Things I wish I knew before going to xray school

[@drewlemos2702]

Thank you for this! I am trying to get my prereq’s done and am thinking this is my calling! After 10 years being out of HS!

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Im glad you found your path sir. Thanks for watching

[@travis100182]

I am 39 and I am changing careers. I know the feeling. But you have to be happy getting up and going to work everyday. I don't care how much money I made. If I was miserable everyday, I would switch careers. Good luck!

[@SerenityIsMe90]

Good Luck

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

Good job my man. We need more Techs out there spreading the truth. For years our hospitals have had policies that don't allow us to video or take pictures inside the hospital. It has been very hard to share what we do. I"m glad to see more and more techs sharing their knowledge.

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

...and subbed.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks slick. I'll keep that in mind. I just realized that I was leaning on a sign that said says, " recording, taping, photographing is strictly prohibited

[@TheRadiologicTechnologist]

@@PhDTracyWalker now that's funny right that. I didn't notice a sign... oof.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

I'll try my best to spread the word. I like to share information with the people.

[@babyfacemichael1]

my notes for students about theatre radiography Michael `s theatre II Tips 1. Take all the keys to every machine just in case yours stops working 2. Let the surgeon decide where the II comes from , where the Monitor should go, don’t assume 3. If the body part is over the steel table base, or the metal table edge, or gaps in the foam table are in the way then -solution- Move the patient. 4. Beware sandbags , can be put under hips/ chest by inexperienced theatre staff 5. Set a manual kv for extremities -so that even if you come in and are centred in the wrong place , the image will be correctly exposed. Otherwise if your going in and out, over the body part, even slight miss centering, will result in a black/ underexposed image, because it will give a fresh air exposure eg 44kv ( which would not get through a finger). Generally hand 52kv, ankle 57kv, knee/ shoulder 62k , then tweek it. I once I had a student who never centred bang in the middle once, for an ankle op . The surgeon didn`t notice. The foam table makes 2 kv difference. Some machines require the first exposure to be on the AED. 6. The ii has an obese button, which is the maximum mA output, find out where this is. If this doesn’t work and the image is black - still under exposed , the only thing you can do is try and use the Monitor brightness/contrast - this may well not work ! there`s nothing you can do !! with this machine. 7. Save all the images- make this a habit- you don’t know which operation turns out wrong, even though it seems ok at the time 8. If your doing AP and Lateral, every time you go to the other position , swap the image over on the monitors. So you always keep an AP on one side, and a Lateral on the other. This takes concentration. 9. The worst problem is obesity with osteoporosis. Obesity means the II will use a high KV eg 110kv ,so LOW contrast. The bones will be very hard to see, because they don’t have any bone in them ! If the surgeon is moaning explain this LOL I had the same problem with AP hip on a young man- biggest muscular thigh in England. 10. Expect the first image to be wrong, wrong place , wrong orientation. Move the wheels in the direction you want to go, either towards head/ foot or in/out , make it easy for yourself , move in each direction in turn, and you will get where you want to be. Small movement`s to keep control. 11. Don’t let the surgeons use the flat II surface to apply a wet Plaster of Paris, unless you cover it first with a plastic bag, or water will get into it and it will go bang ! 12. For hips / DHS cover the tube ( under the table/ hip) with a plastic bag ,so blood doesn’t get into it. 13. You can get a lateral of the humerus, femur with the patient flat ( both legs down) on the table if you come in sideways, from the opposite side, and angle 70 degrees. and the body part ( shoulder/ hip/ femur) is right over the edge of the table ( so the metal table sides are not in the way) 14. If you leave the theatre for a break ( very long case) always tell someone whose sterile ( surgeon/ scrub nurse) where you will be, just in case they suddenly need you back. 15. Only ask the surgeon a question when hes not doing something dangerous e.g. with a drill. 16. At the end of the operation get a clear answer you are finished BEFORE you remove the sterile xray cover.

[@cberryman9189]

Thanks for the info! I'm considering changing careers, but my options for school are limited. And I really want to get into MRI eventually...I thought you had to go through the x-ray program first. I did get accepted into a 2 year program...but the tuition is close to $30k a year?!?! I'm applying for a cheaper program that's competitive and more affordable. Either way, thanks for explaining the different routes to take. I'm not 20 anymore and I don't want to waste anymore time in school than I have to.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Right on. Well said. I totally understand. You do not have to go to xray school to become and mri tech. However schools are becoming monopolistic. They outsmarted us by requiring xray as a prerequisite to mri to get more money from its applicants. Its a scam. The system is built like this. It enrages me. I would demand to speak with some type of manager to demand to go straight into a schools mri program. Besides mri and xray have nothing to do with each other. Its like requiring doctors to become nurses 1st before they get accepted into a medical school. Also at the rate of this inflation, 30k isn't a bad deal. Good luck. And thanks for visiting my channel. Please dont give up on your journey.

[@231mac]

@@PhDTracyWalker Yep

[@gvillarreal79]

Bro this is great advice and have made up my mind to go straight to mri, you've saved me so much money, then I'll do radiation oncology. My dude merry Christmas!!

[@PhDTracyWalker]

For radiation oncology, you have to go to that school specifically to become registered. So for that route. You cannot cross train to it. Im glad I could help you.

[@dieze12000]

@@PhDTracyWalker i respectfully disagree with the part when you say you can go straight to MRI without going to x ray school. By going straight to MRI you are limiting your possibilities to just MRI. Most places now need multi modality technologists.its important to earn the ARRT credential.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

True story. Every imaging facility and hospital runs differently. Some places hire you just to do mri. Its so busy that you can't leave patients on the MRI table to go knock out xrays. Some places expect mri techs to perform xrays, mri's, ekgs, bone density. And then only pay you mri salary. I worked at a place like this in the past. I was hired as a ct tech. Once I started the asked me to help with xrays, ekgs, blood draws, and bone density. Come to find out they didn't hire an ekg tech, xray tech, or phlebotomy tech. I was doing it all on ct salary. I went to the manager and owner to discuss a raise. His argument was that he was paying me ct salary to perform lesser paying jobs. I become a robot by juggling all those modalities. It was a bad experience. Other people in the comments have reported the same issue. The mri tech who wasn't registered in xray didn't have to help me with xrays because they never learned. They got paid more than me to do 1 job. Meanwhile I was doing 4 jobs. I'm a witness. Therefore you will not get paid extra to have multiple modalities.

[@dieze12000]

@@PhDTracyWalker by the way I love your channel dude.. Keep doing what you're doing brother

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for remaining positive in the comments. I just want to help. If you come across people who have questions, you can answer, please help out. Perhaps even start your own channel. Share your experiences. Thanks for dropping by brother

[@MichaelAarons1701]

I went and became a LMRT and they told us afterward comes the RT program. I’ve been trying to apply for that but now it seems like all it is an ARRT thing without any particular modality. I’m starting to think I should stop dealing with them and just to something like Lonestar or whatever that has the modality program which will hopefully also make me part of ARRT.

[@231mac]

I'm in the Houston area and all the schools here make you get your ARRT _before_ you can apply for advanced modalities. I wish I could just go straight to MRI, but it's not set up that way over here.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yes its set up that way at all the schools here too. One new school moved in and let its students go straight to mri. So students would go there instead. The other institutions lost money, so they made the other school get into bed with them. see how elites work together to keep us down.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

So you they make you go to xray school first, so then they can charge you agaim for mri school. Sad. Xray and mri have nothing to do with each other. Heres the thing. You can go to ultrasound. Ultrasound pays close to mri. Youd be one of the only guys at your work. Plus for you.

[@231mac]

@@PhDTracyWalker I interview at Galveston College in the next few months. Any interview tips? Btw, your channel has been extremely informative!

