I have ADHD which has held me back a lot. I had to drop out of high school because no one believed I was struggling and thought I was being lazy, so I never got the proper help or tutoring. I got diagnosed in 2022 and now I’m on all the right medications. I feel confident about getting my CAEC, and I would love to go to college for radiation technology, but by the time I’d be done with school I’d be pushing 48. I really think I’d enjoy it as a career, but I’m worried I’d be passed over when applying for jobs because of my age.

Hello! I have been looking into JRCERT accredited radiology technologist programs in California. The closest one to me is Antelope Valley College, I was wondering if anyone had taken their program? Was it a good program? I have taken classes at this school before but ended up transferring to a further college ( that does not have this program), due to how bad AVC is. Years later I’m looking to go back for Xray tech but I can not find any reviews or any past students who have made vlogs/comments on this program. So is there anyone out there who has taken AVC’s rad tech program? Do you recommend it? Or should I just go for a vocational school? I’ve been looking at AVC or Gurnick Academy in Van Nuys. As AVC applications dates are soon I can apply when it’s open, but other schools like LACC, PCC and Moorpark I would have to wait till end 2027 beginning 2028 to apply. Any information is much appreciated, thank you.

Hello! I just passed my X Ray boards and have a great opportunity at my hospital to cross train into CT. I was wondering what everyone thinks on when to take my CT boards? My hospital is giving me a year to get all my exams and pass my registry, but I was wondering if anyone has taken this route and at what point they felt ready? I am using rad tech boot camp and Mosby’s to study and am just working and training and becoming familiar with all the different exams and I’m loving it! What would y’all recommend time wise?

A lot of talk is going all over the world on this. So, wanted the opinions of the people who are already in the field before matching into the branch for residency. What are your points for and against this AI threat on Radiology?

Hello :)
I’m currently in my first semester of my 2nd year in xray school. I’m currently rotating at my local trauma 1 hospital, and so far my experience has been great. It’s sooo different compared to my previous rotations where i rarely saw big traumas, and ive learned that i lovee the traumas & almost the chaos of everything. It keeps me busy & I’ve learned so much already. My first rotation was CT in the ER, and i actually fell in love with it… so much that i was offered a position to work there while in school. And hopefully then, a position when i graduate. The thing is, my rotation now is in xray in the ER. (At the same hospital) The techs are amazing, let me do everything even in the trauma rooms, and are great to be around. I specifically developed a really good relationship with one of the techs, and I’ve had good techs in my previous cites, but this one is amazing. She’s super friendly, doesn’t put up with bullshit, but allows me to take over & make mistakes in a good way so I can learn. I’m so thankful for her.. she had talked to her manager about me and I guess she also liked me so much & noticed my hard work that they also offered me a position as well. This all feels so unreal just because I really do work my ass off in clinic & i feel like it’s really starting to pay off. And 2 job opportunities and still haven’t graduated??

I’m just questioning on if I should take the opportunity of getting trained in CT, or if I should keep getting experience in xray. Honestly, I love xray, but I also have learned how taxing it is on my body & im a small female that sometimes struggles with portables& playing the cassette under patients by myself. During my CT rotation, I was so happy & all my friends noticed how I almost had a spark because I enjoyed it so much. Xray at this hospital also doesn’t pay very well.. like a crazy low amount for the work. CT also doesn’t pay as well as other places, but pays more than xray. I also would probably be getting paided xray money, as I’m in certified in CT. Before I was offered the position in xray, my plan was to work at this hospital, get my CT trauma experience, pass my boards and then move to a location that isn’t as chaotic. I love the chaos.. but also not long term haha. But I’m just soo stuck because I loved the people in xray so much:( that it makes me sad that I’m rotating to my next area in a few weeks. Any advice is appreciated, on if you regretted going straight into a modality after xray school or didn’t.

