Rad Tech program

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So I hope I'm not breaking any rules here by posting this but, in the past 1+ that I've been applying to RN/ADN program I've realized you can't put all your eggs in one basket. So when i applied this time around, i applied to 4 RN programs and 2 Rad Tech program. Naturally, with the competative market for ADN programs, I heard back from the Rad Tech program. Since I'm tired of waiting, I'll probably go that route for now.

I was talking with a friend and they said it is darn near unheard of to have someone who is a RT plus a RN. Is there any truth to this. Would it be a good idea to continue school after RT for a RN.

Someone else also told me that they has PA's for rad tech's now. Has anyone hear of this. I know that PA's have more school, but luckily, i love school :D

Thanks for your help my people!!

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Specializes in n/a.

what rad program have you applied to? Im kind of thinking about another route myself.

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I applied to the one at El Camino College and at Pasadena City College. I figured I should at least try.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I was talking with a friend and they said it is darn near unheard of to have someone who is a RT plus a RN. Is there any truth to this. Would it be a good idea to continue school after RT for a RN.
Any truth to it? Sure... I'd come down on the "near unheard of" side.

Good idea? Not that I can see. The imaging folks are busy doing their jobs and the RNs are busy doing our jobs... no demand that I can see for trying to do both... and if there were ever a hospital where there would be, it would be mine. Even if I could run the imaging systems, I can't leave my patients in order to step off to do that.

It might be interesting but I don't see it as marketable at all.

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Well i appreciate that. Sounds true, can't leave the patient. I figure if thats the route i go, i can always find a post primary that will interest me.

Although RN is my first love, I might have to move on to my second, Rad Tech. Thank you for your insight

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Please also look into the current trends and opportunities. My husband was going to go for X-ray tech. He ultimately decided against it because:

1) there's hardly any jobs (even before the economy took a turn) Hospitals do not require nearly the amount of X-ray techs as they do RN's and Respiratory therapists. Every forum I visited seemed to have tons of X Ray Techs looking for jobs and warning other people to not do it. And this started back in '07 when there were still jobs for other professions.

2) they typically do 8 hour days, versus the many 12 hour shift opportunities other professions have.

Otherwise the job seems neat.

Follow your heart whatever you do.

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Why don't you shadow rad tech and an RN and see what they are all about.

My bf is in a rad tech program, and he loves it. I think there are jobs out there for rad techs, it just might not be your dream job at first. Pay for new grad rad techs is very comparable to new grad RNs.

If you want to do patient care, then RN might be the way to go. But, I gotta say, rad tech would be great too... it's more procedure based, instead of patient care based- so you gotta think about which you would like better.

Also, you should know that rad tech programs are heavy with physics and energy and electricity.

You mentioned PAs- I don't know that I've heard of PAs replacing rad techs.

good luck.

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WOW, thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses. I know in comparison there are many difference between the two. From pay to current jobs, and to direct contact with patients. In the end, we are all there for the patient. Wether we see them or not, they are our priority.

I was thinking of continuing school after the Rad Tech program. Perhaps doing a post primary in cardiovascular intervention or CT/MRI. I've still got a lot of research to do.

Another advantage is that my father has been in the health care field for over 20 years (in my area) so finding a job shouldn't be that difficult. Sometimes it's who you know (mixed with what you know) Thanks again :)

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There is a small role for rad tech and RN for cath lab and interventional radiology. A person with both credentials can cover both roles for call but they wouyld only be workign in 1 role at a time.

I am a NP with imaging certs but not in general radiology (nuc med, ultrasound and bone density)

Rad techs have a midlevel program raled radiology assistant. Take a look at www.arrt.org for more information on certifications and post primarty certifications. California recently passed legislation to allow PA-Cs with additional training to operate flouro for procedurtes but they will not be a rad tech.

Jeremy

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Don't count too much on your dad though. One of my fellow RN graduates, his dad had been an RN at a county hospital for over 30 years and figured he'd be able to get hired there easy. A year later he's still job hunting...... Just an FYI. : ) Hopefully you will have better luck.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
Don't count too much on your dad though. One of my fellow RN graduates, his dad had been an RN at a county hospital for over 30 years and figured he'd be able to get hired there easy. A year later he's still job hunting...... Just an FYI. : ) Hopefully you will have better luck.

I've seen this one played out several times around here... while the family connections certainly help, they're no sure thing.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.
I've seen this one played out several times around here... while the family connections certainly help they're no sure thing.[/quote']

right? even his dad thought it would be a sure thing. not in this economy!

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