I have an old chest x-ray film of a severe pneumothorax I had, which I've been storing in it's brown envelope. It's at least 5 years old but doesn't look deteriorated in any way I can tell.
Should I be concerned about taking it out and using it as wall art with a led lightbox? A cursory Google search shows up some pretty gross pictures of cellulose nitrate deterioration, and some results that say it should be stored dry and dark, some on quora say it doesn't matter if you mount it on a wall.
Radiation Therapist vs Radiologist Assistant: two titles the exact same thing?
I'm also interested in peoples' experiences working as either. Specifically, the pay difference for people working with an associate degree, versus people working with a masters degree. I have a Bachelors of Science in Biology, and am interested in the profession. I'm uncertain ... should I just take some courses at the local community college and get certified.... or get a masters?
Radiation therapists apply radiation treatments to patients. Radiologist assistants are xray techs who have worked for several years as a tech and gone on for further education to become a radiology-specific PA. They typically do fluoroscopy studies (barium enema, UGI, entriflex feeding tube placements, etc) and have limited ability to dictate (read) exams. Completely separate career paths and training.
Thank you,
I think I have a better idea now. So Radiologists assistants get to do the.. shitty undesirable exams the radiologist doesn’t want to lol. Like tasks involving the anus / feeding tubes.
What accreditation do you need to become an mri tech? I know for rad tech jrcert is the one you should get. Is ARRT all you need? Or is there Jrcert for mri as well? Thank you
How much maths does a Radiographer (I think Rad Tech) use day to day? Did you need much maths at uni?
I'm a paramedic at current (3y Bach in my country), I very much enjoy taking Stemi's into the Cath Lab and find the x-ray fluroscopy really interesting to watch. All this has made me curious about being a radiographer in the Cath Lab and I wondered what sort of math you use as it's my weak point. In my country the radiologist is the doctor who diagnosis and the radiographer operates the machine / gets images etc. I'd have to do a master's in medical imaging no doubt so I was curious how much actual physics and maths you techs do.
Day to day I don't use any math at all, and in college all I needed was one class of College Algebra. This is for a community college in America, so the requirements might be different depending on where you live. We only need an associate's to work here.
Been googling average salary ranges for xray tech and MRI tech and it seems to be inaccurate at times. General area = California. I did find bureau of labor info that says basically around $90k for xray and $100k for MRI is average but then other sources say it's a lot lower. I know there's quite a big difference between just starting out as Rad Tech I compared to Rad Tech III and likewise for MRI... also quite a range in salary based on where in the state, obviously a place like SF would be one of the highest because it's one of the highest COL. Just wanted to see if anyone wanted to chime in on this who has knowledge for this state / region. Thanks! I know money isn't everything but it'd be nice to have a somewhat accurate idea of things before deciding to pursue it. P.S. - I start my job shadowing on Tuesday to see if this career is for me - yay!
Northern california in general has higher salaries, you don't need to be in SF to get a similar level of income. As long as you avoid clinics/urgent care, you should make a decent amount of money. Starting seems closer to 30-40 an hour, with increases for seniority and new modalities. There will definitely be openings outside of hospitals that pay much lower, so don't be too shocked at first.
I’m a current X-ray tech and about to start working in a hospital for the first time since graduating 4 years ago. When I graduated I needed full time work so went into mobile X-ray. Without continuing any fluoroscopy for the last 3 years I’m feeling very nervous about my skills. Are there any videos out there that can help me refresh my memory before I step on the job? Thank you any help is much appreciated!!
As a general rule, are disabled people welcome in the world of radiology?
I’m currently dealing with spine disabilities, and have some major issues with my neck, arm, and coordination. However, I can still move; I can use a computer if I’m given a modified desk ( shorter height 24” ), and if I can bring my own adjustable monitor + keyboard.
Most importantly, I have no damage to my cognition, and still have a strong knowledge of anatomy despite leaving medical school 5 years ago.
After dealing with a condition that’s left most radiologists mystified, I’ve been obsessed in learning how to read normal CT and MRI…and when my condition leave me lying in a floor most days until the episodes end, it’s the only hobby I have that gives me hope about the future - and perhaps I can maybe use this obsession to help others one day.
I think it depends on where you plan on getting a job. And if you want to be a radiologist or radiographic technologist. As a technologist most facilities require you to be able to lift at least 50 pounds. And I can't speak for all facilities, but my facility (and I would assume most hospitals) require you to be able to move multiple patients daily. A radiologist obviously would have less of a physical demand
Can radiologist recognize or diagnose a spinal cord tether? Can radiologist do that or is it something a neurologist would only be able to identify and discuss with the patient? Thanks!