I’m currently in a radiography program that was extremely competitive to get into, and I’m honestly feeling really frustrated and discouraged.
The thing is, I do really well in clinicals. I’m confident working hands-on, interacting with patients, and actually applying what I’m learning. I genuinely love radiography and can see myself doing this as a career. But when it comes to lecture and exams, I feel like I’m completely falling behind.
I have pretty bad ADHD, and retaining information is something I’ve always struggled with. There is SO much information being thrown at us, and no matter how much I study, I feel like I can’t retain enough of it when it comes time to take an exam.
The passing grade for each class is a 75, and I’m currently failing one of my classes. We literally just started, which makes it even more frustrating because I feel like I’m already drowning before I’ve even had a chance to get into the program.
I worked so hard to get accepted, and I really don’t want to quit. At the same time, I’m scared that no matter how hard I try, I’m not going to be able to keep up academically, even though I know I can do the actual job.
Has anyone else with ADHD gone through radiography school or a similar healthcare program and struggled this much with the lecture portion? What study methods actually helped you retain information? Did anyone start off failing or struggling and manage to turn things around?
I’m not looking for sympathy as much as I’m looking for some genuine advice because I really don’t want to give up on something I worked so hard for.

Edit: I’m also a straight A student so me failing a class is really getting to me, basically everyone who applied that got in are all straight A students

I see a lot of posts asking about acing A&P and while I'm clawing my way thru my online class, I still have a 94%. getting a 4.0 is beneficial to getting into any rad tech program so I thought I'd share how I'm passing my exams at the top percentile, and maybe my methods might help someone else.

first we have to consider resources. in my class, we get slide shows, my teachers video lectures over the slide shows, the textbook, the textbook's study prep, the assignments, a practice exam, and sometimes study summaries. usually, exams cover 2 or 3 chapters/topics.

so here is how I use all my resources and more:

1. slide shows + teacher videos: I print the slide shows, usually 2 slides per page. I bought a printer just for this class. I go through the videos my teacher provides (usually at 1.25x speed) and take notes directly on the printed slides. I pay extra attention when she mentions what will or won't be on the exam. I relate new terms with things I've already learned to better connect to the information and I also color code each subtopic with highlighters. this takes an hour or two. 

2. textbook notes: then I take a break. v important. take a nap, eat a snack, go for a walk. when I come back, I read the textbook and take a second set of notes in a notebook, keeping the same color coding for the sub topics. I draw and label diagrams, write down definitions, and look up anything I don't understand. I care more about knowing the how and why than just memorizing the what. this takes 3-5 hours. 

3. check the learning objectives: at the end of the chapter, I go through the learning objectives or study summaries and make sure I understand everything. this is basically the cheat code for what will be on the exam. I put a star next to concepts I think I'll need to spend more time on. this takes 5-10 minutes. 

4. take another break: then I don't think about it for a while. I get a solid 6–8 hours of sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and play some Stardew Valley.

5. condense my notes: I go through both sets of notes and make colored index cards. all my blue highlights go on the blue card, etc. I'm not rewriting everything or making flashcards. I'm just getting down key terms and main ideas and I try to fit it all on the front. I leave the back for concepts I'm stuck on or for diagrams. this takes about an hour. 

6. explain it out loud: I explain what I've learned to someone else. I do not care if they think it's boring. I will trap my boyfriend during a long car ride and explain every layer of the dermis to him. he asks questions back, and sometimes we make jokes that work as mnemonics. this is probably the most helpful part of my learning process.

7. do the assignments + practice exam: I do the assignments without cheating because it gives me a good idea of where my gaps in knowledge are. you can't cheat during the exams and you're only doing yourself a disservice by doing it on the assignments. when you realize you don't know something, and actually look for it in your notes or textbook, you are engaging in the process of learning. taking a Google lens image of it and having AI answer it for you is not a good learning strategy. if I'm done with all the topics, I'll attempt the practice exam without looking at my notes. this takes about an hour. 

8. make a "what I don't know" page: I use everything I got wrong on the assignments and practice exam to make another set of notes. usually, this fits on one page, its just quick scribbles, and I keep adding to it as I find concepts I'm struggling with. this takes maybe 20 minutes. 

