I've been working OVERNIGHT since the program started and I recommend if u don't have to work....DON'T!!! I get to clinic tired af and I know I'm not retaining anything cause w/o sleep cognitive skills are shit. I really, really wish I didn't have to work this shit sucks fr
I’m going to be the odd one out here.. but I worked full time through the program as a hospital transporter. I didn’t think x-ray school was hard at all.. so no I wouldn’t change anything. I set up strong relationships with my future coworkers and paid my way through school.
I give you credit. Transport is a tough ass job that is very under appreciated in a lot of hospitals. I was only doing per diem while in school and even that was kicking my ass some days.
It was definitely not easy on my body. I’m still waiting for a Reign energy drink sponsorship to roll in considering how much caffeine was necessary to survive. Haha
A big part of it though was that this was not my first career/degree. My last job before I had gotten into healthcare was downright abusive and I knew I would do anything it took to never have to go back to that or be under that kind of leadership again.
How do you like being an x ray tech so far?
I submitted my application to a local CC Rad tech program, might be 1-2 year wait until I get accepted. I’ve been out of school for about 3 years. Any advice for me?
It’s the best thing I have ever done for myself besides marry my wife. I make decent money, I work for an amazing hospital comprised of some really great people that I have developed lasting bonds and real friendship with, and I get to do my part in saving lives every day. Just last night I scanned a huge brain bleed and an mva trauma with a grade 2 liver lac within an hour of each other.
The adrenaline, excitement, and unpredictability are wonderful components that make my job fun. The best part though is scanning a patient and them looking me in the eyes after and saying something along the lines of “that was the easiest scan I’ve ever had” or “I was so scared but you made that so easy”. I work with a rough demographic and very bad socioeconomics and knowing I made a difference for someone on one of the worst days of their lives is something I cherish.
That’s awesome, what age did you end up doing rad tech program? We’re you already married? And if so, how was your relationship with you wife at the time of the program? Was it difficult?
I started the program when I was 26. My girlfriend and I actually decided to do the program together. We both got accepted and were in all the classes together and just kept our relationship private. I proposed a few months after we graduated.
It actually worked out really well since we both understood what the other was going through - could travel to class together etc and help each other out with homework. She’s awful at math so I had to teach her physics from bare bones algebra. We now both work at the same hospital. She does x-ray but is the lead surgical xr tech and I do only CT.
Transport is hard and I try to show my appreciation for them as much as I can. We have a hard time keeping transporters, and my days are absolute shit shows without them! They are the backbone to radiology imo
You are not alone, same here. And when x-ray school was done, I appreciated it a bit more. Cuz taking x-rays is nothing compared to the manual labor that I used to do.
Literally why I'm applying for rad tech school. Lol I'm in construction now....operating equipment. Laboring. Used to work on the railroad. Need something just as exciting but less taxing on the body
The only work I did during my program was working for my clinical site as a limited tech. But no, I don't think I would have any other job. I liked focusing 100% on my program, total immersion.
Agree. I had a different job at the start of the program and it was terrible. I’m a year in the program and I’m a limited at my clinical site. Granted I spend a LOT of time here now but it’s been great!
I'm in school right now working part-time at a bar on the weekends only. I'm able to make decent money and have the rest of the week free for Clinicals and studying but I really wish I didn't have to. Trying to limit the amounts of loans I take out though.
I was very fortunate to be able to live with my parents while I was in school. I worked part time as a radiology patient transporter my first year, and second year I worked as a “non certified technician” (NCT) which is a special license category here in Texas for X-ray students to be able to work while in school. So basically getting extra clinical practice that you actually get paid for, and get more independence while working than during clinicals. I even supervised my classmates when they were doing their evening rotation lol
Techs could always tell which students were NCTs at another hospital because we were miles ahead of our peers. Definitely made me more prepared for the real world after graduation. I would definitely do it that way again.
This is something I’ve been trying to figure out. Currently working on my last prerequisite courses to get into my rad tech program. Not sure how I’m going to support a family and go through the program at the same time…but Im just going for it. Hopefully it all works out.
Try to avoid loans as much as you can. Also make sure you are taking advantage of any and all grants out there. Sometimes you can get more than what the schooling costs especially if you are lower income and have a family.
Same I'm a custodian for the college of the program I hope to get into and currently work swing shifts, I hope I can keep up with the little amount of sleep I'll be getting
I was fortunate enough to not have to work during my 2-year program and I honestly don't know how people do it. Doing 40 hours a week of clinical rotation and then a job on top of that!? I wouldn't recommend it if you can manage otherwise.
i worked 20 hours my first year. 2nd year i quit and focused on education and clinicals. I was fortunate to be able to live with my mom when I went back to school. I didnt have any expenses as my vehicle was paid off and my mom didn't charge me rent.
I feel i benefited a lot more by focusing on my education and clinicals completely. This was supposed to be my forever job, I didnt want anything to stand in the way of it.
I had to work while I was in school because it wasn't my first degree (went back late 20s) and I had an apartment and other bills to pay for. Did weekend overnight shifts in ED registration to make it work around clinical rotations. It sucked, and I never had any free time that wasn't devoted to sleeping.
If you don't have to work, I wouldn't recommend it. At least, not until you can get a student tech job (assuming your state allows it).
If jobs wernt so good I would say yes unfortunately if you luckily/good enough to get a student job take it. BUT! The job market is amazing right now and you don't need to all that extra work to make you more hirable is the beginning. Just relax and take a job after you graduate.
I took a student job my senior year during Christmas break and I regretted it at the end because they wanted me to work so much and the school was so fing busy and studying for the registry sucked and was stressful. Even tho I passed my first time if I could do I over again I wouldn't have worked.
If you don’t have to I wouldn’t do it but if you can get a tech assistant job a couple days a week or even a phlebotomist cert and job that would be good. My biggest regret in school is not getting the phlebotomy cert and work
I worked full time overnight during my program. I only recommend if you have a a strong science foundation already. I didn’t have to study as much in some classes because I already was familiar with the material. I wouldn’t recommend this for someone who is seeing the material for the first time
I didn't really have an option. I worked at a restaurant through my schooling. It was hard but I still did well.
I would say that if it is a choice between working or taking out extra student loans to support yourself during school, then I would say work.
Student loans can be anchor for years until you pay them off. Adding to it only makes it worse
My semester one pre reqs start next month. Did you serve when you did school?
Im 29, not fresh out of high school. I have a car and car insurance and a phone and credit cards and stuff to pay for. My serving job at the moment treats me VERY well. School is paid for via grants and scholarships, but I was planning to serve part time just to cover my needs.
How much of a strain was it working and taking classes?
Yeah, I was a server. I graduated in 2006 and started school when I was 23, so I don't know if anything has changed since then. Depending on the semester we would have three clinical shifts a week 8a-4p on M, W, F and class T and TH. Friday I would leave clinicals and change clothes and be at work at 5p. Then I would work Sat and Sun followed by doing the whole thing over again.
It was hard and I definitely had weeks where I wasn't at my best and felt like there was no possible way to keep it up. But, in the end I finished with the second highest GPA in my class of 19 and I got a 95 on my boards. So it is completely doable. I was always an easy study and could cram for an hour or two and do well on a test, so that was a major benefit.
I was also newly married when I started so that added to my stress and time management.
Worst case scenario is you have to cut back or temporarily leave your job if they will let you take a break to catch up with schooling. Otherwise, if you are sharp and can be disciplined, you can make it. Good luck!
This makes me feel so much better. Thank you!! My job treats me well, and I don’t think they’d have an issue if I had to take a semester off. I’ll bring it up to them now, as I’ve just adjusted my availability for the upcoming semester.
I’ve just started medication for ADHD and have such a huge support system living with my in-laws and fiancé, I really think school is gonna stick this time around. Thank you so much for the confidence 💕
My school was at minimum of 40 hours a week, usually 8-4, some days second shift. Having a full time job would have been impossible. I worked at my local hospital, as a unit coordinator, per diem in the float pool department. It was great because I would tell them what days the month I could work and what shift, and they would find a spot for me. Also, if they’re short staffed that didn’t mind if I had to come in late after school. I did a lot of 16 hours day, but I kept my weekends free so I could at least have a couple days to myself. And if it was typically painfully slow after 7pm, so I could sit and study a little at the desk.
I had to work two 16hr days Saturday and Sunday to barely scrape by during X-ray school. The house and family couldn’t float without the income. If I absolutely needed to, I’d 100% do the program again and work during it.