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ayyyyy congrats. The thing that helps me is that i remember to tell them what they want to here. I tell them that i am flexible, never call out, smile, and tell them to look forward to my dishes at potlucks. Also prior to interviews, i listen to a man on youtube called passmyinterview. Hes really good and confident. I try to align my confidence like his.

[@231mac]

@@PhDTracyWalker That's excellent advice and thanks a million!

[@tabbysullivan4337]

I am looking to star t a program for MRI the school is in New Jersey called AIMS education. Just need to be sure of its Accreditation? Thank you Tracy for all that you do🙂

[@jennifersnetwork]

I’m currently enrolled in an MRI Program here in the Bay Area, ca they start them off pretty well. The hospital I work for you start at $62/hr. The only bad thing is the hospital I work for requires you to have CRT as well as MRI to be an MRI tech… and a lot of hospitals are like that here in California

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yes. Ive learned. So this is proof that the schools and the hopsitals are in bed with each other. Its not required by Congress or by Medicare. This is so that the school can sell you two programs xray and mri. This is sad. Move immediately after you graduate. You wont have to deal with this anywhere else. Thank you for sharing this. Being registered in xray is pointless if you are an mri tech. Youll never have to do xray again. It pays less than mri. It makes no sense..they are unrelated. Magnets and radiation are two different principles.

[@stephenwalker8789]

I’m 27 and married currently a sterile processing technician and I’ll regret not doing this more than staying in my current job

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Its never too late. Instead of doing xray, you can stary ultrasound. Also 2 years. And pays the same as a 4 year nursing degree

[@demitriustaylor4400]

Y’all have to remember the cost of living such as places like California

[@jerryhawj0348]

I am currently thinking about switching job careers. I've worked in the IT Field for about 7 Years now And I've always loved helping others. Previously I worked in different hospitals as an IT Tech Support and I've always loved the Vibe of hospitals. I am starting to gain interest into MRI Techs, But I just don't know what I should do to take the first step. This is helpful but I would love to be able to get more information on schooling and what to expect. I have a daughter as well and work a full time job providing for our family, and I'm just stuck in the mud at the moment. Def want to do better in life and I feel like I need some guidance on the next steps. This is helpful!

[@PhDTracyWalker]

From what i hear about IT, its a lucrative career paths. I hear many things about certs. All you have to do is take a test to move up. Thats dope. Seems like you are interested in helping people and saving lives. Coming in contact with people is rewarding. School for xray, mri, and ultrasound is from 7 to 4pm. Its challenging to try to work full time. Its possible. People do it all the time. Seems like youre also looking for a career change. A life change. You probably should take the shot.

[@ShareeHoward-q9p]

Hello I’m here in Michigan I’m 6 credit hours away from being into the radiology program at Macomb community college 2 year program we also have Wayne state university which has radiation oncology therapy I plan to do right after just seeing if I’m moving in the right direction I’m interested in all the modalities your certified in

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yooooooo. Congratulations. You're doing the work. I'm happy for you. Hit me up when you have any questions

[@erickrishel694]

Perfect information. Thank you and stay blessed

[@cgm7945]

I live in Bakersfield ca so there is only the RT program so I’m going to start there and then move to Los Angeles for the rest of the programs. Thanks for your help

[@serenasheppard9750]

I live in Bakersfield CA and I’m currently on the rad tech waitlist at BC. Keep in mind that the waitlist has over 200 people on it. Wish someone would’ve told me that before I did all the prereqs

[@PhDTracyWalker]

You have to move to a city where they aren't wait listing candidates. More people are discovering the pay of rad techs because of social media

[@12eAcTi0nZz]

In Vegas there’s Pima Medical Institute and Carrington, both have below average ratings and I don’t know which to choose.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Either one is fine. All that matters is that you study on your own to pass the test. Just think of them as gatekeepers to selling you a diploma to be able to take the test. There is a pima in el paso. I dont hear good things about it. Its usually not the program. Its the instructors that make it have a bad rep.

[@12eAcTi0nZz]

@@PhDTracyWalker The thing is I wasn’t the best student growing up. I’m 26 currently unemployed and not really doing anything with my life besides keep up with fitness. I do feel I have somewhat a calling in healthcare and it’s motivating knowing x-ray school can be done in 2 years. Was also wondering if I need the c word vaccine because I straight up don’t want to get it.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Nah its not needed. Amd you arw doing something with your life. Youre here right now in the comments doing something with your lofe doing research ti find out what you wanna do. You also have know the importance of keeping up with your physique. So that tells me youre motivated. No one makes you get up to work out. Just apply that same effort to your education

[@12eAcTi0nZz]

@@PhDTracyWalker I appreciate guys like you and Vicblends on KZbin for giving advice and free game. I can’t decide between radiology or being a barber but I know that I want to inspire, teach, motivate others with whatever I choose to do. I’ve watched your other videos and I’m also into cars and video games.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

This is easy. I used to be a barber in my past life. It was cool. I was popular. I was in the cool crowds. A lot of people depended on me to be available to cut their hair. I made a lot of money in my apartment doing that. Heres the thing about that life style. Its not always glamorous. Criminals hang around, alot of drama comes around, things come up missing, and its hard to take a vacation when people need you. Also your phone rings during your off time with some one needed a hair cut, willing to pay extra for your time. Its not worth it. I did it for 10 years. Now i make enough money to never have to make side money again. I enjoy my off days and free time. Its up to you. I do miss it. But i love being a healthcare professional.

[@martinaespinal405]

what's the difference between basic x-ray machine operator and podiatric x-ray assistant

[@PhDTracyWalker]

The difference is $12 bucks and hour vs $27 an hour. Dont fall for it

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Also i never heard of xray tech being put that way. I dont like either of them. Look for a full on diagnostic radiologic Technician. Make sure its a school that allows you to take the ARRT xray exam.

[@armandoaviles4214]

I’m a Deputy in Houston and am thinking of a career change I’m going to look into this.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Hmmm i don't know man. Based on the career progression ive seen in salary for law enforcement and border patrol, they reach upwards onto 100,000 with just time. No education, no masters. Just time. Its really neat that jobs like that exist and pay well. Whats your salary now bro? Xray graduates probably start at $25 or 27 an hour in Houston. Mri is probably $35 - $40 starting in Houston. Compare it to what your rank will pay in 5 years. If xray wins, then id change. Also i do like the idea of being a professional healthcare worker than being an uneducated law enforcement. Perception matters. Looking from the outside, anyone can be a cop: A racist, a overweight person, and an unhinged person. Do the job the helps your mental health and happiness in life. Look into nursing also.

[@irinamokar5798]

Hi, I’m new in this. I have economic degree, and first time in America and sorry for my mistakes in English. My relatives recommended for me to go to medical college to find a good pay job because I’m just 24😂. I honestly never think about that. There is so many options🤔. I almost don’t want to be a nurse, so my friend recommend some tech education. She do x ray, I watch a video- seems not hard. But then I find a medical sonography and mri tech. Our radiology tech. How to choose right? Thank you for video and all people - a read comments👍

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ultrasound is definitely a very good job. It pays more than xray. MRI schools barely exist. Your english is good. 24 years old is young. Nursing pays the same as Ultrasound. Ultrasound is easier and less stress.

[@gunchief0811]

YO! I AM A VETERAN AND I HAVE THAT VR&E/ VOC-REHAB G.I. bill thing... I am service connected and hopefully I can get into a community college and study this HIGH SPEED LOW DRAG stuff.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

I used it for my entire masters. Its easy to apply also

[@sam56094]

If you have a bachelors in health science and then get into MRi I’ve heard maybe as other positions might pay more

[@PhDTracyWalker]

I can see that happening if you work for a state county hospital. But not at a regular private hospital. A bachelors is not required to do mri. You'd get paid entry level like everyone else. I promise. Bachelors is useless. Its only good for a master's. You can get a masters in anything now.

