1 answer
Emily
Student
Elmira, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
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What should I do in order to be successful in medical imaging programs?
My dream career has been to be an MRI technician. With this said, I often have anxieties due to how competitive pre-imaging and radiology programs can be. I am set to graduate in 2026 and attend Oregon Institute of Technology in the fall for pre-medical imaging, but I want to make sure I am prepared so I can do what's best career wise and financially. Any tips and tricks on how to do well in classes and balance working part time would be really appreciated!
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1 answer
Jessica Massimilla
Radiologic technologist
1
Answer
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Emily!
So one thing you will learn in this field is we are technologists, not technicians! You are right that getting into an imaging program is super competitive. I’m not sure what it’s like in your state, but the program I attended in NY only accepted 22 students once a year. They look at how well you did in your pre rec classes plus my school did an in person interview. So, try your very best to get A’s in your pre rec classes. Once you get into the program, it’s going to be hard. It’s two years of non stop school and clinic. It’s a lot of information especially if you’ve never been exposed to the medical field (which was me) BUT I’ll tell you it was worth all the stress and tears. This job has so many different areas you can work in, there will always be jobs in this field, and we get paid fairly well. Working part time is definitely possible, but you will probably have no days off. But again, keeping in mind what is at the end of the journey is how I kept going. Another thing that got me through it is flash cards and practicing what you learn on family and friends to get used to positioning patients. This entire job is knowing the human anatomy, knowing what it’s supposed to look like, and having to be creative, thinking outside the box to achieve good quality images. Thinking outside the box is where I struggled most when I started because they don’t really tech you that in school, it’s just something you learn while doing real patients. This job is very hard on our bodies between moving equipment all day and lifting patients, running around the hospital. if you aren’t smart about how your doing things it will not be good long term. Another thing I didn’t realize when starting this career is that you will be in the operating room taking images for surgeons. That was the scariest thing for me, seeing how that all works was a lot. BUT if this career is something that really interests you, put your all into it and don’t give up because it will be so worth it in the end. I hope this helps! :)
So one thing you will learn in this field is we are technologists, not technicians! You are right that getting into an imaging program is super competitive. I’m not sure what it’s like in your state, but the program I attended in NY only accepted 22 students once a year. They look at how well you did in your pre rec classes plus my school did an in person interview. So, try your very best to get A’s in your pre rec classes. Once you get into the program, it’s going to be hard. It’s two years of non stop school and clinic. It’s a lot of information especially if you’ve never been exposed to the medical field (which was me) BUT I’ll tell you it was worth all the stress and tears. This job has so many different areas you can work in, there will always be jobs in this field, and we get paid fairly well. Working part time is definitely possible, but you will probably have no days off. But again, keeping in mind what is at the end of the journey is how I kept going. Another thing that got me through it is flash cards and practicing what you learn on family and friends to get used to positioning patients. This entire job is knowing the human anatomy, knowing what it’s supposed to look like, and having to be creative, thinking outside the box to achieve good quality images. Thinking outside the box is where I struggled most when I started because they don’t really tech you that in school, it’s just something you learn while doing real patients. This job is very hard on our bodies between moving equipment all day and lifting patients, running around the hospital. if you aren’t smart about how your doing things it will not be good long term. Another thing I didn’t realize when starting this career is that you will be in the operating room taking images for surgeons. That was the scariest thing for me, seeing how that all works was a lot. BUT if this career is something that really interests you, put your all into it and don’t give up because it will be so worth it in the end. I hope this helps! :)