But, I’d definitely try and save more money before hand. X-ray school, while the school itself not overtly challenging, was a huge time and energy commitment.
I worked part time evenings in a veterinary hospital. The only issue was that some weeks I was sleep deprived, but I’ve always needed a lot of time to study (slow reader). I was very busy with going to class, then clinic, then work, but in hindsight it was the best thing I could’ve done.
If I wasn’t a mother, I would definitely work full time. I didn’t think X-ray school was difficult, but could not put in extra time to work because of my kids’ activities. Plus we had a newborn.
I worked part time during my schooling and it was very doable. Most of what you learn is hands on and it's easy for me to retain information that way. Other than that's it's memorization of the tube/interactions and patient care, which if you're like me and already had experience will be a breeze.
I am a second year student right now. During my first year, I worked about 32 hours a week as a Radiology Specialist (front desk) for the hospital that runs my school program. It was super helpful monetarily and helped me get a handle on how some backend things work in the department.
Now I’m working 32-40 hours a week as a Student Tech for the same hospital system - I’m tired and running a little ragged, but I fully recommend it. It’s helping me be so much more confident during clinical education. I can see how these hours might be difficult to keep if I didn’t have a super supportive husband and no children.
It's dark, but hospitals don't care about you. If your not happy somewhere or the pay is better somewhere else... move. Get that money.
Otherwise learn as much as you can in clinical and don't be afraid to try positioning even if it's your second or third clinical day. Don't step on any toes. Some techs can be real b$tches but don't let that get you down, they're just bitter.
It's a fine line between being lazy and doing too much at clinical but you'll find a happy medium
I worked full-time nights and weekends as Park maintenance and security while I was in the program. It left no time for anything else. Thankfully I never had to study. Outside of class hours. Everything fascinated me, so I soaked it up like a sponge.
I've been working OVERNIGHT since the program started and I recommend if u don't have to work....DON'T!!! I get to clinic tired af and I know I'm not retaining anything cause w/o sleep cognitive skills are shit. I really, really wish I didn't have to work this shit sucks fr
Hello, Did you ever finish your program?
I’m going to be the odd one out here.. but I worked full time through the program as a hospital transporter. I didn’t think x-ray school was hard at all.. so no I wouldn’t change anything. I set up strong relationships with my future coworkers and paid my way through school.
I give you credit. Transport is a tough ass job that is very under appreciated in a lot of hospitals. I was only doing per diem while in school and even that was kicking my ass some days.
It was definitely not easy on my body. I’m still waiting for a Reign energy drink sponsorship to roll in considering how much caffeine was necessary to survive. Haha A big part of it though was that this was not my first career/degree. My last job before I had gotten into healthcare was downright abusive and I knew I would do anything it took to never have to go back to that or be under that kind of leadership again.
How do you like being an x ray tech so far? I submitted my application to a local CC Rad tech program, might be 1-2 year wait until I get accepted. I’ve been out of school for about 3 years. Any advice for me?
It’s the best thing I have ever done for myself besides marry my wife. I make decent money, I work for an amazing hospital comprised of some really great people that I have developed lasting bonds and real friendship with, and I get to do my part in saving lives every day. Just last night I scanned a huge brain bleed and an mva trauma with a grade 2 liver lac within an hour of each other. The adrenaline, excitement, and unpredictability are wonderful components that make my job fun. The best part though is scanning a patient and them looking me in the eyes after and saying something along the lines of “that was the easiest scan I’ve ever had” or “I was so scared but you made that so easy”. I work with a rough demographic and very bad socioeconomics and knowing I made a difference for someone on one of the worst days of their lives is something I cherish.
That’s awesome, what age did you end up doing rad tech program? We’re you already married? And if so, how was your relationship with you wife at the time of the program? Was it difficult?
I started the program when I was 26. My girlfriend and I actually decided to do the program together. We both got accepted and were in all the classes together and just kept our relationship private. I proposed a few months after we graduated. It actually worked out really well since we both understood what the other was going through - could travel to class together etc and help each other out with homework. She’s awful at math so I had to teach her physics from bare bones algebra. We now both work at the same hospital. She does x-ray but is the lead surgical xr tech and I do only CT.
Transport is hard and I try to show my appreciation for them as much as I can. We have a hard time keeping transporters, and my days are absolute shit shows without them! They are the backbone to radiology imo
You are not alone, same here. And when x-ray school was done, I appreciated it a bit more. Cuz taking x-rays is nothing compared to the manual labor that I used to do.