[@basicAlex]

Awesome information man appreciate it 🙌🏽, I'll be starting at chcp as soon as I can

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Nice

[@cprivera1]

MRI tech get paid much more here in Co springs. I know an mri tech making $37 an hour first year. Compared to RT tech who get paid $ 30 an hour. So I'm now working towards MRI

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yooooooo that's awesome..I hope you make it. Thanks for watching my vid and sharing the salary with us.

[@catlady27]

Jefferson offers a 4-year degree program, in the 3rd and 4th years you start clinicals in any 2 modalities you want. It's also JRCERT certified. So I guess it depends on the degree.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for sharing this. People need to know this information.

[@catlady27]

@@PhDTracyWalker Yes, I'm a junior in highschool and I plan on going there. :)

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Great news that you did the research all on your own. So many people are too lazy to find that out. You're already doing better than most humans on the planet. Most of your friends are going to end up going to a 4 year university. They aren't going to find jobs, and they are going to be wasting their parents money and their own time, and loans. Meanwhile youll be making more than all your peers including your high school teachers and coaches. I know this because i got a bachelor's in teaching high school. Xray pays more. MRI and ct pays even more. Im proud of you

[@catlady27]

@@PhDTracyWalker thank you so much. My mom is a single mom, and she always encourages us to study hard so we won't struggle when we grow up. When I graduate after 4 years, I'll be able to get a job and cut the cycle.

[@kimberlyshelton5167]

Thanks for posting. I'm currently working as a senior accountant but I feel like this may not be the career for me. It's so repetitive. I'm 41 and was thinking about going to xray school. This was great information.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Wow thanks for watching. Im glad you found my channel. Come back when you have more questions. I have other videos too

[@judithlee8289]

Same here. I’m 35 and also a senior accountant. I’ve done all my prerequisites and is currently waitlisted for the X-ray program at my community college. If all goes well, I should be in the program next fall. But I don’t know if my life circumstances will allow me to go back to school. Still debating.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

If it doeant work out, go for your masters in something else. Sounds like you have a bachelors already if youre an accountant. They will make your life better mist definitely. Look into masters programs that are needed

[@ashcosola]

I am on the fence between sonogram or nuclear med tech. But my community college requires a radiology tech degree before you can even start sonogram or nuclear med.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thats not right, but i have heard this from people in the comments before. Some schools require that because they can get more money to get you to do both their xray program and ultrasound program. Ultrasound has nothing to do with radiation. So that doesn't make sense. Just get registered in xray and cross train in a different modality on your own. You just can't cross train into nuc med. Best to find a school that offers nuc med or radiation oncology. Both of these pay 90k a year. Thats nearly 50 bucks an hour

[@dmalldonald888]

Thank you Sir, Really appreciate the info. God Bless you .

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for watching slick

[@habibixo1876]

Military Vet here with GI Bill Benefits... I got accepted into a certificate program for LMRT (limited medical radiologic technologist) however the same school offered an AAS for Radiologic Technology. Since Uncle Sam is paying, shouldn’t I go for my AAS -> your video tells me to go for the certificate so I’m at a crossroads. Thanks for your time, I hope you can help me make a proper decision

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Dont waste your time qnd money on a limited liscense. You need the real liscense to tet a job. I dont understand this limited thing that they are selling. What is the scope of practice? Why arent they selling the real full liscense. Ni way jose. Do the real course

[@assitank4922]

So great to get another upload from you! The advice is always appreciated! 👍🏼

[@PhDTracyWalker]

No sweat. If u have any questions, hit me up here

[@LivYaLyfe85]

Tracy Walker hope all is well!! Man you would be a great help to me. I am currently in the process of attending school for radiology technology 2 year program. Is there anyway to contact you via email or Facebook? I got too many questions to questions bro!!!

[@PhDTracyWalker]

[e-mail] hit me up.

[@SerenityIsMe90]

Best video I've found that gets straight to the point!

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Glad i could help sir

[@cece2900]

live in NYC it very limited programs out here and i want to study for ultrasounds . i graduate next year.. But the schools here only have bachelors for DMS or radiology and which then i’ll have to get more education for to do ultrasound 🤦🏽‍♀️. i definitely understand what you mean.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yep they running scams to keep its students longer. Indeed. Whats DMS. Management. Ultrasound should be a direct program. First day of school should be Ultrasound. Prerequisites are growing out of control

[@cece2900]

@@PhDTracyWalker do you know if i could go to school for x-ray and then get more education on ultrasound if i could do both or would i just i have to stick to one?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Youd have to graduate xray school first. One at a time. Then cross train. Ive only met 1 person who crosstrained into ultrasound. 1 person. Your options are only what your zip code allows. Become the best you can be within those parameters. Youll become successful either way.

[@cece2900]

@@PhDTracyWalker is it one person because it’s hard? or one person because it’s a step down from x-ray

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ultrasound is far above xray. Ultrasound is the same pay as MRI. It just depends on the organization. Typically crosstraining is done for mammo, CT, and MRI. The reason is because there is no mammo school or CT school. Anyone who is a mammo tech or ct tech was an xray tech first. Ultrasound however has its own school. MRI schools are rare.

[@Kindness808]

Hello! Thanks for the information. There is an x-ray tech program near me. When I tried to going going into some of the more specialized areas...I'm interested in mammo...I feel confused about how to find a dedicated program for that. Or any of the more specialized areas really. Any tips on how to find out about individual state requirements or how to search local certification programs near us? I did see some thing that make it sound like mamma techs need to have gone to a 2 year RT program first. Thank you.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Exactly. Mammo programs dont exist. Same for CT. You must go to xray school first. Doesnt make sense. If a facility needs a mammo tech or ct tech, they immediately start crosstraining an xray tech. Crosstraining is easy and free. You learn on the job while you get paid. Some places make crosstraining a requirement. So when you graduate from xray school, they immediately teach another modality. So no worries.

[@Kindness808]

@@PhDTracyWalker Thank you, Tracy for the prompt response. I apologize for all of the prior typos. Do you think it would be difficult to get a "gate keeper" to let me transition into mammo right out of X-ray school? I was thinking I might try to apply directly into offices that specifically do mammograms. Concerned that getting into a specialized, higher paying area may be a matter of "who you know". Thank you.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

As long as youre likeable, you wont have a problem. I promise. Wear your best scrubs and smile. Especially if you apply to work at a place that hires mammo

[@Kindness808]

@@PhDTracyWalker Ok. Thanks!

[@extraordinarilyaverage3768]

Originally was gonna go for X-ray. The community college im transferring to has Nuclear medicine had no idea. Switched my degree plan immediately. Currently prerequisites got out the Army last year.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yooooooooo this is the best news I've heard all week. You are so lucky. You'll be making double the money everyone else is. What city and school is this

[@extraordinarilyaverage3768]

Tarrant County College in Texas

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for sharing . This will reach someone

[@extraordinarilyaverage3768]

Arlington,Texas

[@realrareap2420]

@@extraordinarilyaverage3768 I’m at tcc as well , what’s the word on nuclear medicine ?

[@erincampbell2284]

You're able to cross train for sonography? We are for about anything else (also meeting registry requirements) but nuc med and sono are separate programs all together from xray itself here. You can do xray school and do nuc med but you still ALSO have to go to nuc med school. same with sono.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yes exactly. However there is a post primary route for vascular ultrasound. Not sure if thats a needed field, or something a regular registered ultrasound tech can do.

[@chetlynn]

Would it be better to first volunteer or shadow a radiologist before pursuing a career in radiology?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Nah. Thats not needed. Just enroll. Only thing that would help is if u have a prior bachelor or associates that shows you have been successful in the past. The programs want people who are actually going to pass their courses and graduate. Failures doesnt make the program look good.

