due to being a private school, but to have the opportunity to have that paid for sounds pretty amazing. May have to do the math as well to see how much 36 hrs/week for 18 months turns out to be in comparison to tuition cost for two years to make sure it does make sense. But 36 hours/week is a full time job, and full time job with full time school can be hard to balance. From what I remember, they told students not work full time while in school (but some students did) so I'd maybe just inquire a little more to make sure it's doable

[@_DVCKIE_]

@@The_Nomad_Rad Oh wow! Small world! Do you have Instagram? I need some tips. I would also, need to work full time either way, so either way it’s gonna be a challenge.

[@SeanRussell87]

PIMA medical is a private school but it’s $51,000 for 2 years. You said to not just consider community colleges but I don’t see how I could ever come up with that amount of money since i’m 37 and already have a Bachelors and so I’m ineligible for Associate degree loans. Thoughts?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Because you have a bachelors degree, you could look into some hospital-based programs or certificate programs. They sometimes have more reasonable tuition. I know the private schools can be a little ridiculous tuition wise, but for me at the time it was worth taking out some loans to do because it ensured me I could start rather than waiting another year to apply to the programs. But I totally understand how ridiculous college tuition has become, especially with the loans and interest rates. Are there a few community college programs around you worth applying to?

[@Lyric_44_4]

Do highschool grades matter at all?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Yea, especially if someone is applying directly from high school. Programs mostly just want to know you have a diploma and have met a minimum GPA requirement. But if you've done coursework at the college level, they would be interested in those grades and transcripts

[@aflockofunicorns]

great video. got any advice for a program that does interviews?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

I would just do your due diligence. Review your programs mission and values and use that to your advantage during interview. Be prepared to discuss why the program appeals to you and how it fits your career goals. Share personal experiences of why you want to purse radiology, what sparked your passion that sort of thing. Interviewers can tell if you really want it. If you job shadowed, you could talk about how that was an eye-opening experience and how it emphasized your passion for wanting to pursue this and help patients. Just share your experiences and make it memorable!

[@adriantuesta1012]

You pretty much need all As on alot of porgams these days

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Yea they are all becoming pretty competitive unfortunately. The private programs tend to be less competitive, but of course higher tuition

[@divineo923]

how far in advanced would you recommend to start studying for the TEAS exam ?

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

Honestly, I'm not really sure. I didn't study for it, which was probably not the right thing to do. I think there are some practice tests you can download online as well as other youtube videos may be able to explain the TEAS in more detail and how to study.

[@chrislooney4311]

What are your opinions on a 12 month program? I already have a BS in Kinesiology and have been working as an ER tech for about 6 months. I want to get started with my radiology career as soon as possible!

[@josecarrizaless]

X-ray tech student here in his last semester (24 month program) Seem to be in similar shoes as you, I have a BS in health science and was a transporter at an ER. Got accepted 1st try, with a BS you will stand out in your application process. Good luck

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

I believe you could find a certificate program that's accredited, but I'm not familiar with many radiography programs that are only 12 months. I think the shortest I've seen might be 18 months, but that could've changed as well. But with your BS in a healthcare field as well as working as an ER tech, your resume already looks amazing compared to most

[@linkman507]

What about ABHES accredited programs for radiography

[@The_Nomad_Rad]

I'm not very familiar with ABHES accrediting, but to be safe I would just look up the program you are interested in on ARRT website to make sure it's there and recognized