3 answers
Aaden
Student
Fontana, California
1
Question
Updated
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How can I prepare myself for a career in radiography when I’m worried about whether I’ll actually find a job in the field? #Fall25
How can I prepare myself for a career in radiography when I’m worried about whether I’ll actually find a job in the field? I’m also nervous about how hard the transition to college-level science and math classes will be what should I expect?
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3 answers
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
224
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
“I’m also nervous about how hard the transition to college-level science and math classes will be what should I expect?”
One way to alleviate such anxiety is to start taking “advanced” level math and science courses in high school. Many AP courses such as AP College Algebra, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Physics, can be articulated into college-level courses if you can score at least 4 out of a maximum of 5 in the final exams. These AP courses are reasonably close to college-level courses.
One way to alleviate such anxiety is to start taking “advanced” level math and science courses in high school. Many AP courses such as AP College Algebra, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Physics, can be articulated into college-level courses if you can score at least 4 out of a maximum of 5 in the final exams. These AP courses are reasonably close to college-level courses.
Shelley DeReu RN, BSN, CNMT
Endoscopy and Radiologic Nurse
13
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Shelley’s Answer
Hi Arden,
A career in Radiology is a secure and rewarding one. It is secure because there are multiple locations for employment, ie: hospitals, imaging centers, physician's offices, as well as imaging specialties such as, surgery, interventional radiology, mammography (if appropriate)and bone density, etc. Secondly, once certified in Radiography, you can expand your career by obtaining certification in CT, MRI, Ultrasound and/or Nuclear Medicine.
Your concerns for grasping college-level math and science classes are valid. You will have to be dedicated to your studies and use the resources available to you to help you fill the gap of knowledge. This involves dedicating time for study, join study groups, and most importantly, if/when the professor has office hours, you go every week to speak with them. I know from experience that a student's desire to understand and their interest in the class subject significantly helps with success in the class.
Once you reach the level of classes that directly pertain to your profession, understanding of the basics is imperative to the ease and success of the more difficult classes when you start your internship. If you can discipline yourself to master the basics (it's not about smarts, it's about desire for success) you will have an easier time during clinicals and passing your certification boards.
People will want you to succeed and will be willing to help you get the information or the connections to benefit you. It is up to you to put yourself out there so people know what you are looking for.
Good Luck!
Go to an imaging center, or hospital and ask to shadow in the imaging department. Ask the Technologists about school and taking the boards. Ask about their job and why they work there.
Inquire at the college you are interested in about their Radiology/imaging program. See if you can sit through a class or two and if you can talk to the current students.
Believe in yourself, believe in the process to obtain your degree and certification and be involved and connected to those going through the same program as you. No one does this alone.
A career in Radiology is a secure and rewarding one. It is secure because there are multiple locations for employment, ie: hospitals, imaging centers, physician's offices, as well as imaging specialties such as, surgery, interventional radiology, mammography (if appropriate)and bone density, etc. Secondly, once certified in Radiography, you can expand your career by obtaining certification in CT, MRI, Ultrasound and/or Nuclear Medicine.
Your concerns for grasping college-level math and science classes are valid. You will have to be dedicated to your studies and use the resources available to you to help you fill the gap of knowledge. This involves dedicating time for study, join study groups, and most importantly, if/when the professor has office hours, you go every week to speak with them. I know from experience that a student's desire to understand and their interest in the class subject significantly helps with success in the class.
Once you reach the level of classes that directly pertain to your profession, understanding of the basics is imperative to the ease and success of the more difficult classes when you start your internship. If you can discipline yourself to master the basics (it's not about smarts, it's about desire for success) you will have an easier time during clinicals and passing your certification boards.
People will want you to succeed and will be willing to help you get the information or the connections to benefit you. It is up to you to put yourself out there so people know what you are looking for.
Good Luck!
Shelley recommends the following next steps:
Nancy Hamp
Clinical Counselor
139
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Aaden,
It’s helpful to know what the market is like for jobs in your field, and what it is projected to be like, before you start a training program or major. Healthcare continues to grow as Americans age. For specific job projections, the government has a website I’ll share below.
Regarding science and math, those courses can be tough. However, there will be ways to get help. Most colleges have an academic support center or tutoring. You can join or start a study group with other students who care about the classes. Your professor or teaching assistant or instructor will have office hours, so be sure to use them to get some assistance if needed. Also, remember that for most healthcare jobs you need to pass a licensing test in your state. If you pass that, your exact grade in a class, as long as you passed, is not a concern of most hospitals. Your license is what qualifies you to work.
Your determination and willingness to work hard is your best assurance of success!
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
It’s helpful to know what the market is like for jobs in your field, and what it is projected to be like, before you start a training program or major. Healthcare continues to grow as Americans age. For specific job projections, the government has a website I’ll share below.
Regarding science and math, those courses can be tough. However, there will be ways to get help. Most colleges have an academic support center or tutoring. You can join or start a study group with other students who care about the classes. Your professor or teaching assistant or instructor will have office hours, so be sure to use them to get some assistance if needed. Also, remember that for most healthcare jobs you need to pass a licensing test in your state. If you pass that, your exact grade in a class, as long as you passed, is not a concern of most hospitals. Your license is what qualifies you to work.
Your determination and willingness to work hard is your best assurance of success!
Nancy recommends the following next steps: