So you want to be an X-Ray Technologist? Well before you can shoot X-rays at people for a living, you first have to go to a certified x-ray tech school or radiography program, to use the common vernacular.
Most radiography programs fall in either of two categories. There are the two-year associate degree programs and the four-year bachelor’s degree program. There are also one-year programs where students can become what is know as a limited radiographer or LMRT.
Regardless of what program you decide to go to, one thing remains the same, X-RAY SCHOOL IS HARD!
Ok, there will always be those who breeze through school, but for the rest of us becoming an x-ray tech will most likely be the hardest thing you will ever do.
Since we here at radtechbootcamp.com are all about the students, we wanted to share a few tips that should help you increase your chances of CRUSHING RADIOGRAPHY SCHOOL!!
Tip One: Know what you are getting into.
I remember when I first decided to go to x-ray tech school, I really had no idea what to expect. I figured we would have to learn about bones and how the equipment worked, but I figured how hard could it really be?
Here is a list of some things that you will have to learn while in x-ray tech school.
- Learn every bone in the body and its bony landmarks (that’s 206 bones).
- Learn how x-rays are produced and how they interact with matter
- The inverse square law
- Physics!
- The components of the x-ray tube
- How the x-ray circuit works
- Radiation protection
- Radiation biology
- Math, math, and more math
- digital radiography
- Fluoroscopy (tube, table, and monitor)
- How to position the patient for their exams (remember 206 bones)
- Law and ethics related to healthcare
- Drugs and their interactions
- Patient’s vital signs
- Pathology
- X-ray image critique
- and tons more
If this does not scare the bejesus out of you, then please continue reading.
Tip two -Lifestyle change.
Given the long list above, one needs to realize that becoming a radiography student will mean that for a period of time that you are going to have to have a significant lifestyle change.
Let me just be honest here. If you think you will be able to be a full-time radiography student while staying up late and partying 4 out of 7 nights a week, you are seriously mistaken.
This is medical school
Here is a list of some of those things are.
- Watching Netflix until 3 am every night
- Partying (especially on weeknights).
- A social life
- Free time
- Video games
- Spending all day watching sports
- Did I mention partying
- Vacations
- Girl/Boyfriends
- Working over 20 hours a week
- Hobbies
- Hanging out with friends
- and just about everything else you enjoyed doing before school
Yes, to CRUSH x-ray tech school you are going to have to be 100% focused on school. Now there will be some downtime here and there, but for the most part, you will be either reading, studying, or dreaming about the x-ray.
Tip three- Study habits
Given the degree of information, you are going to have to learn while in radiography school, implementing a good study habit can make the difference between becoming an x-ray tech or being an x-ray tech school drop out.
Again, if you think you will just be able to flip through a few flashcards before a test, you are mistaken. Yeah, that might help you pass a few tests but eventually, this will catch up to you, and it will not be good!
A study habit can be anything from highlighting your notes to creating flashcards, to finding a helpful website like
Another excellent study habit is to get together with a group of classmates. This was always super helpful for me since often one of my classmates would have a good tip on how to remember a concept.
A final study habit tip is to befriend the smartest person in the class. Back in the day, they use to call this a “study buddy” but these days we just call it a study partner. Having a person like this is super helpful since they are more inclined to reply to your text message or Facebook message at 1:00 am the night before finals.
Tip four -Crap in Crap out
I talked about this in the “Steps to Crushing The ARRT Exam” blog, but it is worth mentioning again.
If you eat sh%*$y food, then you are not going to function at 100%!
This is not my opinion, there is HARD evidence to support the crap in crap out hypothesis. When you eat foods that have been fried, heavily processed, or contains copious amounts of sugar, you not only deplete your body of nutrients but you also cause your brain to become inflamed. When your brain becomes inflamed, it becomes significantly harder to focus and memorize material.
The x-ray tech school I attended had a Taco Bell seriously right next to it. It was all I could do not to go there every stinking day (Taco Bell, HELLO! ). The few times I did go there for lunch, I would pay the price, total brain fog.
Here is a link on foods that help your brain – https://draxe.com/15-brain-foods-to-boost-focus-and-memory/
On a side note, consistent exercise is SUPER good for both your brain and memory.
Here is a link explaining this in more depth. –http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
Tip 5 – You have to be passionate
I saved the best tip for last.
Out of all the tips mentioned, if you are not passionate about helping people, then you will not make it through x-ray school, guaranteed.
To be completely honest, there are a ton more ways to make a better living then becoming an X-ray tech. BUT, there are few jobs as rewarding and downright awesome as being an X-ray tech. What other career do you start your day helping surgeons operate in the OR, then go to the depart of fluoro, and then finish out the day in the ED? Pretty much none.
Besides this, we get to help save people’s lives every day!
Oh, you don’t think so? Try diagnosing pneumothorax without a chest x-ray or doing an open reduction (ORIF) surgical case without a C-Arm. Even if you work in a doctors office or do mobile radiography, you are still a fundamental step in proving what is knows as continuity of care. If that does not get your passion juices flowing, then I do not think anything will!
When the going gets tuff and it will, passion for our profession will be the only thing that is going to get you to write that 10-page paper and show up to
X-ray tech school and all the drama associated with it is just too hard. You have to have something more than just wanting a “good job.” If you are not passionate about helping people, then I strongly suggest you think of another career path.
To sum up, radiography school is going to kick your butt so prepare to have your life changes, find some good study habits, start eating healthy, and get passionate!
