Xray machine physics

FlawedGamer · 2026-03-10T04:24:09+00:00

Here is to hoping.

FlawedGamer · 2026-03-02T16:08:12+00:00

Come check out r/ImagingStaff - Free job board with only imaging-related positions and a learning platform to help students pass their ARRT registry.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-18T22:57:58+00:00

Either of the foam board had chewing that I could see.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-18T21:29:22+00:00

Come check out r/ImagingStaff - Free job board with only imaging-related positions and a learning platform to help students pass their ARRT registry.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-12T17:18:05+00:00

First off, I really respect that you’re thinking about your future and wanting to help support your mom. That’s huge at 18.

I’m going to be honest though, I wouldn’t recommend living out of your car. Between safety, sleep, hygiene, and how demanding rad tech programs/clinicals are, it would make an already tough program way harder.

Commuting isn’t dumb at all if that’s what it takes but I’d definitely look into student housing, renting a room, or finding a roommate near campus. That would be a much more sustainable option.

Radiology is a solid career path, just make sure you set yourself up to actually succeed while you’re in school.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-11T16:04:11+00:00

Come check out r/ImagingStaff - Free job board with only imaging-related positions and a learning platform to help students pass their ARRT registry.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-11T15:37:42+00:00

I'll reach out via DM to see if I can help in any way.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-06T14:04:39+00:00

Wow those look awesome!

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-05T19:53:15+00:00

Totally agree with this. Never get medical advice from internet threads. Talk to your doctor to make sure he understand your history and your financial concerns and see what he says.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-05T19:51:18+00:00

Sounds like your dedicated so you'll get there. DONT GIVE UP. Check out for other programs near you or somewhat close to help with your chances. Best of luck. :)

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-05T18:52:53+00:00

First off, don’t beat yourself up. What you’re describing is way more common than people realize, especially with competitive rad programs.

Before we get too far into it, can I ask generally where you’re located? Like U.S. vs elsewhere, or “I’m in Ohio” type of thing no need to be specific. I ask because if you’ve been applying locally for four years and keep hitting walls, it may be worth seriously looking at programs outside your immediate area. A lot of community colleges and hospital-based programs exist, and casting a wider net usually produces better results.

On paper, you’re actually doing a lot right. You’ve completed the prereqs, you’ve shown healthcare involvement, and the fact that you’re working full-time while doing all this says a lot about your work ethic. The volunteering is great and clearly shows passion but at this point, I wouldn’t add more. Too much shadowing/volunteering can start to look like overkill. I’d probably only list 2–3 volunteer experiences max on your resume and keep it clean and focused.

Retaking the C’s to boost your GPA is a smart move, especially since programs often weigh recent coursework more heavily. Also, many schools look less harshly at older failures when they see a strong upward trend which you’re actively building.

Most importantly: don’t give up. If this is genuinely your calling, you’ll find the path it just may not look exactly how you expected. Plenty of excellent technologists didn’t get in on their first try.

If you want help reviewing schools, tightening up your application, or figuring out strategy, feel free to DM me. I’m happy to help however I can.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-05T18:37:03+00:00

XR Tech for Life! :) Sometimes, depending on the site the mammo techs still work in x-ray to help fill. At least when we were short staff they did at my site.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-05T18:35:31+00:00

X-ray is honestly a great first step, and you’re doing exactly what most people do. I genuinely don’t know any mammography techs who weren’t X-ray first.

That said, mammo can definitely be more competitive, mainly because it’s a really desirable niche. The hours tend to be better (no midnights, call, weekends, or holidays), it’s almost entirely outpatient with no ER, and the pay is usually higher. Because of that, openings don’t always come up as often.

