[shannahan]

I figured I'd get lots of wisdom from this forum so I'm posting my question here. I'd appreciate any guidance or insights you have to offer.

I'm re-entering the workforce after being a home-based medical transcriptionist for 14 years. I want to go back into the real world in a hospital setting, but defintely not transcription. I'm very interested in radiology tech. I realize the schooling is rigorous and I'd have to go to a technical school, which is probably $25,000 minimum. But I could come out in 18 months or so with an associates and go another year to specialize, ie. ultrasound, MRI, etc.

The other option is go to the local community college program to become an LPN in, (they say on their website) 2 semesters for $2,700. Then, according to everything I've read, you can test or do online classes to get the RN. I don't know how hospitals view obtaining your RN that route and if it is as valuable.

I don't know which to do. I feel like rad tech would be closer to what I want to do. On the other hand, I have been a medical asst in the past and I think I could learn to love nursing again too. Nursing would be the pratical choice as far as tuition.

Knowing my goal may help you to advise me - I'm 45 and husband is self-employed with up and down income that changes with the economy. It's late in life for me, so I need to pick a career and stick with it and earn as much as I can between now and retirement to fund my 401K. Also need to work 3/12's in a hospital to accommodate my children's lives.

Thanks in advance

[sharlynn]

Wow! $25,000 vs $2700. Seems like a no-brainer, but then, I always wanted to be a nurse which is different from your situation.

As far as becoming an RN later, it seems like more than half of new RN's did it that way, so it must be fairly easy to do. I'm from the very old school-straight from high school to RN, so I really can't help you there.

I came across your post by accident . You might get more replies under General Discussion.

Best of luck to you, whatever you decide!

[shannahan]

Well - the $2700 and $27,000 are for two different careers and the more expensive school is for my first choice career. That's why the conflict. But since I first wrote this, I have eliminated rad tech due to not seeing a big enough demand for them.

So now I have more decisions to make re schools that I'm discussing in different forums. Thank you for your response.

[code50]

Radiology school vs. LPN school...I would personally take Rad. School. Dependiing on the state you live, LPN's either have a load of responsibility in the hospital or they literally get enema duty in other parts of the US. I have been an LPN for 18yrs with extensive knowledge, past responsibility & much hands on. I precepted RNs,new grads both RN & LPN for years. I am now living in North Carolina & cannot find a job. The large hospitals don't even hire LPN's. Their role here is very insignificant. Best of luck to you!

[Brownms46]

Originally Posted by shannahan

Well - the $2700 and $27,000 are for two different careers and the more expensive school is for my first choice career. That's why the conflict. But since I first wrote this, I have eliminated rad tech due to not seeing a big enough demand for them.

So now I have more decisions to make re schools that I'm discussing in different forums. Thank you for your response.

Rad tech are in great demand, but like many positions it depends on where you live. I for one would go for the the one I really wanted, and as an LPN with 27 years experience, who is now inactive an loving it, I would go for the rad tech for sure!