RN vs Xray - Best Career for You?

[@rajatduggal8626]

I'm thinking of going into x-ray because I don't think I would like to wipe asses and stick urinary catheters in people as a nurse.

[@BekiTMBTI]

This is one of the best videos on rad tech that I’ve seen. In 2010/2011 when I was a dental assistant I was really considering becoming a rad tech/sonographer. I loved taking xrays. The 2008 ecpnomic crash & losing my job really affected me. So I decided to pursue nursing. I was a home health aid for a number of years. But recently working with nurses closely I don’t have the personslity for it. It really is a sorority. They seem to most often times want a certain type of person to become a nurse. I’ve known quite a few who failed classes but miraculously passed nursing school. I was in lpn school & quit. I just thought it was the school but find the whole field is toxic. But beyond that I have always met dedicated, hard working & knowledgable nurses. I really wish I didn’t let the promise of “recession proof” & always having a job influence me. I decided in the new year I wasn’t going to let fear dictate my life. I plan to apply to ultrasound & rad tech.

[@alissacastles2424]

Currently contemplating both nursing and X-ray and this was extremely reassuring and great information on both!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I hope you found value in my content. If you have any other questions that I can answer about the world of radiography, let me know. I would be happy to make a video about it.

[@nicolelarmond5322]

What did you go with?

[@kylehowat6775]

What did you decide?

[@kylehowat6775]

I am really torn between radiology and nursing. I feel like, I would like the work of a radiologist better because I’m not dealing with the same patient for long periods at a time. At the same time it seems like there’s way more opportunity to make more money and to work in more places with nursing. UGGG I DON’T KNOW😂

[@blissfull7648]

Same here

[@pantherman8719]

Nursing is a job most people go for but nobody wants because of what they have to do. The money is the only thing and the advantages that come with it. Let's be real 😂. You might find a couple of angels in a sea of demons, tho.

[@kylehowat6775]

@@pantherman8719 true that

[@kylehowat6775]

@ yeah my buddy is a radiologist and he said that Nurses work their asses off. He gets alot of down time and he feels bad for those nurses lol. He also said that Nurses get a lot of respect, so that’s good 🤷🏼‍♂️😂 And slightly better pay.

[@blissfull7648]

@kylehowat6775 my school is not Jrcert accredited

[@tattedsourpatch]

so what you're saying is... enter the radiography program in the spring! thanks! :D

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

That's the plan!

[@NicxNicoleeS26]

Thank you thank you! This video is super informative. I was dropped out of nursing school and the same day I found out about Rad techs so I believe that was a blessing in disguise. I am 100% head on motivated to pursue rad tech, I am applying for summer 2022 program!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Congratulations on finding your calling! Let me know if you have any more questions. Happy to help.

[@tommydub7785]

Be mindful. You dropped yourself out of nursing school. So take it seriously this time with radiologic technology. Don’t blame them too.

[@sanaaniz]

Same, Nursing wasn’t my passion

[@sanaaniz]

@@tommydub7785 it wasn’t her passion, would you rather her go through with it and end up hating her career? Or being a sh-tty Nurse ? Nurses have lives in their hands that’s what you people don’t get not everyone is okay with that

[@tommydub7785]

@@sanaaniz 1. When did she say it wasn’t her passion? 2. When did she say Radiologic Technology her passion? I simply spoke on her wording, she blamed the program for dropping her. Context clues are important.

[@radtechheather5838]

I subscribed ! Rad techs rock. Best decision of my life.

[@kylehowat6775]

Are you a rad tech? Or are you in school still?

[@LayBaby22]

Great content, tysm! 😊 I like how you explained the overall difference between both careers. Excited to pursue x-ray!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Do it, do it! Don't forget about all my resources at TheRadiologicTechnologist.com !

[@wandabrunty3952]

Great job of explaining without dumbing it down....from a proud Radiographer etc...

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Thanks Wanda

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

great answer. That has always been a difficult one for me because I know absolutely nothing about nursing.

[@DANSADAU_001]

💯

[@Izzyv7]

Thank you for this !Very helpful

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Hey, glad it helped. Let me know if you have any other questions. 👍

[@detectiveawesome3579]

Great video. I will look out for those Saturday videos.

