2 answers
Yuneisy
Student
Sioux City, Iowa
1
Question
Updated
189 views
What do you wish you had known before starting your radiologic technology program?
I am starting the program later this year and would appreciate all the advice I can get!
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2 answers
Shelley DeReu RN, BSN, CNMT
18
Answers
Updated
Shelley’s Answer
I wish I knew how great it would be to be a Technologist. It would have motivated me more. Congrats on getting into a program. My advice is to be dedicated to the program. Don't just study to pass the next exam, study to know and understand. For now, look up youtube videos for anatomy and physiology for radiology. Learn medical terminology, it will be your new language.
Remember the clinical instructors and Technologists want you to succeed. Engage with the clinical staff as a helpful student who is curious, courteous, takes instruction well, does not complain, is on time, physically clean and cleans up after themselves, rested and does not engage in gossip or the personal lives of the staff. You are not one of them yet. Always, always remember that you are auditioning for a job with everyone you interact with. The program is your job, don't get involved in any of your classmate's drama. You will be asked to do patient care when needed, do it with confidence, compassion and no complaint as a professional would. If you are always trying to be your best, then on your tough days, you will still be amazing. Trust that you will learn what you need to know. Trust that you can do this. Becoming a Technologist will be great and open so many wonderful experiences and doors for you. Best of luck.
Remember the clinical instructors and Technologists want you to succeed. Engage with the clinical staff as a helpful student who is curious, courteous, takes instruction well, does not complain, is on time, physically clean and cleans up after themselves, rested and does not engage in gossip or the personal lives of the staff. You are not one of them yet. Always, always remember that you are auditioning for a job with everyone you interact with. The program is your job, don't get involved in any of your classmate's drama. You will be asked to do patient care when needed, do it with confidence, compassion and no complaint as a professional would. If you are always trying to be your best, then on your tough days, you will still be amazing. Trust that you will learn what you need to know. Trust that you can do this. Becoming a Technologist will be great and open so many wonderful experiences and doors for you. Best of luck.
Jessa Waters
Placement Specialist
4
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Jessa’s Answer
I am not a rad tech, but I think a great way to learn more about it is to conduct informational interviews with professionals!
Informational Interviews for College Students Interested in Radiologic Technology
An informational interview is a conversation with a radiologic technologist, imaging specialist, or radiology leader to learn about their career path, education, and day-to-day work. It is not a job interview. The goal is to learn about the profession and determine whether it is the right fit for your interests and career goals.
How to Prepare
1. Find the right person
Reach out to radiologic technologists, CT technologists, MRI technologists, mammography technologists, or imaging managers.
Consider professionals working at hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, trauma centers, orthopedic clinics, or specialty practices.
2. Keep it short
Ask for 20-30 minutes of their time.
Meet by phone, video call, or in person if possible.
3. Research beforehand
Learn the differences between radiography (X-ray), CT, MRI, mammography, and other imaging specialties.
Review the educational and certification requirements for radiologic technologists.
Familiarize yourself with the facility where they work.
Best Questions to Ask
About the Profession
What does a typical day look like in your role?
What do you enjoy most about being a radiologic technologist?
What aspects of the job are most challenging?
How much patient interaction do you have each day?
About Education and Career Preparation
What degree or training program did you complete?
Looking back, what would you have done differently as a student?
What classes or experiences best prepared you for clinical rotations?
What advice would you give someone currently exploring radiologic technology?
About Clinicals and Early Career Experience
What was the most valuable part of your clinical experience?
How similar was clinical training to your first job?
What skills do employers look for in new graduates?
What helped you stand out when applying for your first position?
About Specialization and Growth
How did you decide whether to specialize in CT, MRI, mammography, or another modality?
Which specialties are currently in high demand?
What opportunities are available for career advancement?
Are there leadership, education, or management paths within imaging?
About Work-Life Balance
What are the typical schedules for radiology techs?
How common are weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts?
How physically demanding is the job?
Does the career provide good long-term stability and flexibility?
Etiquette and Follow-Up
Respect their time
Keep the conversation within the agreed timeframe.
Take notes
Write down key advice and insights during or immediately after the conversation.
Send a thank-you email
Follow up within 24 hours.
Mention a specific piece of advice that was especially helpful.