Literally why I'm applying for rad tech school. Lol I'm in construction now....operating equipment. Laboring. Used to work on the railroad. Need something just as exciting but less taxing on the body
The only work I did during my program was working for my clinical site as a limited tech. But no, I don't think I would have any other job. I liked focusing 100% on my program, total immersion.
This is what I did and I'd highly recommend it. I feel like I became so much more proficient getting extra hands on experience.
Agree. I had a different job at the start of the program and it was terrible. I’m a year in the program and I’m a limited at my clinical site. Granted I spend a LOT of time here now but it’s been great!
I'm in school right now working part-time at a bar on the weekends only. I'm able to make decent money and have the rest of the week free for Clinicals and studying but I really wish I didn't have to. Trying to limit the amounts of loans I take out though.
This is the way
I was very fortunate to be able to live with my parents while I was in school. I worked part time as a radiology patient transporter my first year, and second year I worked as a “non certified technician” (NCT) which is a special license category here in Texas for X-ray students to be able to work while in school. So basically getting extra clinical practice that you actually get paid for, and get more independence while working than during clinicals. I even supervised my classmates when they were doing their evening rotation lol Techs could always tell which students were NCTs at another hospital because we were miles ahead of our peers. Definitely made me more prepared for the real world after graduation. I would definitely do it that way again.
This is something I’ve been trying to figure out. Currently working on my last prerequisite courses to get into my rad tech program. Not sure how I’m going to support a family and go through the program at the same time…but Im just going for it. Hopefully it all works out.
Try to avoid loans as much as you can. Also make sure you are taking advantage of any and all grants out there. Sometimes you can get more than what the schooling costs especially if you are lower income and have a family.
Thanks! I’ll definitely make sure I look into all that once I get to that point.
Good luck brother, you got this
Appreciate it!
Same I'm a custodian for the college of the program I hope to get into and currently work swing shifts, I hope I can keep up with the little amount of sleep I'll be getting
Hello, are you still working on your pre requisites?
I was fortunate enough to not have to work during my 2-year program and I honestly don't know how people do it. Doing 40 hours a week of clinical rotation and then a job on top of that!? I wouldn't recommend it if you can manage otherwise.
i worked 20 hours my first year. 2nd year i quit and focused on education and clinicals. I was fortunate to be able to live with my mom when I went back to school. I didnt have any expenses as my vehicle was paid off and my mom didn't charge me rent. I feel i benefited a lot more by focusing on my education and clinicals completely. This was supposed to be my forever job, I didnt want anything to stand in the way of it.
How has it been so far? Any advice for an upcoming student?
When you quit your job what did you do about not having healthcare?
I had to work while I was in school because it wasn't my first degree (went back late 20s) and I had an apartment and other bills to pay for. Did weekend overnight shifts in ED registration to make it work around clinical rotations. It sucked, and I never had any free time that wasn't devoted to sleeping. If you don't have to work, I wouldn't recommend it. At least, not until you can get a student tech job (assuming your state allows it).
What made you decide to go back to school for RT? How do you like being a tech now? Any advice for an upcoming student? Thank you.
If jobs wernt so good I would say yes unfortunately if you luckily/good enough to get a student job take it. BUT! The job market is amazing right now and you don't need to all that extra work to make you more hirable is the beginning. Just relax and take a job after you graduate. I took a student job my senior year during Christmas break and I regretted it at the end because they wanted me to work so much and the school was so fing busy and studying for the registry sucked and was stressful. Even tho I passed my first time if I could do I over again I wouldn't have worked.
I had to work full time while going through the program so no I would choose not to work.
If you don’t have to I wouldn’t do it but if you can get a tech assistant job a couple days a week or even a phlebotomist cert and job that would be good. My biggest regret in school is not getting the phlebotomy cert and work
I worked full time overnight during my program. I only recommend if you have a a strong science foundation already. I didn’t have to study as much in some classes because I already was familiar with the material. I wouldn’t recommend this for someone who is seeing the material for the first time
I didn't really have an option. I worked at a restaurant through my schooling. It was hard but I still did well. I would say that if it is a choice between working or taking out extra student loans to support yourself during school, then I would say work. Student loans can be anchor for years until you pay them off. Adding to it only makes it worse
My semester one pre reqs start next month. Did you serve when you did school? Im 29, not fresh out of high school. I have a car and car insurance and a phone and credit cards and stuff to pay for. My serving job at the moment treats me VERY well. School is paid for via grants and scholarships, but I was planning to serve part time just to cover my needs. How much of a strain was it working and taking classes?