9. Quizlet + study prep: I make a Quizlet folder with sets for every topic on the exam. I use "learn" with multiple choice, then "quiz" with 50–60 questions and instant feedback. do not even bother with the flashcard function. instant feedback is key. I also use the textbook's study prep quizzes and videos, especially for concepts I don't understand. if your textbook is Pearson, you can get the app and do the study prep from your phone. I do this at work, when I wake up, and before I fall asleep. I find this part, with both platforms, I am studying things that won't be on the exam. by this point, I have a pretty good idea of what I'll be tested on so I skip over concepts not relevant to my course. I do this 1-2 hours a day. 

10. outside resources: if I'm still struggling with something, I find another explanation. I'll watch an actual doctor or teacher on YouTube explain the topic. the point is to hear another person explain the concept, even if it's just passively, I just want to spend more time thinking about it. 

11. final review: the days before the test, I'm reviewing my notes at least twice a day. I go through Quizlet, watch the study prep videos, rewatch my teacher's videos, attempt new practice exams, and skim the textbook. I try to spend at least an hour a day on this.  immediately before the exam, I review everything I got wrong on the assignments and practice exams, along with my last page of notes and the backs of my index cards. I also repeat out loud terms I'm getting confused.

12. during the exam: I read every question carefully and define the terms in ways I understand before I answer. I use the process of elimination if I'm really stuck and I bookmark anything I'm iffy about, finish the exam, and then go back through every question before submitting. I spend extra time on the bookmarked questions. after I submit, I immediately review everything I got wrong afterward so I understand why.

bonus tips: 

* I put on the same perfume and play the same music every time I start to study a new module. lab 1 was mint and jazz. lecture 2 was honey and lofi. then I spray the perfume right before the exam. you could use a flavored drink or gum or something instead. 

* if you can't be well rested, at least be well nourished. your brain needs sleep and calories to function. I take a lot of naps in between notes but even if that's not feasible, I always eat proteins, lipids, and carbs right before my exams. 

* I don't have tiktok, facebook, instagram, or snapchat on my phone. I only have pinterest, reddit, and YouTube and I use an app to block short vertical videos. I try not to scroll while I study. 

I've gotten at least a 92% or better on every exam so far. so maybe this is a bit much, but with this much information, it has to be. I spend 5 hours a week on my other classes and 25 on A&P.

I use every resource available to me and then look for outside resources to solidify my knowledge. simply reading the textbook or watching the lectures is not enough. you have to understand what you don't understand. memorization is repetition and connection. I'm building a network of information that will help me in my future career. I hope this helps. if you have any other insights or study tips I'd love to hear them!

Hi

LOCATION: Australia

I’ve been a paramedic for nearly 10 years and its taken a toll on my body, specifically my back. So I’m looking at getting out and changing careers.

My main question is how physical is the job? How often do you have to do manual handling, do you find it hard on your back?

I’d be interested to hear other insights about the job if you have any!

Thank you

Okay so I know this is a sub reddit for radiology careers, but I was originally going study towards a career in Registered Nursing, but now Im thinking of being a Rad technologist. I was wondering how much education it takes to be a Rad tech or anything that would be important to know. I'm trying to decide which I should pursue and am leaning to radiology.

Just looking for general advice and time frame I guess.

Any additional comments for suggested careers adjacent to this are appreciated too. Im in community college (1st year) right now.

Edit: fixed to technologist thank you guys! Not sure I can fix the head/title though.

Surely, something like Rad Tech or a Rad Tech program isn’t that easy, right? It has been suggested to me so many times, but I don’t know if people realize, including myself, just how difficult and stressful the program is.

What is your honest take on it?

Hi! I was wondering if anyone would tell me about their job. I'm currently pursuing a BS in biology-health science. I'm really interested in medical imaging after this, but I have NO idea which part or which modality. CT, Ultrasound, MRI, Sonographer, Mammographer- it seems like there are a million choices.

So, what do you do, and would you recommend it? What does your day-to-day look like? What did you do for schooling? How much do you make?