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Awesome thank you!

[@anthonyfonseca2417]

Thanks for the awesome breakdown! I took interest in radiology in 2016 when I injured my foot and had to go to the hospital. I had the coolest x-ray tech that spoke very highly of his career and recommended I looked into it myself. Now, five years later at 27 years of age, I have so much regret that I didn’t go to school full time and seriously pursue that career. It’s been the only career that’s been of interest to me enough to consider going back to school for. One thing that was a bit of a concern was when my dad went in for an x-ray not too long ago he asked his tech about the program and schooling. The tech told him it’s about a five year waiting list to get into a program. Now I could imagine it varies depending on where you’re located and what program you’re trying to get into but from your experience would you say this is a common thing to have long waits just to get into a program? Thanks again!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Oh, yes. It can be. But look around and find a school that doesn't have a long list (if possible.) You might want to consider moving too.

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Hey Tony, just answered you in a Live KZbin Session. Go check it out. Should be done processing here in a few...

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZq8iph9npWIqsU

[@winniebangsi326]

Consider going through a hospital program

[@ConnieLeFan]

If it is similar to nursing, which i am sure it is since both will be hired by same hospitals, where you get your degree from is really not important like it is for some careers. And probably is smartest to try to get into a well priced w 2 year degree program, graduate and get your firsy radiologist job in a hospital that will pay for you to continue your education for the 4 year degree to hopefully help you increase job opportunities that could pay more money down the line. Rather than trying to get the 4 year degree all on your own first, which will then be all at your own expense and not even a portion of that expense will usually ever be repaid to you by any employer, though other fellow workers could be collecting reimbirsement for part of their education expense by getiing the 2 year degree first, landing a job, and then going back to finish the 4 year classes if your hospital offers reimbursement. Hospitals may still offer to pay if you have your 4 year bachelors and go back for you masters and even your doctorate. But don't think you jave to only go to some popular school that has a long wait list to enroll!! Just make sure the school os accredited by a reputable radiology group before you waste your money.

[@peyifte6311]

Hi. This video has been helpful. I applied to my community college’s nursing program and when I applied they asked me if I want to take the TEAS and I put yes. When I did, they told me that I wouldn’t be taking the TEAS at my community college because I didn’t meet the cut score of 80 percent. My conscience tells me to not go through that path. I’m currently finishing my pre reqs (Medical Terminology and Intro to Electromagnetic Radiation) for the X-Ray program and hopefully I will be getting accepted for the program for Fall 2025 semester.

[@annakarelina2238]

Your video just helped me to make a decision!! Thanks a lot!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Awesome! Glad it helped you.

[@starlightzz1480]

Hey so what did you decide

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

@@starlightzz1480 Unfortunately, I don't hear back from people as often as I would like. Hopefully she made the right decision.

[@starlightzz1480]

@@TheRadiologicTechnologist me too

[@blissfulmom21]

Yes! I’m glad some else believes that nursing students should rotate in the radiology department!!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

absolutely.

[@jerad4336]

We rotated through radiology when I was in nursing school.

[@josecarlosrodriguez3946]

How Can I become a radiation therapist? Do I start by taking a radiology technology program?

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Usually, yes. There is a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqwl3ebadyajLM

[@MDO_666]

Thx for this!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

No problem!

[@MDO_666]

@@TheRadiologicTechnologist eyy funny that you replied to my comment, i'm actually starting xray school this may! I'm so excited to finally pursue radiology...and i'm 20 years old and i like learning so this is gonna be a great journey for me!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

@@MDO_666 Get er dun!

[@MDO_666]

@@TheRadiologicTechnologist yes!

[@jonathonmcneill7726]

Thanks for the video! I have a few questions: Can you talk about burnout at all? I feel like burnout exists everywhere, but maybe they come from different places in nursing and Radiologic Technology. Could you speak a little on what sort of soft skills are good for both? I love how you mentioned that you love problem solving, but what other big differences come from both careers. Are you using very cool technology regularly as a rad tech? It seems like nursing doesn't really use much tech at all. I like the idea of rad tech because I'm interested in medicine, but also in technology. Thanks!

