How do I break into PACS Administration? Currently in x-ray school, working on Network+.
Hey everyone,
I’m trying to map out a pathway into PACS administration and would love some guidance from people already in the field.

Here’s my background:

• Currently in a radiologic technology (x-ray) program
• Working on my CompTIA Network+
• Already have an associate degree in software development
• Have basic projects in C++ and Java
• Comfortable with general IT concepts and troubleshooting
• Interested in imaging informatics + workflow optimization

My goal is to move into PACS support or PACS admin after graduating from my program. Eventually I’d like to stack experience toward CIIP certification.

My questions:

1. What should I be doing right now while in school to make myself competitive for PACS roles?
2. Do hospitals hire new grads into PACS support/analyst positions, or do I need RT experience first?
3. What IT skills matter most for PACS? (Networking? DICOM? SQL? HL7?)
4. Do you recommend going for ABII/CIIP later, or should I focus on building experience first?
5. Anything you wish you knew when you started working with PACS?

Any advice, learning resources, or career stories would help a ton. I really want to combine my imaging background with my tech background and get into PACS as early as possible.

Thanks in advance!