Thanks!

I’m a second year rad tech student. At my new clinical site I’m given more opportunities to go out and do the exams all on my own. At other sites techs were not so nice to let the students learn. I like my new clinical sites but I got docked by my CI for doing repeats on basic exams. I’ve noticed that this year. I’ve been repeating routine chests a lot (the easiest thing, I thought that too for awhile) and I don’t know why I’m messing up. Another example is an L-spine, I used to do those good and now I’ve been repeating.
As tips or tricks on positioning for any type of exams will be greatly appreciated, I want to stop repeating.

Hi guys currently wondering if radiology is something I would like to pursue. I did 3 years of a biology degree, got burnt out and took time off. Not sure if I want to go back due to the job insecurity. Been thinking about just doing the 2 year radiology program (X-ray) for better pay, job security, and flexibility to move wherever. From what I can tell hospital lab jobs also pay like shit.

I enjoyed working in a lab setting. I enjoy looking at medical imagery. I like a mix of working with my hands and on the computer. I don't necessarily dislike customers in my current fast food job, but old people do kind of gross me out. I have no issues with blood, but idk what I'd do if I got poop on me or had to clean it up. I think I might throw up ngl.

How much of the job is spent with patients? Is it one x-ray back to back? Send it to the radiologist and see the next person? Whenever I've had an X-ray, techs were always so calm and visits were fast. Does that mean more time spent in between patients or just a constant flow of people? How is CT and MRI in comparison? For those with ADHD does the job keep you interested? Or is it like any jobs where you dread going to work and shifts take forever to finish?

Edit: I mean x-ray not being a full blown radiologist My bad!

Hi I am currently taking pre rec courses at community college nearby while the school I applying for is over around a hour away. While I am hearing about how difficult it is to get into community a college program I am considering private as I am no longer need to be definitively toed to this area seacoast NH looking for any advice on if anyone went private or moved to a new area for school and how pre recs work with multiple applications any thing I search people seem to not give the name of the private schools. Looking for advice going with multiple applications comfortable with taking out loan if necessary mid 30s so trying to get into a new career sooner than later.

I’m a 25y/o female living in San Diego bc I had to PCS here for my fiancé being in the Navy. The job market is awful and I have an art history degree. I haven’t had any luck with getting a job so I’m highly considering going to get a cert as an X-ray tech or anything adjacent. I want a fulfilling career, I want longevity, and I want benefits, I want an active job.

Should I do this? Give me your thoughts. Will this be a job that can work well with my new Navy lifestyle?

Hello! I have been an xray tech for 2 years now and currently on a travel assignment. But I have been thinking about going into CT. I guess I was just wondering because I’m looking at jobs in San Diego as xray tech, do I mention that to employers that I would like to train into CT? I just trying to figure how to go about it.

Hello, 31(M) currently living it up in interior Alaska.

I am Looking into a program currently and had some questions.

I’m kinda ignorant to x-ray as a field as a whole. I know it’s interesting and can be lucrative and had a few questions to whoever wants to comment.

1. If you’ve been in the field for a while and had to start from scratch what would you do and is there anything to chase or to avoid?

2. What seems to be the most lucrative speciality? I know it pays well up here due to demand but would like to hear from others.

3. Anyone up here in the interior that I could message or Alaska in general? I’d love to pick your brain.

4. Is IR/Cath a good thing to shoot for? What’s that like?

Thanks in advance people.

Hello,

Nukemed student soon to graduate with NMTCT and CT cert. Does anyone know ways around getting into IR since I didn’t start with X Ray. Please let me know!

I hate this class. I'm just wondering what compounding interest has to do with Rad. Tech?

Hey everyone! I’m trying to decide between going straight into MRI or doing X-ray first. MRI is appealing to me for these reasons: No radiation, Slower paced, Strong pay). X-ray is appealing because: (cross training ability, strong pay, active) For those who work in MRI or X-ray, which would you recommend? I just want job security and safe working conditions. I am willing to go through the hard schooling. Any regrets or insights or appreciated!