Stay connected
Let them know if their guidance helped you choose a program, obtain a clinical placement, earn a certification, or secure a position.
Sample Outreach Message
Hello [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a college student exploring a career in radiologic technology. I am interested in learning more about your experience, career path, and advice for someone considering this field.
Would you be willing to meet with me for a brief 20-30 minute informational interview by phone, video call, or in person at a time that is convenient for you?
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate any guidance you can share.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Top 10 Questions I'd Recommend
If the student only has one interview, these questions will provide the most value:
What does a typical day look like in your role?
What do you enjoy most about being a radiology tech?
What are the biggest challenges of the profession?
How prepared did you feel when you graduated and started working?
What surprised you most about the field after becoming a technologist?
What skills make someone successful in radiologic technology?
How physically demanding is the work?
What opportunities exist beyond general X-ray?
If you were starting over today, would you choose this career again? Why or why not?
What advice would you give a college student who is considering applying to a radiography program?
These questions tend to move beyond basic job descriptions and help a college student understand the realities of the profession, career growth opportunities, and whether the field aligns with their long-term goals.
Informational Interviews for College Students Interested in Radiologic Technology
An informational interview is a conversation with a radiologic technologist, imaging specialist, or radiology leader to learn about their career path, education, and day-to-day work. It is not a job interview. The goal is to learn about the profession and determine whether it is the right fit for your interests and career goals.
How to Prepare
1. Find the right person
Reach out to radiologic technologists, CT technologists, MRI technologists, mammography technologists, or imaging managers.
Consider professionals working at hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, trauma centers, orthopedic clinics, or specialty practices.
2. Keep it short
Ask for 20-30 minutes of their time.
Meet by phone, video call, or in person if possible.
3. Research beforehand
Learn the differences between radiography (X-ray), CT, MRI, mammography, and other imaging specialties.
Review the educational and certification requirements for radiologic technologists.
Familiarize yourself with the facility where they work.
Best Questions to Ask
About the Profession
What does a typical day look like in your role?
What do you enjoy most about being a radiologic technologist?
What aspects of the job are most challenging?
How much patient interaction do you have each day?
About Education and Career Preparation
What degree or training program did you complete?
Looking back, what would you have done differently as a student?
What classes or experiences best prepared you for clinical rotations?
What advice would you give someone currently exploring radiologic technology?
About Clinicals and Early Career Experience
What was the most valuable part of your clinical experience?
How similar was clinical training to your first job?
What skills do employers look for in new graduates?
What helped you stand out when applying for your first position?
About Specialization and Growth
How did you decide whether to specialize in CT, MRI, mammography, or another modality?
Which specialties are currently in high demand?
What opportunities are available for career advancement?
Are there leadership, education, or management paths within imaging?
About Work-Life Balance
What are the typical schedules for radiology techs?
How common are weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts?
How physically demanding is the job?
Does the career provide good long-term stability and flexibility?
Etiquette and Follow-Up
Respect their time
Keep the conversation within the agreed timeframe.
Take notes
Write down key advice and insights during or immediately after the conversation.
Send a thank-you email
Follow up within 24 hours.
Mention a specific piece of advice that was especially helpful.
Stay connected
Let them know if their guidance helped you choose a program, obtain a clinical placement, earn a certification, or secure a position.
Sample Outreach Message
Hello [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a college student exploring a career in radiologic technology. I am interested in learning more about your experience, career path, and advice for someone considering this field.
Would you be willing to meet with me for a brief 20-30 minute informational interview by phone, video call, or in person at a time that is convenient for you?
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate any guidance you can share.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Top 10 Questions I'd Recommend
If the student only has one interview, these questions will provide the most value:
What does a typical day look like in your role?
What do you enjoy most about being a radiology tech?
What are the biggest challenges of the profession?
How prepared did you feel when you graduated and started working?
What surprised you most about the field after becoming a technologist?
What skills make someone successful in radiologic technology?
How physically demanding is the work?
What opportunities exist beyond general X-ray?
If you were starting over today, would you choose this career again? Why or why not?
What advice would you give a college student who is considering applying to a radiography program?
These questions tend to move beyond basic job descriptions and help a college student understand the realities of the profession, career growth opportunities, and whether the field aligns with their long-term goals.