[@ssjliano9971]

I’m 21 been thinking a lot on going back to school and this video gave a lot of information I’ll definitely check into x ray tech

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ayyyyyyyyy glad i could help.

[@jconti0727]

I can't go to any schools in person unfortunately because I have to work full-time to make ends meet. I heard there are online schools for X-Ray Tech. Is that just as good of an option? The only in person X-Ray Tech program that I'm aware of is the community college that I graduated from. But, they require you to be vaccinated against Covid-19. I am unvaccinated, and I refuse to be, so I would not be able to get into their program, even if I had an vaccination exemption form. Is being unvaccinated a problem in the X-Ray Tech field? I hope it wouldn't be. I need a kind of (preferred online) program where I can study on my own time and schedule. I REALLY hope this is an option. If I have to go physically in-person on a certain day for on-the-job training, I can do that as long as I know ahead of time at least 2-3 weeks. I love helping people, I'm colorblind, I have Hyper-kyphosis and Scoliosis, back pain, and I can't take blood (trying not to let any of those setbacks stop me). What kind of advice can you give me?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for reaching out. Xray techs dont have to take blood. Ct and mri do have to take blood. So if you want to move up. Youll have to. Some hopsitals have the patients prepped already for you. But not all. A lot of hopsitals are still following the covid narratives. Its a shame. Im embarrassed that people and places still have agendas and have to keep up with the narrative for optics. Not all places require a vaccine. Online schools do exist. But you will have to go to clinicals. Clinicals are all day. 7 to 4. If you are never willing to take the risk to improve your own life, im afraid youre going to be in the same situation for the rest of your life. Alot of people have kids, work, and other obligations. They dontt Let this stop them from going to school to make more money. Xray school is typically from 7am to 4pm. Most people get night jobs. Servers, bartenders and mall workers. Break the cycle to get out your situation. If xray tech isnt an option, i suggest going to night school and take classes online in another field. Get masters degree or pHd online in the field you already work in. That way you can continue your work. Another option is to change your lifestyle, change your spending, get a loan and go to school full time to change your life situation. 3rd option is to build a time machine and go back to change the mistakes you may have made. Go to school to be an MD, join the military, or even become an entrepreneur. Either way. No matter the excuse you got, people who are in worse situations than you find a way to improve their lives. This is true. Fastest way to defeat procrastination is to Just do it.

[@lydiakogo1703]

Hello brother, I'm in texas san antonio, interested in the field but i don't know where to start nor to end, please guide me.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

There are plenty of xray schools in san anotonio. Research what opportunities you have in san antonio. More precisely, search for which schools are near by. Dont exclusively look for xray school. Search for ultrasound, mri, and xray schools. Once you find one, enroll. Once you start courses. You'll adjust to the new life. The first step is enrolling.

[@lydiakogo1703]

Thanks you soo much, i will keep you posted.

[@kendramay4402]

this is the most helpful video i’ve watched

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Glad I could help

[@juanchacon777]

The school that I go it’s a community school and they offer an associates degree in Radiology technology which I’m going to study, I’m doing my prerequisites which is the only class that i have left in order to get into the program. I have a question is studying to become a rad tech.... hard????

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Nope not at all. The school is a fast paced. Every week you learn a new subject and then you test on it. The material will be fresh in your head. Thank for subscribing juan

[@juanchacon777]

@@PhDTracyWalker thanks, no problem!

[@user-kz3sb1ns9z]

Great video and very inspiring. I am 22 and finishing my associates in science degree. My original plan was to get into an entry level radiologic program at a 4 year university. However I am looking for other programs to apply to but most of them seem very competitive and Im not sure I will get into one. I want to have a career in medical imagining but should I choose xray or ultrasound? I am hearing that xray school and ultrasound school are completely different. But some people will say you can learn about all the modalities all at one school. and Im not sure if I would want to specifically go to mri school either.

[@BareFaceBandit]

Your the man. Joining army guard didn't know bout credit holds jus wanted to ask u about what should I be studying and what's best path to be MRI tech..?I'm 35 been looking for a fellow brother. To help no videos on KZbin..would like to follow ur social to have u apart of my journey as well.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ahh haaa. Best way to tackle a life change like this is to: Enroll. Go down to the school, ask questions. And enroll. Everyday time goes by and your situation isnt changing. Once you enroll and set a start date, you've made a significant change to your life. Once school starts. You will adjust to your new lifestyle and schedule. God will never give you more than you can handle. Find an xray school, ultrasound or mri school in your zip code. Set aside an hour of your day today to start searching online for programs. Look at what it pays after you are licensed. Do the math and figure out how much more you'd be getting paid than what you do now

[@wilmygerminis1046]

Thank you. My question you said MRI is the highest what about if you do CVIT. What's the pro and cons taking CVIT instead of MRI or Visa Versa?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Cardiovascular exams isnt a common exam. Its usually never its own department. Its rare when we do that exams at out hospital. They usually set us back behind several patients due to preparing to do a Cardiovascular exam. Basically normal ct machines and departments do those exams those exams. Mri still pays more. They probably are hospitals in the us that have a specific Cardiovascular ct suite. But IR suites are usually used for those type of flouro exams. With mri, the patient's life is in your hands for every single exam. You need a lot of training for magnet safety. Ct exams are not all life threatening. Ct is very dynamic with loads of various exams. Mri is usually knees, shoulders, Lspine.

[@David1wendy]

hello, excuse my english, im a tech in radiology in Africa Burkina Faso and i want to aply for a oncology program in thé USA, can you tell me please where and thé Price for an international student. Thank you to much for your vidéos.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

No problem. Thank you for watching my videos. You need to get into contact with the ARRT to see how to transfer your credits. The website probably answers your questions. International transfer is my number question

[@alisonbeeler441]

Hello…I am 52 years old and thinking about limited xray tech..I am not necessarily looking to advance up the ranks but just want to do something parttime in the medical field. I am not interested in becoming a radiologic technologist. What is the best steps to take for limited xray technician. Thanks…

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ahhh, haaa. I promise that once you become a limited tech career, you'll wish you gotten fully registered. I know little about this field because they dont offer this in texas. It's just not a thing. Once you're in shift as a limited tech. Your peers will press you and convince you to do other exams besides the ones you're allowed to do. You'll start to be utilized as a regular tech, but less salary. Do you want to get paid less for doing the same thing everyone else is doing? If you are serious about the limited tech field, all you need to do is apply to a school that has. I feel you really would regret becoming a limited tech.

[@blackveil3669]

Hi Tracy the most concern question I have is to involve with the concept of REM, and how much we get exposed to it.. I may consider radiation oncology or nuclear medicine , but the amount of rem exposure on the job site concerns me... I understand the basic procedures in protection against radiation ( lead apron ,thyroid shield Etc.) but I am still " scared " of the radiation exposure , what is your advice about coming over this concern, and or experience with the amount of radiation exposed to you're body , thank you for your time and understanding.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yes this is a concern and should be. A person gets lazy when protecting themselves. The amount of dose is unknown that causes cancer. What causes cancer most of all is diet. Pop tarts and other great tasting processed foods are causes of most cancer. Id worry about diet more then the occupational exposure. 40 - 60% of cancers are preventable alone via diet. I think its more. Its simple we are censored feom learning the truth about the origins of cancer. I think its simple. Look at countries whos people eat off the land with natural food, vs the US stats. You'd be angry when you find out what processing and refining foods do to our bodies. And we willingly ignore it. We are society that thinks that zero sugar foods are actually zero harm.

[@kingkaaiz]

If I get a degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology wouldn’t that mean I would have a harder time finding work as opposed to being cross-trained in different modalities such as X-ray, CT, MRI, Mammogram, etc..

