Nursing School vs. Rad Tech school

[RN_2007]

Just wondering if anybody on here is or has ever been through Rad Tech school. I'm considering going to Rad Tech school because I don't know if I'm really cut out for nursing. I failed one of my courses and I feel like it's really too much for me. I just wanna know if Rad Tech school is as difficult as Nursing school as far as content goes. Any help would be appreciated.

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

Juststartingout said:

Really...guess I need to research alot more! Thanks for that bit of info! I guess I envision a Nurse, as someone whose job is to care for others in Nursing homes, Hospitals, Clinics.

Now, I would imagine you have more opportunities with the BSN or can you do as well with RN as title? Since, I see RN as my goal at this point.

I have found that this is very dependent upon your location. Where I live, for example, if you want to move away from the bedside role, you need the BSN. Some other places, this is not the case. However, I would say that (at least for the most part) the BSN is a major asset, if not a requirement, for most non-clinical (or non-bedside) positions.

[Benjamin]

RN4NICU said:

I have found that this is very dependent upon your location. Where I live, for example, if you want to move away from the bedside role, you need the BSN. Some other places, this is not the case. However, I would say that (at least for the most part) the BSN is a major asset, if not a requirement, for most non-clinical (or non-bedside) positions.

I agree, as a whole if you want to get away from the bedside (whether it be hosp/clinic/nursing home) you need at least a BSN, ANY type of additional certification helps too, get all the eductaion you can :):) - I have my OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) am a BLS instructor (big deal...) everything adds up and expands your options and/or marketability I am itching for my masters but HATE the thought of more nursing school (as I am sure most of us know, most nursing programs have some strange problems that are specific to only nursing programs....strange problems...)

[mistyz23]

My Fiance is a Rad Tech and I am a Nursing student. He says that the comprehension is different because anatomy is used much more than physiology (duh). He said that if you were good at your Anatomy, check it out. You didn't say which course you failed, so I can't really recommend much. Good luck!

EDIT: I forgot to mention, that as an X-Ray tech out of school, he got straight into UC Davis Hospital up here (level 1 trauma) and had his pick of 5 different job offers with hefty bonuses. The job security is there, at least it is up here.

[Benjamin]

Not sure who you are posting the reply to, I didn't fail any rad tech courses - I got bored and saw the career as limited, so I went with nursing - so kudos to you!

[lizzybeth]

I also tied the Rad. tech program and dropped out in the middle of my second semester even though I was doing great grade-wise. The reason--I found it uninteresting and too technical for me. I wanted to be more involved in patient care. The reason I didn't go for nursing from the get-go is because I was afraid to take chemistry! So I bit the bullet, passed chemistry and got into the RN program. I am in my second semester and I LOVE it!!!! Apples and oranges! I guess it all depends on how involved you want to be with the patient.