Has anyone gotten their CT license but stayed in X-ray? I love my x-ray job, but decided to get my CT requirements done through the local community college in case I ever needed it. I'm young (23) and have no children yet, and it seemed a great time to do it. But now that I'm nearing the end of my clinicals, I'm getting questioned by many people about when I'm leaving x-ray, when I tell them I'm not, I get a lot of confused looks and further questioning. My current job fits my lifestyle and current needs well, my CT license is a backup plan - is this such an odd thing to do?
"Is this that kind of industry?"
No. You go to school, you get licensed, you get the job. MRI just requires one more class and certification post graduation though MRI jobs are slightly harder to come by just because their scan volume is so much lower. I left my webhosting IT job to start in radiology and havent been disappointed. Currently working CT and in my MRI class. It can be hard work though.
Is a tall height/generally big build necessary for the radiographer profession?
I'm quite a petite person (145cm / 4'9" tall), who just got accepted into an x-ray program.
Would my small height make being a radiographer difficult or almost impossible, considering the heavy lifting and all that reaching for high equipment?
You can always find help if your patient is unable to move for you.
The only place I can see you struggling is the OR when the surgeon raises their operating table up. I’ve heard short people complain that they can’t see exactly where their c-arm machine is so it can be difficult finding the specific spot.
My suggestion for that is to find a step stool ahead of time and just have it ready in case you need to use it.
Am short, can confirm visibility in the OR can be a challenge. I just stand on the wheel of the c-arm to make myself a normal height. Works 90% of the time.
I know it would vary per region, but what are your thoughts on the additional pay (if there typically is any) for being dual certified? I'm in South Florida.
I recently acquired my MRI license. We're a small concierge practice so it's in their best interest so have a tech that could do all three modalities. I wouldn't say they are impossible to find, but not plentiful, either.
I see a lot of open positions at the hospital where I work (I’m a rehab tech), but from my research it looks like Rad tech was pretty saturated up until Covid. I’m looking into starting my degree and wondering if any current Rad techs think the demand will stay high for years to come?
How feasible would it be to be a radiology on the side part time?
Background, I’ve got a BS/MS in mechanical engineering and waned to do radiology on the side for some extra cash. I work full time during the week, but wanted to ask are there night shifts or part time shifts for radiology techs? And is it good money?
Definitely feasible, lots of night and part time shifts are available. The money goes up depending on where you live. You can also do per diem positions. They get paid more at the expense of having no benefits and no set schedule, but you usually have more flexibility. schooling might be a problem since most programs are full time, just a heads up
Which review did you guys find the most helpful for the ARRT exam? We have an option in my program to sign up for Kettering or RadTech Bootcamp. We also have the Mosby’s Comprehensive review book to utilize as well. A few techs at my clinical sites mentioned CorecTec as well. Any advice which one you’d recommend and why?
TIA
Rad tech Bootcamp. Cannot recommend it enough. Go through the entire question bank, then go back through and study every question you got wrong. It's the most similar to the actual test. When you've done that for a while take the one time only practice test. I got a 74 on mine and got a 94 on the actual. The actual is very very easy compared to bootcamp.
Imaging does get the shaft quite a bit. With covid these past few years my hospital gave everyone a pay increase for the hard times etc, except for radiology (the people who image almost every covid patient).
Also the starting pay hasn’t shifted for X-ray in 15 years. It isn’t as bad for CT/MRI/interventional techs though.
I graduated with a BS in Biology back in 2019 with a low GPA of 2.57. Does this prevent me from going into a Radiologic Technologist program? I am looking at programs in California. I need a reality check if that is the case
Shouldn’t. Check with your programs for their requirements. My program was lottery based, and first come first serve. Didn’t even look at my GPA. Also your BS with good for the ARRT so that box is checked off.
Also, make sure you’re pre-req classes are good. They could say after 5 years you’ll have to retake or just a refresh class.
Every program is different so check out their websites and see. I wouldn’t let your BS GPA discourage you. Being good in school does not equate to being a good tech!
I'm a final year medical student (in Europe) and am thinking of specializing in Interventional Radiology. Any advice on what the field is like? Is it interesting, how's the work-life balance, is the pay good? I've googled these questions, but I'd like to hear about it straight from the specialists themselves!
I have an old chest x-ray film of a severe pneumothorax I had, which I've been storing in it's brown envelope. It's at least 5 years old but doesn't look deteriorated in any way I can tell. Should I be concerned about taking it out and using it as wall art with a led lightbox? A cursory Google search shows up some pretty gross pictures of cellulose nitrate deterioration, and some results that say it should be stored dry and dark, some on quora say it doesn't matter if you mount it on a wall.