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yooo slick. True story. Not that very many positions available in nuc med and nuc med is not at every hospital. Good point. I should mention that in the video

[@PhDTracyWalker]

And to answer your question, if u get a degree in nuc med, more than likely you will have to move to another city and state

[@salahadinyonis9590]

The nearest school to me is a 4year joint program accredited associates plus a bachelors

[@PhDTracyWalker]

That sounds interesting. So xray tech and a bachelors on the side. Thats very neat.

[@victorvest6668]

I'm glad I ran across your channel dude thanks a lot

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Glad i helped bro

[@jrosado3965]

Thanks for this useful info. Is there are shortcut to training since I already have a Bachelors & Masters degree; but in a different field?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Not really. Just a step up in life in study habits and your history of previous success. When the schools choose their candidates. They want students who have a high probability of passing. Therefore making their program look good. You'd be a first pick vs being waitlisted.

[@Knullok]

I'm a 25yo who's trying to figure out what career I want to pursue. Wasn't the best student in HS, was sent to a continuation school for bad grades. Got into uti with no prior knowledge thinking I can learn everything in a year but was mistaken and I didn't follow through with it because I was afraid of not knowing anything so I gave up before I even tried. That was 5 years ago and I want to change my life but I'm afraid I will not be good/smart enough for this field. I live in Riverside California and I would appreciate some advice or recommendations if I should pursue this career or not. Aslo need to pay off my debt from uti and I'm afraid of adding more debt to my existing making it hard to pay it off. Much love

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yooooooooooo we all did the same thing you did. Only thing different between you and me is that i completed and paid for a useless degree. We are in the same position. Its never too late. Besides with all the student debt forgiveness and tax breaks, youll be fine. The debt will eventually be wiped away. ITS THE UNCERTAINTY that keeps us from going forward. You were compelled to reach out to me. Youre on a good roll already. Get enrolled amd stop playing. 1 day each week, go to a school, ask questions about enrollment. Write a list of all your questions before you go. Its up to you to enroll bro. Start now. Stop playing around with your life.

[@Knullok]

@@PhDTracyWalker thanks for the reply, would you recommended rad tech or should I try to go for the big boy rad therapy lol stuck on what to choose.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Choose the path that pays the most

[@Knullok]

@@PhDTracyWalker ok i give it a shot thanks for motivation. Do you have any study materials or books you would recommend?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Rad review easy. You only need study material for the registry examination after graduation. No need to study for the school

[@halamustafa9849]

I was working as a dental assistant I don’t want to do it again so can I use my X-rays certificate from being a dental assistant to work X-rays at any hospital thank I will wait for your answer

[@PhDTracyWalker]

No that wont work. You must go to an accredited radiology tech program

[@halamustafa9849]

Okay thank you

[@Truu_G35]

Whats the possibility in getting into medical sales as an x ray tech?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Oh you mean medical rep. Those guys make loads of money. They make doctor money if they are really good. Pharmaceutical Reps and medical equipment rep is dope. You come across many reps during a career in xray. I could see, if youre likeable, they could refer you to their manager. They are looking for guys with charisma, confidence, and able to move anytime they need. Loads of traveling

[@Livphom]

If I certify in Michigan can I work as a rad tech anywhere in the USA?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

If you take the ARRT exam you are Nationally certified. Every state found out about the perfect scam they can run over 10 years ago. Each state requires you to pay for their state liscense and make it law to perform xrays there. Scam. But clever

[@afrinaut3094]

If you already have a BA degree, can you just skip to the MRI training program or shadowing?

[@forthdimension686]

Is there such thing as a Radiologist Assistant? If so what is the path to get there. I was told recently that it is similar to a PA or NP.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yoooo walker. Yes there is a such thing. However I have never met an RA. Its probably because they do not exist. Going through all that school, people just decide to become a PA. I have an idea of where they would work. RA"s would work for telerads. Its a company that reads xrays via computer. Some imaging facilities do not have doctors on site to read them. So RA's get severely underpaid to read xrays. They exactly what a radiologist does, but just with 1/4 of the pay. They would get sick of it. Thats what PA's complain about

[@karlaocampo52]

Thank you so much, I have been struggling to figure out what to do, I just got an associates degree from Lonestar. Now I am faced with making a decision on what I specifically want to do as a career. I’m not interested going to school for 4-6 years, but I do want a good paying job. This has career has definitely peaked my interest! What would you say Is your favorite part of your job? What would be your least? Also, I am worried about the math aspect of it, I can do math but not my strongest subject.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Dont worry about the math. Part that makes me happy is the ability to crosstrain wothout havin to go back to school. Thats so neat. No other field has this. Thats like being a nurse, then after treating so many patients you become a nurse practitioner because of your experience. It should be like that. But its not. Ive learned through the comments that truck driving, barbers, and plummers make alot of money too. Less then two years of school. Yet makes more money than a masters degree. That doesnt make sense. I like working with patients. Having a patient's life in my hands. Amd meeting so many people in one day. Including other staff, doctors, and regular people. Hopefully theres a radiology program in your city. Even ultrasound or mri. Thanks for watching my videos

[@jamalwilliams3126]

Hey I am in Georgia so what should I look for when in comes to a X-ray school before I apply?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Look to see if that institution is accredited. Most important. Also find of if they have mri or ultrasound. Those pay more and you can start with those instead of starting at the bottom with xray.

[@demeharrison721]

I just want to do mammogram so if I find a mammogram tech program would that be sufficient?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ive never seen a mammo tech program. Ever! Nor have i ever heard it through ny comments. The only way to become a mammo tech is to hope that the first job you apply to work for needs one. The institution you work at has to be be willing to train you. Or let them know that you are interested when you first start.

[@demeharrison721]

I came across a institution that has a one week course specializing in mammography and they also prepare you for the board exam too. I would hate to have to go to school for radiology when I can just specialize in a certain field. I’m thinking about getting that certification. I think it’s worth giving it a shot. What do you think?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

This one week course is for people who already graduated from radiology school. Otd a prep course for the exam.

[@demeharrison721]

Damn, I would hate to have to go back to school for 2 years. I’m 41 and strongly considering changing my career to do something in the medical field. I’m looking to take a short course though cause time is flying. I wanted to do some traveling too but I wouldn’t want to wait 2 years or so for that. You have any suggestions?

[@Reyes-hz9pl]

Wait so I don’t need to go to college (like, at all?) I can just basically jump into a 2 year program to become an x ray tech and that’s it?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Exactly. All trade schoop teach you the skill. Hands on learning. However now greed has infected those institutions as well. They keep adding more prerequisites to graduate their program.

[@baviks]

Hi, I'm considering going to a community college for radiography associates to become an xray tech, is that as good as going to an xray school (i think its the same thing rigt)? The school I plan on going to has 100 applicants for the program per year and only accepts 36 which makes me wonder if this degree is too niche and if i'll even get accepted. I'm 18 and I'm nervous that im making the wrong choice, would I still have time to work a part time job and enjoy my hobbies or will their need to be sacrifices? I also feel like I wouldn't fit in or am even smart enough to hang or compete with people in their 20's, 30s, 40s, etc. Anyways I know ur not a life coach or a therapist but maybe you could nudge me in the right direction cus u seem like a wise guy. Thank you for reading and responding to so many comments.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for reaching out slick. I got your back. This is a really good path my friend. This career is going to get paid more than all your friends who went off to get bachelor's degrees. How are your high school grades. You need something that will set you apart. The applicants who already have bachelors and veterans will definitely get chosen first. They want applicants that will pass the program and pasa the xray exam. This makes their pass rate look good. Some of the applicants will already have bachelors degrees. They found out the hard way that they are useless. A certification in xray gets them a job. When you start school. Its from 7am to 4pm. Typically people work as food servers, bartenders, or at the mall. 5pm to close. Heres the thing. After the first week of school and work, it becomes youre new routine. You find a way to balance your leisure, homework, and personal life. Its a grind. But most people are doing it. You'll be fine. Youll look back in a few years and remember how tight your schedule was, but you still succeeded.

