Radiology school?

Question

I am thinking of going to radiology school and wanted to get a few opinions of those that already work in the field. Do you like it? Is the pay worth it? Is it more difficult that some people say? How hard is it to find a job in this field? any info would be a great help, thanks!

Answer 1

I just graduated from a two year program, and am working in the field. I do plain x-ray, CT, and mammography. I love the job, and would recommend it to anyone looking into the field. The pay is worth it. I currently make around 20 bucks an hour, and have only been in the job a yar. The schooling I didnt feel was any harder than any other shcooling would be. Study, and you will be just fine. You get to meet new ppl each day, and yet its not like being a nurse where you are cleaning poop all day. :-) It is hard in our state (MN) to find a job currently but in other states there are a few more out there. Everyday is different, and fun. Sometimes at our place we are extremely busy, and bust our butts, and other times, its not so bad, and we can sit around and relax... Its sorta nice that way. Of course not all hospitals are going to be just like this, but in the health care field its feast or famine. Definately recommend it!

Answer 2

No, radiology school is medical school. You need a 4 year degree with the premed courses and then to be accepted into med school, which you only have 50% chance of being accepted into if you're qualified. Then you do med school (radiology school) for four years. The hours are long, and courses are demanding. There's no way to pass and have a full time job. If you're talking about being a radiology tech, that's a 2 year program at community college. That may be more doable than being a doctor of radiology, which is what you seem to be talking about.

Answer 3

I worked in a radiology department before although not an x-ray tech. Most hospitals offer a radiology program which is a 2 year course and are often less expensive than the traditional schools as they hope you will stay for empolyment. I feel that there is definitely a need for jobs as radiology techs and the pay seems good. If you go into more of a speciality like MRI, CAT scans, ultrasound or nuclear med the pay seems to rise. The only downside with this job is that if you work at a hosptial you would be required to work weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule unless you find a job inside a doctors office which usually pays less.

Answer 4

The others gave good info - I just wanted to add some links for more information:

http://www.arrt.org/
http://www.asrt.org/
http://jrcert.org/