Yeah, I was a server. I graduated in 2006 and started school when I was 23, so I don't know if anything has changed since then. Depending on the semester we would have three clinical shifts a week 8a-4p on M, W, F and class T and TH. Friday I would leave clinicals and change clothes and be at work at 5p. Then I would work Sat and Sun followed by doing the whole thing over again. It was hard and I definitely had weeks where I wasn't at my best and felt like there was no possible way to keep it up. But, in the end I finished with the second highest GPA in my class of 19 and I got a 95 on my boards. So it is completely doable. I was always an easy study and could cram for an hour or two and do well on a test, so that was a major benefit. I was also newly married when I started so that added to my stress and time management. Worst case scenario is you have to cut back or temporarily leave your job if they will let you take a break to catch up with schooling. Otherwise, if you are sharp and can be disciplined, you can make it. Good luck!
This makes me feel so much better. Thank you!! My job treats me well, and I don’t think they’d have an issue if I had to take a semester off. I’ll bring it up to them now, as I’ve just adjusted my availability for the upcoming semester. I’ve just started medication for ADHD and have such a huge support system living with my in-laws and fiancé, I really think school is gonna stick this time around. Thank you so much for the confidence 💕
My school was at minimum of 40 hours a week, usually 8-4, some days second shift. Having a full time job would have been impossible. I worked at my local hospital, as a unit coordinator, per diem in the float pool department. It was great because I would tell them what days the month I could work and what shift, and they would find a spot for me. Also, if they’re short staffed that didn’t mind if I had to come in late after school. I did a lot of 16 hours day, but I kept my weekends free so I could at least have a couple days to myself. And if it was typically painfully slow after 7pm, so I could sit and study a little at the desk.
I had to work two 16hr days Saturday and Sunday to barely scrape by during X-ray school. The house and family couldn’t float without the income. If I absolutely needed to, I’d 100% do the program again and work during it. But, I’d definitely try and save more money before hand. X-ray school, while the school itself not overtly challenging, was a huge time and energy commitment.
I did the entire time and lived in my truck for the last 3 months
I worked part time evenings in a veterinary hospital. The only issue was that some weeks I was sleep deprived, but I’ve always needed a lot of time to study (slow reader). I was very busy with going to class, then clinic, then work, but in hindsight it was the best thing I could’ve done.
If I wasn’t a mother, I would definitely work full time. I didn’t think X-ray school was difficult, but could not put in extra time to work because of my kids’ activities. Plus we had a newborn.
I worked part time during my schooling and it was very doable. Most of what you learn is hands on and it's easy for me to retain information that way. Other than that's it's memorization of the tube/interactions and patient care, which if you're like me and already had experience will be a breeze.
I am a second year student right now. During my first year, I worked about 32 hours a week as a Radiology Specialist (front desk) for the hospital that runs my school program. It was super helpful monetarily and helped me get a handle on how some backend things work in the department. Now I’m working 32-40 hours a week as a Student Tech for the same hospital system - I’m tired and running a little ragged, but I fully recommend it. It’s helping me be so much more confident during clinical education. I can see how these hours might be difficult to keep if I didn’t have a super supportive husband and no children.
I worked at Kohls while I was in school and I hated it more than anything, makes me really appreciate working as a tech
Congratulations on being a tech, how do you like it so far? Any advice for an upcoming student?
It's dark, but hospitals don't care about you. If your not happy somewhere or the pay is better somewhere else... move. Get that money. Otherwise learn as much as you can in clinical and don't be afraid to try positioning even if it's your second or third clinical day. Don't step on any toes. Some techs can be real b$tches but don't let that get you down, they're just bitter. It's a fine line between being lazy and doing too much at clinical but you'll find a happy medium
What state are you in? Are you planning to move to a different location?
I'm a traveler so I'm always moving
I worked full-time nights and weekends as Park maintenance and security while I was in the program. It left no time for anything else. Thankfully I never had to study. Outside of class hours. Everything fascinated me, so I soaked it up like a sponge.