By Ari Blum – founder Clover Learning
I just got accepted into the rad tech program and I am a mother of 2 kids one 11 yr old and one 4 yr old. I am currently enrolled in a &p 2 and I study all day everyday, would u say there is a amount of time that you would say a day is the right amount of time to put aside for studying I know everyone is different but I like to work with general figures so I can plan accordingly
thank you in advance
Hi
I’m 55 years old woman
I’m thinking to become an X ray tech
I like some advice What to expect if I can do it
After I read the above 👆🏻 I got really scared so please I need some advice
Oh I forgot to add my first language is not English I do speak and read but not as good as I need I didn’t go to school in the USA
I’m in the same boat . I’m 58 and wondering if I should jump into this but it’s the only thing that makes sense to me .
Your body will take a toll with lifting pushing and pulling…..long times standing with a lead apron on for hours….like above … you will not have “ a life” It’s very intense! I did it for 47 years and it grueling but very rewarding
I am a 20 year old puertorrican kid. I know what’s going through a school that dosent teach my native language but it did not stoped me from completing my MA( Medical Assistant) program. It wasn’t easy or comfortable, but I really am passionate of caring and helping the person in need. My language limitation won’t stop me from completing my dreams, it may slow me down but it won’t stop me. X ray tech it’s not hard if you study before even signing in to school for it. Remember that you can discipline yourself before entering to the school world again. I am recently studying bones and general info on what X-ray tech need to be successful in the medical field. It may not be much but it will give you an advantage with the rest of the class. GOOD LUCK!
I’m in the midst of a full career change and I’m syked to begin the rad tech program. Knowing that the schedules vary from one institution to another, my concern is working while in the program. 20 hrs a week will be fine to get by, but generally, what times are classes and clinical hrs? I have a flexible job right now but i want to make sure i can pay bills while I’m going through the program.
Thank you for this info! I just applied for a program and I’m anxiously waiting to hear back! 🤞
I was wondering the best way to prepare for a Radiology Tech school interview. I was wondering what type of questions could I expect? I have found a lot of information for a Radiology job interview, but not for a Rad Tech program.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I am currently enrolled in a radiology program, it definitely is no joke. The above text is spot on. You will learn everything there is to know from taking an adequate radiograph to the production of x-rays! It takes a tremendous amount of time and dedication to get through the program. Studying will become your life! Maintaining a job and social life is hard but manageable. If you are in a relationship, please make sure your partner provides 100% support, because believe me, the time spent together will just include, thats right, more STUDYING!! Friendships, relationships, and family time will absolutely be placed on hold. All in all, at the end of the day this career choice will be worth it, you will become a vital member of the medical team. This career provides great satisfaction when you preform a procedure and NAIL IT! I hope whoever is reading this post proceeds with their radiology career, it is totally worth it in the end!
Be prepared for long nights in the library, countless hours studying, strong bonds with your classmates, spending more time with your peers than family/friends, nights of crying, and excitement! YOU CAN DO IT!
Thanks for such great advice.
Thank you! I needed to read that!
Thank you for this!! Are you an X-ray tech?? What is your day to day life like with that? I really want to shadow somebody who is. I’m thinking about becoming one
This is a nice read and the points shared are really interesting. My husband, who is a doctor, always goes for ExamVue’s digital radiography equipment as he believes them to be the safest and really good quality, which they really are. You really need to be careful while making such choices. I’ll add the link of ExamVue, in case anyone needs;
https://www.examvuedigitalxray.com/
How is the math section for those of us that have a hard time with mathematics?
Thank you for this very helpful article on what it take to succeed in this field. If you aren’t strong in math, do
they suggest tutors or tutoring resources! I’m 53 & would definitely need that help—biochemistry too!
Hello.
Loved the article. I have been a tech for 27 years now and I work in NYC
X ray school was very hard. It totally took over my life for two years. I studied every single day, weekends included. it’s physically hard. but rewarding. I make a good living, have good benefits, 5 weeks off and never have I been unemployed . working in Manhattan I have also been part of history from 9/11,i had patients from the attack to hurricane sandy and covid. it’s been interesting. we are the central piece for healthcare. Good luck to all x ray students
This is really helpful blog
Hi I love this! I am 19 with a 3 month old baby girl and I’m currently in lmrt school. I decided to do this before actually applying for the radiology technologist program in order to build up my experience and background. I aspire to become a radtech within the next 3-4 years! Buuuuut I do have to disagree with the do not do list on one thing…. the no more working 20 hours a week, I wish I was able to work 20 hours a week but sadly bills don’t stop when you go to school! But the school work and studying gets done! We got this!
This is a great landing point for so many current and future radiologic technology students. As an educator, you hit the nail on the head when you say that the program does require effort and a bit of sacrifice to succeed. Although many students see x-ray as the start of their medical career, the core principles of learning and education are utilized in all of the other modalities as well. I admit, it is a bit of a sacrifice but a gentle reminder that skill and expertise is needed now, more than ever with the pandemic continuing around us.
Good article! I’m a first year student in a 2 year Rad tech program. For those who dont like physics and math, especially algebra, you might need to consider before applying to the program. Tons of algebra work and physics during the first year. More importantly, anatomy is the main thing in this program. If that’s not something you are passionate about, you might want to change your major to something else.
Thank you so much for posting this! I have completed my first week of Radiography school and already a bit intense but, I am ready to grind through the ups and downs. Thank you again.
i’m about to finish my first semester in Rad tech program and let me tell you its HARD so many information is thrown at you.. right now we was taking online lecture and exams at home and that’s a little disadvantage, but next year in the spring 2022 we are doing in person learning and everyone is afraid ..im a slow learner and is hard for me to memorize all these information and they expect you to learn all of this in one shot smh i even have students who make fun of me cuz of my learning ..i honestly don’t like where i’m at and i feel uncomfortable but i just wanna do my best and graduate and hopefully i make it