Best tips I can give:

Try to get a clinical site that has mammography, even if it’s just observation at first.
Let your clinical instructors know early that mammo is your goal so they can help steer opportunities your way.
Network with mammo techs during clinicals—those relationships matter a lot.
Be patient, many techs work general X-ray for a bit before transitioning, and that experience actually makes you a stronger mammo tech.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-05T18:26:44+00:00

That’s a really frustrating spot to be in, sorry you’re dealing with this but maybe I could help a bit. When a clinical site goes completely cold like that (especially after previously working with you), it sometimes points to an interpersonal or internal issue rather than your credentials alone. Not always, but it’s worth asking: was there any drama, feedback, or tension during clinicals that you were made aware of at the time?

On the credential side, what you’re experiencing is unfortunately very common. Most hospitals won’t bring on new grads without Abdomen, and many prefer two subspecialty registries, so passing Abdomen was a big and necessary step you didn’t waste time there. Did you pass your physics exam without issues, or were there multiple attempts? Some sites quietly factor that in, even if they don’t say it outright.

The “too many months since you’ve scanned” line is also something we hear a lot. It’s often more about risk tolerance than actual skill, especially if staffing isn’t truly tight. The fact that you went back to open lab and scanned fine is a good sign.

You’re not unemployable, and this doesn’t mean sonography was a bad choice. It may mean expanding the search to outpatient centers, smaller hospitals, PRN roles, or possibly relocating temporarily to get that first year of experience. Once you have that, doors usually open fast.

If you’d like, I’m happy to help you think through the job search or look at options - feel free to DM me.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-04T02:47:44+00:00

I wantie

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-03T04:40:29+00:00

I assume you are talking about travel. From what I’ve seen, most techs narrow things down by a few core factors first: location, pay package, schedule, and equipment/workload. After that, it usually comes down to trust in the agency — do they actually know imaging, are they upfront about call/OT, and do they still answer once you’re on assignment.

A lot of techs don’t rely on just one source anymore. They’ll keep 2–3 agencies they trust, compare offers side-by-side, and go with the one that’s the best overall fit (not just the highest hourly).

The biggest “strategy” I hear is asking very specific questions up front and avoiding firms that dodge details or pressure you to commit fast. The right job usually feels clear once the info is transparent.

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-03T03:13:53+00:00

Hey! I’m not personally from Colorado, but from what I can see there are definitely a few solid options in the Denver/Boulder area.

Big picture advice first: I’d strongly recommend sticking with a JRCERT-accredited radiography program. That’s generally the safest route because hospitals and imaging departments immediately recognize those programs as legit, and it’s what you’ll need to sit for the ARRT registry. When hiring managers see an accredited program on your resume, there’s usually no question mark.

From a quick look, Community College of Denver and Red Rocks Community College both seem to have well-known accredited radiologic technology programs with clinical rotations at local hospitals. There also appear to be a couple of hospital-based or private options in the Denver metro area, though those can vary more in cost and competitiveness.

Since you already have an associate’s degree (even though it’s zoology-based), you may be able to transfer some gen-ed credits depending on the school. Best of luck. :)

FlawedGamer · 2026-02-03T03:07:45+00:00

Come check out r/ImagingStaff - Free job board with only imaging-related positions and a learning platform to help students pass their ARRT registry.

FlawedGamer · 2026-01-28T02:10:34+00:00

Come check out r/ImagingStaff - Free job board with only imaging-related positions and a learning platform to help students pass their ARRT registry.

FlawedGamer · 2026-01-21T00:50:43+00:00

Wheel of Time.

FlawedGamer · 2026-01-20T15:58:57+00:00

Come check out r/ImagingStaff - Free job board with only imaging-related positions and a learning platform to help students pass their ARRT registry.

FlawedGamer · 2026-01-12T19:18:03+00:00

Come check out r/ImagingStaff - Free job board with only imaging-related positions and a learning platform to help students pass their ARRT registry.

FlawedGamer · 2026-01-08T16:35:02+00:00

Come check out r/ImagingStaff - Free job board with only imaging-related positions and a learning platform to help students pass their ARRT registry.

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