3 answers
Mareli
Student
Toms River, New Jersey
2
Questions
Asked
1038 views
Is it a good plan to go to a college for 4 years to study biology and then go to Radiology for 2 yrs to become an MRI Tech?
I was wondering if this is a solid career plan or just go to radiology school for two yrs?
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3 answers
Lilly Jacobs
Computed Tomography Technologist
4
Answers
Lewes, Delaware
Updated
Lilly’s Answer
The answer to this depends mostly on your long term goals but my advice would be this:
Go to xray/MRI school and earn your AS and use those credits to roll over into your biology degree while working in the radiology field. Getting your credentials first puts you in a position to not only work in the field and figure out if you want to do that as your career, but it also sets you up to make a living while earning your BS. There are programs that take not only your AS courses as credits but will also take into account your certifications and experience. If you’re positive you only want to do MRI, then maybe starting with the BS is a good idea because I don’t believe there are MRI-specific AS programs. However if you go to Xray school you can start your cross training into MR right away, and you still have a lot of lateral options for your career.
Go to xray/MRI school and earn your AS and use those credits to roll over into your biology degree while working in the radiology field. Getting your credentials first puts you in a position to not only work in the field and figure out if you want to do that as your career, but it also sets you up to make a living while earning your BS. There are programs that take not only your AS courses as credits but will also take into account your certifications and experience. If you’re positive you only want to do MRI, then maybe starting with the BS is a good idea because I don’t believe there are MRI-specific AS programs. However if you go to Xray school you can start your cross training into MR right away, and you still have a lot of lateral options for your career.
Fenton Groff, BS, RT (R) (ARRT)
Radiographer
9
Answers
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Updated
Fenton’s Answer
Hi Mareli,
I studied Marine Biology for 3 years, before I decided to go to school for XRAY (Radiologic Technologist). A lot will change in four years, so keep your short and long term goals practical. If you rent or have a family to care for these are things to consider as well. I have over twenty years of radiology and allied healthcare experience, as well as a Bachelors in Health Science. My advice is to find a two year radiology program and sit down with the clinical instructors and find out if healthcare is something you may really enjoy. If you like being busy and part of a team, radiology is an awesome fit. If you are more of a book worm and like studying and researching and lab work... being an Xray tech may not suit you. I have done both and I prefer more of a controlled environment. However, I excelled once I applied myself. I was also an OR (Operating Room) clinical instructor for a major hospital in Atlantic City, NJ.
Having a radiology education and being registered with American Registered Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a wonderful accomplishment and you can work anywhere in the USA with your earned credentials. However, it is hard work, it takes commitment to your team, and dedication to continuing education to succeed. Keep your options open and if you decide diagnostic imaging is not your jam, there are other modalities in health care imaging like MRI, CT Scanning, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and Radiation Therapy. The money potential is very lucrative. Best of success to you and your future.
I studied Marine Biology for 3 years, before I decided to go to school for XRAY (Radiologic Technologist). A lot will change in four years, so keep your short and long term goals practical. If you rent or have a family to care for these are things to consider as well. I have over twenty years of radiology and allied healthcare experience, as well as a Bachelors in Health Science. My advice is to find a two year radiology program and sit down with the clinical instructors and find out if healthcare is something you may really enjoy. If you like being busy and part of a team, radiology is an awesome fit. If you are more of a book worm and like studying and researching and lab work... being an Xray tech may not suit you. I have done both and I prefer more of a controlled environment. However, I excelled once I applied myself. I was also an OR (Operating Room) clinical instructor for a major hospital in Atlantic City, NJ.
Having a radiology education and being registered with American Registered Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a wonderful accomplishment and you can work anywhere in the USA with your earned credentials. However, it is hard work, it takes commitment to your team, and dedication to continuing education to succeed. Keep your options open and if you decide diagnostic imaging is not your jam, there are other modalities in health care imaging like MRI, CT Scanning, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and Radiation Therapy. The money potential is very lucrative. Best of success to you and your future.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
231
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hi Mareli,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We're here to support you as you find clarity in your path. Your question is really insightful! It reminds me of a similar question from another student. If you're feeling the pressure to start working soon, pursuing a career in Radiology as an MRI tech can be a great choice. It allows you to begin working and supporting yourself financially early on.
But, ask yourself if this is truly the career you want. If your answer is yes, then go for it! Once you're stable in your job, you might consider furthering your education with a 4-year degree like BS Radiologic Technology. This can offer career growth and security. Many students work as MRI techs while continuing their education, which is a smart way to support themselves financially.
I had a student who followed this path, starting with a shorter program and then moving on to a 4-year degree. This helped him become financially independent and achieve his goals. I admire your determination to succeed. Keep pushing forward, and you'll reach your dreams!
Thank you for reaching out to us. We're here to support you as you find clarity in your path. Your question is really insightful! It reminds me of a similar question from another student. If you're feeling the pressure to start working soon, pursuing a career in Radiology as an MRI tech can be a great choice. It allows you to begin working and supporting yourself financially early on.
But, ask yourself if this is truly the career you want. If your answer is yes, then go for it! Once you're stable in your job, you might consider furthering your education with a 4-year degree like BS Radiologic Technology. This can offer career growth and security. Many students work as MRI techs while continuing their education, which is a smart way to support themselves financially.
I had a student who followed this path, starting with a shorter program and then moving on to a 4-year degree. This helped him become financially independent and achieve his goals. I admire your determination to succeed. Keep pushing forward, and you'll reach your dreams!