2 answers
Collin
Student
Saint James, New York
1
Question
Updated
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What is your best tip or piece of advice for someone who is about to go into school for radiology?
Going to be starting a radiologic technology program in the spring. I am super excited and would like to be as prepared as possible for when I attend!
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2 answers
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Collin 👋🏻...
That’s such an exciting step... radiologic technology programs are intense, but in a way that really grows your confidence fast.
One of the best pieces of advice is to get comfortable with two things early: anatomy and communication. The more familiar you are with anatomy (even just reviewing the basics before the program starts), the easier it’ll be when you’re learning positioning and imaging. It turns a lot of the early stress into “oh, this makes sense now.”
And even though the job is technical, being good with people matters just as much. You’ll meet anxious patients, kids who don’t want to stay still, or adults who are in pain and just need someone calm in the room. Practicing clear, gentle communication really helps you stand out during clinicals.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask your instructors and techs lots of questions. Radiology programs move quickly, and nobody expects you to master positioning or exposure techniques on the first try. The students who ask for feedback usually end up the strongest in clinical settings.
If you walk in curious, organized, and willing to practice until things click, you’ll do great. Starting the program is the first big step — the rest comes with showing up, trying, and learning piece by piece.
That’s such an exciting step... radiologic technology programs are intense, but in a way that really grows your confidence fast.
One of the best pieces of advice is to get comfortable with two things early: anatomy and communication. The more familiar you are with anatomy (even just reviewing the basics before the program starts), the easier it’ll be when you’re learning positioning and imaging. It turns a lot of the early stress into “oh, this makes sense now.”
And even though the job is technical, being good with people matters just as much. You’ll meet anxious patients, kids who don’t want to stay still, or adults who are in pain and just need someone calm in the room. Practicing clear, gentle communication really helps you stand out during clinicals.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask your instructors and techs lots of questions. Radiology programs move quickly, and nobody expects you to master positioning or exposure techniques on the first try. The students who ask for feedback usually end up the strongest in clinical settings.
If you walk in curious, organized, and willing to practice until things click, you’ll do great. Starting the program is the first big step — the rest comes with showing up, trying, and learning piece by piece.
Shelley DeReu RN, BSN, CNMT
Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Registered Nurse and Clinical Research Monitor
16
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Shelley’s Answer
Hi Colin, RT :)
The obvious answer is to get familiar with medical terminology, and body anatomy. In addition, I suggest you search online how XRays work, XRay Technology terminology, Physics of an Xray, how Xray machines work, what and why do people get Xray imaging, how to position a chest, knee, elbow, hand, foot..... for Xray. Not so much for the knowledge, but for the terminology, the lingo and how the equipment works. Jump ahead and search online, radiation safety for Radiographers, learn the terms for radiation measurement, Roentgen unit, REMs and Sieverts, This will be your new language.
Most importantly get along with your clinical mentors, the Technologists (they are not called Technicians). While you are in clinical, you are auditioning for a job. You don't have to be the smartest, most ambitious student but you have to be more interested in doing what is asked of you, even if it feels like it's not related to your clinical work, because they will see what type of co-worker you will be. By the end of your clinical rotation, you will be doing everything a Technologist does, so don't resent them because you are working and they seemingly are not. They have given you a wonderful gift of experience in a safe environment. You can ask for recommendations from them when you are ready to graduate.
Be your best self, be clean, be polite and respectful always. Be kind and respectful to your patients and understanding of your co-workers.
Good Luck Colin!
The obvious answer is to get familiar with medical terminology, and body anatomy. In addition, I suggest you search online how XRays work, XRay Technology terminology, Physics of an Xray, how Xray machines work, what and why do people get Xray imaging, how to position a chest, knee, elbow, hand, foot..... for Xray. Not so much for the knowledge, but for the terminology, the lingo and how the equipment works. Jump ahead and search online, radiation safety for Radiographers, learn the terms for radiation measurement, Roentgen unit, REMs and Sieverts, This will be your new language.
Most importantly get along with your clinical mentors, the Technologists (they are not called Technicians). While you are in clinical, you are auditioning for a job. You don't have to be the smartest, most ambitious student but you have to be more interested in doing what is asked of you, even if it feels like it's not related to your clinical work, because they will see what type of co-worker you will be. By the end of your clinical rotation, you will be doing everything a Technologist does, so don't resent them because you are working and they seemingly are not. They have given you a wonderful gift of experience in a safe environment. You can ask for recommendations from them when you are ready to graduate.
Be your best self, be clean, be polite and respectful always. Be kind and respectful to your patients and understanding of your co-workers.
Good Luck Colin!