[@kaybae2420]

Great content.

[@hunterkuhn96]

Could you talk about the aspects of an RRA in a video? Would love to see if it’s worth it! I’m currently in a X-ray program right now!

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

I have talked about it in some of the Q&A vids and written a post here: theradiologictechnologist.com/what-is-a-registered-radiology-assistant-and-how-do-i-become-an-rra/

[@hunterkuhn96]

Thank you!

[@jeremiahhassan1165]

Answered a lot of my questions. 👍

[@ramannn.27]

I am confused what to choose from medical Imaging or nursing? Which is best and in demand??

[@bigcatdaddy7573]

RN’s have better pay and have better options to advance their career becoming a Nurse Practioner or a nurse anesthetist.

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Agree that RNs can earn more over the long run. Don't forget, to be an NP or RNA, you have to go to a LOT more school. Xray Techs do not have to go through more school to enter CT, MRI or IR fields. Most of it is on-the-job so you are getting paid while training.

[@sanaaniz]

Not really rad techs can get certified In more areas without school 🙃

[@guitarmaddness13]

Not necessarily. Yes the highest paid NPs and CRNAs makes more than the typical rad tech. However if you specialize in enough modalities, you can easily make 6 figs as a rad tech. Just depends how far you wanna take it.

[@Anonymous-bc6zl]

What can you tell students who might be afraid of the radiation aspect of the field?

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

I can tell them that with proper distance and shielding, there is no concern. You learn all about that in x-ray school.

[@Anonymous-bc6zl]

@@TheRadiologicTechnologist do you think jobs will be replaced with robots?

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

@@Anonymous-bc6zl If you mean technologist jobs performing imaging exams...Nope.

[@lagirlrunner]

Thank you! quick question, Is it to late to go into Radiologic Technologist at 47yrs?

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/noHXcqenZ85go8k kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5OmY5yuqN14eKM

[@robfilmedit]

So why do RT need so many more clinical hours?

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Because we are the most valuable healthcare worker on the team...

[@radboy490]

I mean it makes sense, we are being charged with ppls lives. A lot of clinical hours is good hands on for anyone. It will make u used to your hospital setting, workplace, job itself, patient care, and your co workers. I wanted to volunteer and shadow a tech, but covid didn't let me. More hands on training the better.

[@calklobuchar]

Hey man, I’m extremely passionate about becoming an X-ray tech, but i fear the actual job will be hard for me I was wondering if you know how many different X-rays does your average non specialized X-ray tech need to know? Like are you going to have to do multiple different X-rays in one day?

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Well, for the most part, even the most specialized technologists in general x-ray does a lot of different exams. If you work your way into a Dexa Scan Tech position, then you wouldn't have very much variance. But that's about it and most hospitals have other techs cover Dexa. What has you so fearful?

[@JMY8965]

I'm an x-ray tech / MRI tech , RN don't respect us , they think they're superior.

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Your perception is yours alone. Know that you have value and who cares what they say or do. Hospitals cannot function without rad techs. Period.

[@pantherman8719]

I understand. I'm not a nurse or rad tech. So ...we get shit from everybody 😂

[@FrankMelanio]

I got tired of nursing im thinking of becoming a nuclear medicine Technologist

[@murphmurph5488]

how do you see the future of nuc med? I am a 24 year old in a program and I dont see it being a plentiful field. i do work at a big hospital but it still seems slow at times. any tips.

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Great question. 10 years ago I would have said the outcome is bleak. CT was rapidly replacing NM studies. But now, with PET scanning picking up so much momentum and new isotopes coming onboard to help in diagnosis, it is breathing new life into NM. Plus, there was a time in the beginning of PET scanning that an argument was being made to only allow CT Techs to do PET scanning. Eventually NM Techs won and now it's mostly NM techs doing PET exams. The future looks much better for NM but you still have to remember that any given NM department in a hospital only requires a handful of techs. In comparison to say, XRay or CT. Consider diversifying for protection with a PRN job on the side while you full-time somewhere else.