[@ShuffleBot15]

Is a radiation oncologists a radiation therapist the same thing? Or different.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Same thing. Thanks for watching my video. Hopefully there is a school near you.

[@kylatenaglia9953]

A childrens hospital has the program, Or should i go to a regular school ? I go to temple right now and im in for criminal justice but I wanted to stop that and go to radiology

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Just Google an xray school. You may have one in your area. Temple Texas?

[@sams5658]

Hi, could a low vision/legally blind person do this job? Asking for, uh, myself lol

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Sure you can. That doesnt effect your job performance

[@sams5658]

@@PhDTracyWalker Really? That’s actually really surprising. Being all differently-abled and stuff has all kinds of obstacles. I’ve got really poor tunnel vision butI’m in the market for a stable career move. Thanks for your reply!

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Also dont go around telling everyone once you apply and get in school. Only people with a "need to know" should know about it. As long as you can read study and see as far as a chalk board of dry erase board. Youll be fine

[@karamayer581]

Thanks for speaking truth alot of other people try to fluff this career up and only talk of the positives id rather know the absolute truth. I do have a couple questions though maybe you can answer. My husband is active duty military and I've considered this career path because of demand all over the country making it hopefully easier to have a fulfilling career. Do you think this is wise? I currently have a AS in math science from brookdale cc in nj and I was looking at the radiologic technology program there. Do I need to go back to a cc to complete another associates? Is a radiologic technology program going to give me a more well rounded education when transferring or is it better to pursue a specific type of imaging? Also state licensure how difficult is it to obtain and change when we PCS

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Great question. I'll start with the easiest. State licensing is easy. They just want money. Sometimes your finger prints. It's just a tedious process to go thru when all they really want is money. Youll need to go a Radiologic (xray) program. There is no online school, so you'll have to go to do clinical for a year. Clinical are from 7am to 4pm. Its basically on the job training with class room. 2 years total. More than likely your credits from new jersey will not transfer. They will have their own prerequisites. Yet another scam to make money. In total, you'll probably be doing more than 2 years of school to become an xray tech. With all this said, it is still worth it because after graduation and passing the exam, you will get a certificate aka a liscense to do your job. You will find a job guaranteed. And fast. Maybe even with a bonus. Now let's look at plan B. You go to school for a bachelors in something. Probably won't find a job that pays as good as xray. Unless this 4 year degree earns you a certificate. Like nursing. Another thing. You don't have to go to xray school. This is entry level. You can start researching ultrasound, mri, cat scan, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology. They are all 2 year programs. + prerequisites they require. Schools are monopolistic so there's usually prerequisites included in their program that they so happen to offer.

[@karamayer581]

@@PhDTracyWalker thank you so much this is incredible information, exactly what I've been looking for. The 4 year college option just doesn't work with moving so often we've moved 3 times in the last 4 years and it's a waste if I have to leave and transfer all if I don't finish in time. So a faster program to give me a license to do a job is exactly the kind of career that will work with this lifestyle plus it will definitely pay either the same or better without the added debt of a 4 year school. Out of all the options of imaging which do you think has the highest demand nationally?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Xray probably has the highest demand. You will usually get a bonus each time you start at a new place

[@andreallen2372]

What questions I should ask in my interview to get into the Xray tech program.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ask if u are going to do anything else besides xrays. Often they hire you do xrays. Then surprise you with other duties like performing EKG's and dexas, and operating room cases. Make sure they pay you for additional duties

[@Iandelgado22]

​@@PhDTracyWalker hey bro quick question, I know your profession is x ray, but if you could do it all over again would you choose MRI technologist or DMS sonographer? I debating between both, if I choose MRI I would eventually like to do nuclear and if I do DMS I would go into echo. Do you have any feedback In which is less stressful, more rewarding$, or better lifestyle? thank you

[@marksmith5136]

Taking the registry in Oct, where are the vids of the suggestions or pointers to pass? Got me stressing with all this work I'm putting in to pass.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

I took the vids down. I didn't like them. October is really soon. What study materials do you have now? There's a purple book I know of. I think the author is mosby. That book is good study material. Maybe its yellow. By an author named Lange

[@jamalwilliams3126]

Also which associates degree should I start to be better prepared for the program?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

The xray program is an associates. Some schools give it a different name. All you need to do is find a school that offers xray. Then start taking their prerequisites. Always remember that the associates is useless, the part that matters is taking the test to become certified/ registered as am xray tech. So happen the ARRT requires that you have at least an associates before taking the test. Therefore the associates doesnt matter. The associates does not for you. Once you start thinking in those terms, the school system with start to make sense. Its one big scam. A bachelors is also useless. We were brainwashed to think it does matter. Take A bachelors in nursing for example. The bachelors itself is useless. You need to take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse. You cant start working as a nurse without it. A bachelors is only a prerequisite. Does that make sense?

[@jamalwilliams3126]

@@PhDTracyWalker after you explained it yes it does thank you well differently reach out again if I have more questions

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Roger that. Glad you found me. Good luck slick

[@michaelcuevas4620]

I live in California, the school that offers radiation therapy and necluear medicine near me requires to be a radiologic technologists first. Going to to RT school or nursing first is the prerequisite

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thats ridiculous. Xray has nothing to do with nuc med or radiation therapy. Perhaps cat scan school would be more appropriate. Thats the dumbest thing I ever heard. Thats like requiring a person to have a degree in lawn care services, to apply for painting school. Kind of the similar trade but nothing to do with each other.

[@michaelcuevas4620]

@@PhDTracyWalker yeahthere is 2 schools that offer cat scan in my area and they require being an RT first too. Idk but it's just California, seems like California is strict on licensing

[@michaelcuevas4620]

To go to school for CAT scan at the community college in long beach CA it requires being an RT first

[@PhDTracyWalker]

@@michaelcuevas4620 thats makes sense. However there's no need to go to cat scan school. All you need is comps and to go online to buy a program called MIC. It gives you all the credits you need for 299 bucks. Too easy

[@michaelcuevas4620]

@@PhDTracyWalker what's comps?

[@smokeparadice1330]

Man you answered every questions here respectful ur a good guy. But I also have a question too,I’m not familiar with the terminology but I would like to know if Radiologic technologist and x-ray is the same thing?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yes they are the same. Not to be confused with Radiologist. That is a doctor

[@zsuschukytos4219]

Hey i live in Nyc and want to become an Mri tech here. I dont think there are any Mri schools here so I have to go to xray school first which is 2 years and than study for mri which is around few months? So for me this is the fastest route to take right? I dont wanna sell my self short please help me.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yes that is exactly right. You have to do xray first then cross train. Cross training could be done in 1 month or 1 year. Just depends on how many exams the place you work gets. You only need 125 various exams. If you work at a small clinic that only does brain scans, it would not be enough to get all your comps on different body parts.

[@SuperMonkey300]

I am retiring from the Army and this is the field I am going into I wanted to know where did you get your scrubs with the veterans patch.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yooooooo slick. I buy the patches on amazon then take them to a place that does embroidery. Not expensive at all. It makes the scrubs look official. You can literally put whatever patch you want. I enjoy medical caduceus

[@michaelmercer6396]

How can I find a credible mri school? I l live in TN they have a few x ray schools but even fewer mri and they seem shady. So it makes me feel like I need to go through x ray then cross train to mri, what should I do?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

All you have to do is co tact the school to see if they are jcert accredited. However some schools lie or go around the answer. They need butts in seats to make $ and they need students to actually pass the registry exam. People just rely on the school to pass, but you Must study on your own and buy your own study materials

[@ElKiwiProductions]

Go to x-ray school if you can, become fully licensed as a Radiology vs limited Tech. Fully licensed radiology tech let's you cross train to MRI. You wouldn't have to go to school for MRI if your not sure or feel that the school is shady.