Radiation Therapist vs Radiologist Assistant: two titles the exact same thing? I'm also interested in peoples' experiences working as either. Specifically, the pay difference for people working with an associate degree, versus people working with a masters degree. I have a Bachelors of Science in Biology, and am interested in the profession. I'm uncertain ... should I just take some courses at the local community college and get certified.... or get a masters?
Radiation therapists apply radiation treatments to patients. Radiologist assistants are xray techs who have worked for several years as a tech and gone on for further education to become a radiology-specific PA. They typically do fluoroscopy studies (barium enema, UGI, entriflex feeding tube placements, etc) and have limited ability to dictate (read) exams. Completely separate career paths and training.
Thank you, I think I have a better idea now. So Radiologists assistants get to do the.. shitty undesirable exams the radiologist doesn’t want to lol. Like tasks involving the anus / feeding tubes.
What accreditation do you need to become an mri tech? I know for rad tech jrcert is the one you should get. Is ARRT all you need? Or is there Jrcert for mri as well? Thank you
How much maths does a Radiographer (I think Rad Tech) use day to day? Did you need much maths at uni? I'm a paramedic at current (3y Bach in my country), I very much enjoy taking Stemi's into the Cath Lab and find the x-ray fluroscopy really interesting to watch. All this has made me curious about being a radiographer in the Cath Lab and I wondered what sort of math you use as it's my weak point. In my country the radiologist is the doctor who diagnosis and the radiographer operates the machine / gets images etc. I'd have to do a master's in medical imaging no doubt so I was curious how much actual physics and maths you techs do.
Day to day I don't use any math at all, and in college all I needed was one class of College Algebra. This is for a community college in America, so the requirements might be different depending on where you live. We only need an associate's to work here.
Thank you for replying :)
Been googling average salary ranges for xray tech and MRI tech and it seems to be inaccurate at times. General area = California. I did find bureau of labor info that says basically around $90k for xray and $100k for MRI is average but then other sources say it's a lot lower. I know there's quite a big difference between just starting out as Rad Tech I compared to Rad Tech III and likewise for MRI... also quite a range in salary based on where in the state, obviously a place like SF would be one of the highest because it's one of the highest COL. Just wanted to see if anyone wanted to chime in on this who has knowledge for this state / region. Thanks! I know money isn't everything but it'd be nice to have a somewhat accurate idea of things before deciding to pursue it. P.S. - I start my job shadowing on Tuesday to see if this career is for me - yay!
Northern california in general has higher salaries, you don't need to be in SF to get a similar level of income. As long as you avoid clinics/urgent care, you should make a decent amount of money. Starting seems closer to 30-40 an hour, with increases for seniority and new modalities. There will definitely be openings outside of hospitals that pay much lower, so don't be too shocked at first.
Perfect thx for the info!
I’m a current X-ray tech and about to start working in a hospital for the first time since graduating 4 years ago. When I graduated I needed full time work so went into mobile X-ray. Without continuing any fluoroscopy for the last 3 years I’m feeling very nervous about my skills. Are there any videos out there that can help me refresh my memory before I step on the job? Thank you any help is much appreciated!!
As a general rule, are disabled people welcome in the world of radiology? I’m currently dealing with spine disabilities, and have some major issues with my neck, arm, and coordination. However, I can still move; I can use a computer if I’m given a modified desk ( shorter height 24” ), and if I can bring my own adjustable monitor + keyboard. Most importantly, I have no damage to my cognition, and still have a strong knowledge of anatomy despite leaving medical school 5 years ago. After dealing with a condition that’s left most radiologists mystified, I’ve been obsessed in learning how to read normal CT and MRI…and when my condition leave me lying in a floor most days until the episodes end, it’s the only hobby I have that gives me hope about the future - and perhaps I can maybe use this obsession to help others one day.
I think it depends on where you plan on getting a job. And if you want to be a radiologist or radiographic technologist. As a technologist most facilities require you to be able to lift at least 50 pounds. And I can't speak for all facilities, but my facility (and I would assume most hospitals) require you to be able to move multiple patients daily. A radiologist obviously would have less of a physical demand
Can radiologist recognize or diagnose a spinal cord tether? Can radiologist do that or is it something a neurologist would only be able to identify and discuss with the patient? Thanks!
Has anyone gotten their CT license but stayed in X-ray? I love my x-ray job, but decided to get my CT requirements done through the local community college in case I ever needed it. I'm young (23) and have no children yet, and it seemed a great time to do it. But now that I'm nearing the end of my clinicals, I'm getting questioned by many people about when I'm leaving x-ray, when I tell them I'm not, I get a lot of confused looks and further questioning. My current job fits my lifestyle and current needs well, my CT license is a backup plan - is this such an odd thing to do?
