Votech schools: renal dialysis, Ekg tech. etc

Emergency RN · Jan 19, 2010

I would explore something in the radiology arena. Start with the basic X Ray technician course. Thereafter, you could use that background to springboard into other diagnostic radiology such as CT (Computerize Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Those techs make fairly decent wages and generally have lots of demand, not just in hospitals, but in the many free standing diagnostic test centers.

Also since you mentioned them; Dialysis technicians require much more training over EKG technicians. The Dialysis Tech course can take a minimum of 6 weeks or more while an EKG tech can qualify with only a one day class. This is because the EKG technician only performs a recording; you won't be asked to actually read the EKG or have to know what it means. The EKG tech material is usually just a small part of a general medical technician course. Most advanced nursing aides also learn to do it along with phlebotomy. In terms of earnings, I suspect that the Dialysis tech would likely be paid a lot more than the EKG tech, since the training and degree of responsibility is much more extensive.

jer_sd · Jan 19, 2010

I would explore something in the radiology arena. Start with the basic X Ray technician course. Thereafter, you could use that background to springboard into other diagnostic radiology such as CT or MRI. Those techs make fairly decent wages and generally have lots of demand.

X-ray is a 2 year program. some states have limted permit x-ray which is similar to LPN vrs RN. If you did limited permit you would not be able to do CT or injections so no MRI either. Also many imiaging technoogists are having a hard time finding jobs right now.

Dialysis tech would probably be a better investment than EKG tech for a short term voactional program. Dialysis techs must be registered I believe for certers to recieve reinbursement. Anyone can do an EKG so lower skill level and likley lower pay. As a general rule the more specilized services you provide the higher your pay.

Jeremy

Emergency RN · Jan 19, 2010

X-ray is a 2 year program. some states have limted permit x-ray which is similar to LPN vrs RN. If you did limited permit you would not be able to do CT or injections so no MRI either. Also many imiaging technoogists are having a hard time finding jobs right now.
Dialysis tech would probably be a better investment than EKG tech for a short term voactional program. Dialysis techs must be registered I believe for certers to recieve reinbursement. Anyone can do an EKG so lower skill level and likley lower pay. As a general rule the more specilized services you provide the higher your pay.
Jeremy

I believe (in talking to a CT tech recently) that the job vacancy in diagnostic imaging is regionally relative; some areas are much better than others. You're also correct in that some states have permit issues vis a vis advancement, but since the OP asked for options aside from nursing, I still think that radiology is a promising alternative. I also agree that the Dialysis tech is a much more attractive choice over the marketability of the skill set of a plain EKG tech which, as you stated, can literally be performed by almost anyone.

Fiona59 · Jan 20, 2010

Locally Dialysis Techs are LPNs with an advanced course (the same one the RNs take). The only other person around is a Service Aide. They teardown, clean and set up the machines. They never touch a patient, other than weighing them.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jan 20, 2010

Depends on where you live...... most large outpatient Dialysis Centers will pay to train their dialysis techs...an intense 6 weeks worth. And these techs do quite a bit more than tear down machines. They do a LOT of hands on with the patients. :)