[@soapsoda3842]

I'm looking to join the Army reserves or National Guard as a 68p. I already have around 2 years of ge college credits. Would the credits from AIT and from my college be able to transfer over to MRI school and allow me to get my Associates degree faster to take the ARRT test?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Exactly. You will be able to take the test just after AIT. Most students will need more credits. However, you will not. This is a great plan. Also you never know what mighy happen as a soldier. You could possibly have kids, change your mind about being reserve and going full active, possibly become an officer. Mri could possibly be more valuable than becoming an officer though. Life happens. You are ahead of most people in life already.

[@josie7571]

I live in Louisiana and the only radiation therapy program that they have is at Delgado and I have to get an allied health degree and then go for my 16 months in the radiation therapy program. I’ve been looking for radiation therapy schools but I can’t find any, where I live😪 if you can give me any advice I would appreciate it☺️😩

[@PhDTracyWalker]

You will have to travel to a school or move to a city that has the program. If you cannot afford to move, you can do xray Instead. However xray does not allow you to cross train into radiation therapy. The highest you can go from there is MRI. That program in Delgado is your best option. Beats a 4 year degree by far. Its a guaranteed job making 100k. Very worth it. Meanwhile, there's college grads with no job. Youll be okay.

[@benjaminflores8094]

I'm worried about enrolling into x-ray school but failing and losing time and money. I want to give it all effort I have but im worried about my studying skills not being good enough, any advice?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Youll be fine. Xray school os designed to push you through. They count on you to take the exam and pass. If you dont pass the national exam, it makes them look bad.

[@SunlightSomeDay]

So if I go to xray school, I can't cross train to MRI with on the job training, I'd have to go to school for it?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Wrong. If you go to xray school, you can and you will cross train. No need to go to mri school

[@SunlightSomeDay]

@@PhDTracyWalker Thanks for the quick response, your videos have been very helpful.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Glad i could help

[@rakymwinstead3673]

Hey everywhere I’m reading on online says you have to have a four year degree and four years of medical school to become a radiation oncologist? I’m leaving in a month to join the navy as a corpsman and I was thinking about doing schooling to be a radiation oncologist while I’m in.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Nice. Thats radiation therapy. Radiology oncology is 4 years. I was wrong about that. It used to be 2 years till greed set in. Eventually the other modalities will be 4 years. Theres so many prerequisites now and they add up to be 4 years now. Navy corpsman is a good thing. You might get your 1st pick. I hope so. They will gaurantee you a medical job though. Among what they offer, Radiology is the highest paying in the medical corp

[@rakymwinstead3673]

@@PhDTracyWalker gotcha thanks for the fast reply !

[@rakymwinstead3673]

@@PhDTracyWalker hey Tracy me again just wondering how do you feel about Neurology techs ? Same pay as radiology? Just was thinking of this as a possible c school in the navy. Thanks again !

[@DFMxDevastation]

hey tracy As someone who is interested in becoming an MRI tech, would you recommend going straight into an MRI program, or becoming an x-ray tech and cross training to become an MRI tech?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Straight to MRI. If you manage to find a program that offers mri, take it. Only crosstrain into mri from xray as a last resort. Even consider ultrasound.

[@charlessmith4463]

Great video and information brother 👍🏾.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for watching bro

[@charlessmith4463]

@@PhDTracyWalker no thank you and you have already helped me make my decision. Plus I'll be seeing a lot more of you, not to be weird I just subscribed LOL. Peace and blessings bro

[@ladyla8899]

How do I go about finding a mri school in Florida that is legit or accredited? My zip is 32907

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Google a school nearby. See if they are Jcert accredited. Thats it

[@charliehustle6508]

Registration would be my question arrt or jrcert or both two schools in my county has credentials for one or the other?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Jcert means that they allow you to take the ARRT exam. The sxhool makes the credentials for its students to take the test. Thats whats important. I need more clarification about this other school.

[@timhopper7148]

Hey great video I just want your opinion I’m planning on going to a 2 year program and want to work at a va but I’m 37 do you think I am to old to switch over I do heating and cooling right now it’s fun but hard on the body

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Its never too old. Also the federal government has a pension plan. You get a retirement check for the rest of your life after 20 years of service. The current place you work at does not have a pension. Thats a no-Brainer. Enroll sooner than later. Time is passing us by regardless. Im 37 years old also. Im in school again. I work for the DOD. I do xrays for the department of Defense. Gatekeepers prevent me from moving up, so i am going around them through education. You are driven, otherwise you wouldn't be on my channel

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Its never too old. Also the federal government has a pension plan. You get a retirement check for the rest of your life after 20 years of service. The current place you work at does not have a pension. Thats a no-Brainer. Enroll sooner than later. Time is passing us by regardless. Im 37 years old also. Im in school again. I work for the DOD. I do xrays for the department of Defense. Gatekeepers prevent me from moving up, so i am going around them through education. You are driven, otherwise you wouldn't be on my channel

[@timhopper7148]

@@PhDTracyWalker actually unless they changed it my active duty years counts towards retirement if I’m wrong please correct me I’m not the subject matter expert and you’re in it love the videos

[@timhopper7148]

@@PhDTracyWalker talked to 2 colleges today

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Its called a military buy buck. Thats something you have to do if you work at a VA or military hospital ad a civilian. Thats what i did

[@calklobuchar]

Is going through and apprenticeship, or getting an associates degree better?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Hmmmm. An associates is worth less just like a bachelors. Getting registered/liscensed in a trade is what makes money. So happen, you need an associates to get the liscense. Apprenticeship wouls be better. You learn how ti use your hands. Better than a diploma.

[@lvLia814]

Do you have advice on being able to work during the rad tech program? I am afraid of school workload while making time for work to pay the bills

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Dont be afraif. Everyone has to do it unless they come from privilege or was smart enough to do it in high-school. We didnt take advantage of the high school programs. You gotta start work at 5pm. Bartending, serving food, mall. I worked at dillards, kay jewelers, and a shoe store. Thinking back, it wasnt hard. It was fun. It wasnt really a hardship.

[@kelsiejohnson1491]

I'm really interested in CT & MRI. The only school anywhere near me is rad tech. So if I go for my rad tech, I can then cross train to be certified in ct and/or Mri? There's no program for ct or mri within hours of me.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Exactly. You got ot right. No worries, it could work out better. Some places want their candidates to be registered in xray when they hire them as an MRI tech or ct tech. So they can keep you busy with xrays if there isn't any MRI or cat scans that need to be done. Just make sure they pay you for both if they have you doing more than one job.

[@kaylakerr6420]

no, you need to check the requirements on the arrt website for you state specifically. it varies from state to state but crosstraining is an old practice and most likely you will have to do an additional cert program and clinicals to get an extra modality.

[@prostotanya933]

Thank you for your videos! Very informative

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for subscribing

[@nabihi7550]

If I’m not good at physics or science would I still be able to do good at this program

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yes for sure. Youre not high school age anymore. Now it's like a second chance to take subjects serious because now ot matter. It's no problem. Even if you don't learn it to remember, you only need to remember the answers for the test. Afterwards your brain will dump all the information anyway. Thats how i learn. Managed to get a masters degree doing it that way. Youre probably smarter than me

[@freepalestinanow]

اك

[@haloSrising]

Hey T, I just came across your channel thinking about going back to school. Thank you so much for this informative video. I’m curious about MRI school I do have a lot of hardware in my back titanium rods to be exact… would that hinder me from becoming any kind of technician in that field due to my hardware?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

No not at all. Thanks for keeping up with me and my vids. If you have any other questions, i got your back. Just comment. I keep a close eye on my comments.

[@azdirtbag1]

I struggle with spelling how much typing or reports do you do in this field Iam a little dyslexic

[@PhDTracyWalker]

None. None at all. Your problem doesn't exist in radiology. As long as you can read an order, youll be fine.