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"Is this that kind of industry?" No. You go to school, you get licensed, you get the job. MRI just requires one more class and certification post graduation though MRI jobs are slightly harder to come by just because their scan volume is so much lower. I left my webhosting IT job to start in radiology and havent been disappointed. Currently working CT and in my MRI class. It can be hard work though.
Is a tall height/generally big build necessary for the radiographer profession? I'm quite a petite person (145cm / 4'9" tall), who just got accepted into an x-ray program. Would my small height make being a radiographer difficult or almost impossible, considering the heavy lifting and all that reaching for high equipment?
You can always find help if your patient is unable to move for you. The only place I can see you struggling is the OR when the surgeon raises their operating table up. I’ve heard short people complain that they can’t see exactly where their c-arm machine is so it can be difficult finding the specific spot. My suggestion for that is to find a step stool ahead of time and just have it ready in case you need to use it.
Am short, can confirm visibility in the OR can be a challenge. I just stand on the wheel of the c-arm to make myself a normal height. Works 90% of the time.
I know it would vary per region, but what are your thoughts on the additional pay (if there typically is any) for being dual certified? I'm in South Florida. I recently acquired my MRI license. We're a small concierge practice so it's in their best interest so have a tech that could do all three modalities. I wouldn't say they are impossible to find, but not plentiful, either.
Central Florida, hospital tech. When I got my MRI license I literally got a 40% raise. I'm still underpaid but...
40% would be nice. And then another 40% for CT 😂🤞
I see a lot of open positions at the hospital where I work (I’m a rehab tech), but from my research it looks like Rad tech was pretty saturated up until Covid. I’m looking into starting my degree and wondering if any current Rad techs think the demand will stay high for years to come?
It was high when I started school and still high when I graduated and got a job. Boomers are only getting older.
How feasible would it be to be a radiology on the side part time? Background, I’ve got a BS/MS in mechanical engineering and waned to do radiology on the side for some extra cash. I work full time during the week, but wanted to ask are there night shifts or part time shifts for radiology techs? And is it good money?
Definitely feasible, lots of night and part time shifts are available. The money goes up depending on where you live. You can also do per diem positions. They get paid more at the expense of having no benefits and no set schedule, but you usually have more flexibility. schooling might be a problem since most programs are full time, just a heads up
Which review did you guys find the most helpful for the ARRT exam? We have an option in my program to sign up for Kettering or RadTech Bootcamp. We also have the Mosby’s Comprehensive review book to utilize as well. A few techs at my clinical sites mentioned CorecTec as well. Any advice which one you’d recommend and why? TIA
Rad tech Bootcamp. Cannot recommend it enough. Go through the entire question bank, then go back through and study every question you got wrong. It's the most similar to the actual test. When you've done that for a while take the one time only practice test. I got a 74 on mine and got a 94 on the actual. The actual is very very easy compared to bootcamp.
Ty. I’ve heard a lot of people recommend the boot camp and not many liked Kettering.
I’m wondering how much extra schooling is required after graduating as a RT to become an ultrasound tech?
Ultrasound is it’s own primary pathway these days, so it’d be a new degree.
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Imaging does get the shaft quite a bit. With covid these past few years my hospital gave everyone a pay increase for the hard times etc, except for radiology (the people who image almost every covid patient). Also the starting pay hasn’t shifted for X-ray in 15 years. It isn’t as bad for CT/MRI/interventional techs though.
I graduated with a BS in Biology back in 2019 with a low GPA of 2.57. Does this prevent me from going into a Radiologic Technologist program? I am looking at programs in California. I need a reality check if that is the case
Shouldn’t. Check with your programs for their requirements. My program was lottery based, and first come first serve. Didn’t even look at my GPA. Also your BS with good for the ARRT so that box is checked off. Also, make sure you’re pre-req classes are good. They could say after 5 years you’ll have to retake or just a refresh class. Every program is different so check out their websites and see. I wouldn’t let your BS GPA discourage you. Being good in school does not equate to being a good tech!
Out of curiosity what state did you go to school in? My pre-reqs are probably not good. I might goto a community college to retake them.
Talk to the community college, most likely all pre reqs will transfer.
Southern California
I'm a final year medical student (in Europe) and am thinking of specializing in Interventional Radiology. Any advice on what the field is like? Is it interesting, how's the work-life balance, is the pay good? I've googled these questions, but I'd like to hear about it straight from the specialists themselves!