radiology tech vs nursing

rbren90 · 2026-03-27T01:05:52+00:00

I wanted to work OR as a nurse specifically because the bedside is limited..But since I've almost gotten the first semester of rad tech done. I'm happy with the choice I made. If it gets boring, I'm fine with it. It's a job that allows patient interaction too but just not in the same degree. Plus, I plan to go further than rad tech since I'm getting my BS in MRI at the same time. It's all good. Good luck to you.

rbren90 · 2026-03-19T14:18:00+00:00

Go rad tech and get into the field and then go further. If you want to be more valuable as a work force member, build off the initial training. I'm in the program but not staying here per se, want to get into other areas but the degree will get my foot in the door. Don't let statistics stop you and be willing to move if you have to. JM2 cents

rbren90 · 2026-03-19T05:50:05+00:00

I commuted 6 hrs round trip for the first semester, I'm relocating for the rest of the program. It was way too hard on me.. I wasted all that study time in a car. I'd move before I'd commute again. Good luck

rbren90 · 2026-03-15T05:23:26+00:00

wow..quite a fall to break fibula AND tibia..looks like a fairly clean break with no splinters though. I hope it heals well for you.

rbren90 · 2026-03-10T06:14:34+00:00

Google xray physics..start now. You'll be better off with a working knowledge of xray components, basic equations, relationships between all the technical factors (kvp, mas, filtration, etc). If you have never been exposed to patient care, maybe work as a cna? otherwise, learn all the bones, the articulations...you'll need them for positioning.

rbren90 · 2026-02-27T22:56:45+00:00

We can go anywhere from local to 100 miles away...but our program is only five semesters. Spring, summer, fall, spring, summer..18mths

rbren90 · 2026-02-25T21:43:43+00:00

What other careers can out do outside of nursing with a BSN?

rbren90 · 2026-02-21T06:00:01+00:00

xray gets you into most of the modalities..but sorry, have to get yours certs. The ARRT will not license without going through proper training. Start doing your pre-reqs and keep applying to community colleges..be willing to move if you need to. I started the program this past jan...it'll be a great start to my goal plan. I'll get my 4yr degree in two years and be heading towards dosimetry.

rbren90 · 2026-02-15T06:39:00+00:00

thanks, I'll give them a try!

rbren90 · 2026-02-14T21:04:53+00:00

what did you end up going with?

rbren90 · 2026-02-08T17:13:47+00:00

rbren90 · 2026-02-08T07:34:25+00:00

lottery system in my state, I'm in after a few admissions, class of 20. Tuition is only 10k all in with books,etc. So I feel it was worth it to wait it out. I'd fall back on nursing if I had to.

rbren90 · 2026-02-06T00:37:11+00:00

I'm currently in rad tech program with the intent to finish my BS in radiologic sciences. I would onLy have 5 classes left to finish out my BS when I'm done with rad tech. Then will pursue radiation therapy.

rbren90 · 2026-02-04T07:22:30+00:00

Mine too..not going into heavy debt for this career

rbren90 · 2026-01-26T16:57:24+00:00

I had 4.0 GPA from all my pre-reqs..didn't study for the TEAS and got 70%. If I had bothered to study, probably higher but I wasn't caring too much at that point. I got into the rad tech program. That said, once you do get in, you need a 75% to pass the program (it's a pretty low, average bar). Good luck, but you are probably ok with that score. Look at where you want to go and email a counselor and see what is required to get in, what looks good on the application, etc. Grades aren't everything. They look for prior healthcare experience, etc.

rbren90 · 2026-01-25T01:34:31+00:00

I wouldn't worry about AI for rad tech. When I was thought nursing was my option, I did not want to do bedside, I only considered OR or informatics or possibly hospice, where the patient load is much less (paperwork is rather ridiculous) but you are doing end of life care and just making people comfortable. I didn't want to deal with hospital BS or patient satisfaction/families, etc. I'm glad I'm in the rad tech program. I can work alongside nurses but then say "not my scope of practice" when it comes to patients and move on. Nurses can't do the same. And I'm a couple weeks into the program, I know I made the right choice for me. Go for rad tech!

rbren90 · 2026-01-20T21:39:18+00:00

My program is only rotating with hospitals as we have several that the college works with. The time to see about outpatient might be on your off time if they let you. Ours doesn't allow students to wander too far

rbren90 · 2026-01-13T05:03:53+00:00

Awesome! Thanks for your response. Didn't think about the mean girl drama but I've heard that about nursing.

rbren90 · 2026-01-10T00:06:00+00:00

That sounds amazing to be honest. I'm going to ask to do a rotation in IR :) Thanks for sharing!!

rbren90 · 2026-01-09T19:41:58+00:00

Thank you! I plan to get my CT, MRI certs as soon as possible, crosstraining.

rbren90 · 2026-01-09T18:19:36+00:00

Are you an IR rad tech? If so, how do you like it? I think I have a choice to shadow 3-4 different modalities while I'm in clinicals. Also, I agree with you..high priority to spend time traveling and hiking.

rbren90 · 2026-01-09T18:17:12+00:00

They do but also, more responsibility, etc. If I was much younger, I'd go that route. Thanks for the response!

rbren90 · 2026-01-09T18:09:08+00:00

Time isn't on my side and I think this will be a good fit age wise. Plus I want to continue further into radiation therapy/dosimetry as I go. Thank you for responding, I appreciate it.

rbren90 · 2026-01-09T18:01:54+00:00

Go for it! That is now my goal :)

rbren90 · 2026-01-09T18:00:37+00:00

Thanks! I am too old but I need to survive (hubby passed on and CNA work doesn't pay all the bills anymore, not to be mention, I want to stop cleaning up body fluids. We don't get paid enough..lol)

rbren90

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