[@paqueshiabaxter2652]

I just finished my prerequisites for the Radiology Technology program. While in the program, we will have clinicals. My goal is to obtained my Bachelors of Science in Radiologic Technology. Thank you for making these videos.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thats neat. You won't get xtra money for having a bachelors in radiology. All you need is 2 year xray school to make the same money. If you plan on goin for a masters innthe future, this will be beneficial. Otherwise, if you plan on being a tech for the rest of your life, the bachelors is useless. Sooooo im using reverse psychology to make you be better than a tech. Lolololololol. Go beyond xray. You cannot be a tech forever. Breaking your back lifting patients and such

[@paqueshiabaxter2652]

@@PhDTracyWalker I see what you are doing there. Well I’m Retired Army. I just want to continue my journey in the healthcare field. I think I may venture out into Sonography. But after watching your videos, I may try CT.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ct and ultrasound pay the same. CT is much more respected. Ultrasound techs are expected to do the doctors job for them without getting the doctor pay. Youll see.

[@paqueshiabaxter2652]

@@PhDTracyWalker thanks for the heads up. Right now I’m conducting observation hours in order to apply for the Rad Tech program. That’s the last thing I need to do in order to apply for the program. VocRehab pays for my classes. So if I have time left after I graduate, I’m going to go for CT.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Right on man. You got it. Thank you for your service

[@tmoney17-q1h]

so should we just go for mri tech first then possibly branch out from there coach?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Mri is the pinnacle of success. If you manage to find an mri school that doesnt scam its students into becoming an mri tech first, you have a golden ticket. Most schools are monopolistic. They usually offer both mri and xray. So what happens is... they require xray as a prerequisite before attending their mri program although xray and mri have nothing to do with each othwr

[@Dee-jp6no]

Any advice for dealing with impatient doctors during the OR/surgical rotation? I have to comp the C arm, but unfortunately, we don't have those kinds of machines to practice with in labs, so we're thrown to the wolves in clinicals. There also seems to be this attitude toward students(at least in my clinical setting) that "you should have learned and mastered this in lab beforehand." :/ I agree with them completely. It's overwhelming. Any advice?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

I do IR right now. Doctors are mean and yell because they can. Mainly because no one punch them in the face for doing so. Theres no consequences for their rudness. Correct them in the beginning. Tell them to be professional. And also ask them if they are "okay" when they feel the need to get impatient. This is not appropriate behavior. They need to let you learn just like they learned. Take your time. Be confident. Carms dont have many buttons. Youll figire it out

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Ill make a carm video

[@Dee-jp6no]

@@PhDTracyWalker That would be great! Thank you so much for the advice too!

[@samanthaharrington9922]

How long was the wait list for the radiology program at your school? My school has a wait list but they have not told me how long of a wait list it is. Also where you able to work while in the radiology program with clinicals and classes as well?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Thanks for visit my channel. I did the xray program thru the Army. There was a waitlist for the program. I did the delayed entry program to become an xray tech. I wouldnt take any other job they were trying to sell me. Also many of my xray students have a part time job. They are usually servers at restaurants, bar tenders, and sales persons. School typically lets out around 4pm. Its a mindset thing. A lot of people use that as an excuse not to change their life situation. After the first week and school and juggling a night shift, youll become accustomed to the new routine. Youll be fine Sam

[@catherinediaz5180]

Where did you go in texas?? I live in Austin but moving back to SA. Waiting for the move to start school, hopefully be down in san antonio by end of next year, any advice? Think I should start applying for programs now or wait until I get there?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Yooooo cat, im from Austin. Also I joined the military from Austin. My xray school was in fort Sam San Antonio. You should apply sooner because there could be a wait list for xray school

[@dbdb1681]

im a 18 year old male trying to get in the xray industry man THANK YOU for the advice im in philly so i cant really find a Actual Xray tech school its all colleges and other shit. only nearest actual xray school is in NY im also looking into mri now that u mention it! i really dont want to go to college and do those 4 years i just want to Strictly learn about Xray if u know what I mean i didnt have the best grades in school either I was kinda a C average

[@PhDTracyWalker]

I was a C average student also. My while life. I basically do bare minimum to get by because I like doing other things besides homework. Back in the day, that was playing Halo and girls. Halo 2 came out my freshman year. Changed the world. Anyway have you checked to see if there are community colleges in your area that offer an xray tech program. You don't have to go to a school that's exclusively an xray school. You should probably lice at home with the parents while in xray school. There is no campus to live on while doing xray. Thanks for watching my vids bro. Means alot. Glad you found me

[@asleep1785]

Hi, I want to become a radiation therapist. Yet, there are no schools near me and I can't afford to move. I've done some research and have seen schools that offer a certification in radiation therapy, but I require a rad tech degree to apply. Could I find a job as a radiation therapist with just the certification on top of the rad tech degree? Thank you so much for all the info you give! Really has helped me see more options.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

To be a radiation therapist. You only need the radiation therapy school. So happen that school offers a rad tech program, so they offer both a make one a prerequisite to the other to make double money. If you earn a rad tech degree/certificate, all you can do it xrays. But also do ct, xray, and MRI. But you can't cross train into radiation therapy or nuclear medicine. I was heart broken when I found that out. So if you can't move, it's worth to do the xray program and radiation therapy immediately following. It pays triple of of what a 4 year bachelors does. And more than most Masters degrees

[@keiraportillo5073]

Once someone becomes an x-ray tech and then they want to do MRI tech, how long does it take?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Its up to you. I took a year. Only because i was afraid to take the exam. So i pushed it off. I really was ready to take the test after 3 months of pursuing MRI

[@mckeanmkn]

I have a question. So I'm currently a first year student at Laguardia Community College and presently majoring in Radiologic Technology. Considering my major, if I were to obtain a registration in radiology, would I be able to become an MRI Technologist? I'm kind of confused on whether if I can cross-train into MRI Training or if it's the same thing.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

After your graduate from the xray program. You can start cross training in CT or MRI any time you want m no need to pay to go to school specifically for mri. Just cross train, log your exams that you did, get 16 CE credits. Can be done online as fast as a few days, and then schedule to take the test. Its that easy sounds to good to be true i know. Eventually they will take it away

[@Dbiss]

Thanks so much for this. I would love to go straight to school from MRI, but I am in NY and I don't see anything for just MRI. I spoke with a few people and it seems like the pathway to MRI begins with rad tech school?

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Some cities are designed like that. They look at their competition and see what they can do to gatekeep. If no one is offering an MRI program, they don't have to. They found out ways to make xray a prerequisite to MRI. Therefore they sell you an xray program, and they sell you an MRI program. Xray and mri have nothing to do with each other. Mri uses magnetics, and xray uses radiation. That's just like making learning Spanish a prerequisite to learn Italian. They are both languages, but both unrelated. If you 2 choices. Move to a city that doesn't require xray as a prerequisite or so it their way. Also, if you get registered in xray, you don't need to go to mri school. You just need to get study, crosstrain, log those exams,and take the test.

[@vortexfx420]

Exactly what he said, my school has MRI portion available after passing xray. Look at it in a positive, if you get xray/ct/mri etc, more job choices. I have read online that its hard to find a MRI job with 40 hours a week, just doing MRI.

[@PhDTracyWalker]

A place I worked at in the past hired me as a cat scan tech, then they had me doing xrays, bone density, and EKG's and only paid me ct salary. Meanwhile I eliminated them from having to hire 3 other staff members. I was a robot. And very underpaid. Alot of imaging facilities are doing this.

[@Dbiss]

@@PhDTracyWalker Thank you so much!

[@PhDTracyWalker]

No sweat. Glad I could help Come back once start school and start working. Share your salary with us and yiur experience