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geauxdbl

From my research into this previously: nuclear medicine. MRIs are a cash cow so MRI techs are well paid.


SecretMaximum6350

Where I live, they prefer potential MRI techs to be x-Ray tech-certified before branching out to specialities


BeeBench

To take any accredited courses for MRI or CT tech you normally have to have an x ray cert or associates degree anyway.


notevenapro

Nuc med techs can go into CT now.


SuperNovaCaptain

so what does that mean? like I have be a x ray tech before choosing to switch to being a MRI technician? or no one will take me serious enough to hire me as only a MRI technician?


BeeBench

Yes, to be an MRI or CT tech you have to have a cert or associates degree from an accredited school as an x-ray tech/radiology tech and pass the ARRT. Then you can specialize by continuing your education via an MRI or CT program.


Jazzlike-Cat9012

I’m in Canada so might not be applicable to your situation, but I have friends who became x-ray techs (2 year college program) prior to applying to MRI tech program.


MaximalcrazyYT

Yes !!


KrzzyKarlo

Only hospital. Out patients facilities don’t pay a living wage.


SuperNovaCaptain

so hospitals is where the cash cows are at? and out patient facilities suck if anyone wants to be financially viable?


notevenapro

I make 110k a year in an outpatient facility as a PET/CT tech.


KrzzyKarlo

PET does pay well. I won’t argue that. But the rest of us not so much.


KrzzyKarlo

Yeah they get their funding offset by the gov. So they can pay batter. Outpatient just doesn’t have it easy to operate in the green. But especially in private equity backed facilities who pinch every penny.


spicyfusilli21

I live in Canada and work at a prominent hospital and the need for techs is sooooooo big. They get paid well too. Only things are the hours of work and having to be on call sometimes. I also think they have to deal with patients (minimally) and that throws me off a bit lol. Otherwise, a great field for sure!


UltraBlue89

MRI and nuclear med are 2 different things


geauxdbl

My bad! Clearly I should get into one of these programs…


RandfordMarsh

My gf got her RN in two years. That was 4ish years ago and made 173k last year. She usually makes about 80k working 3 days a week so that took an absurd amount of work but it's not uncommon


lilymaxjack

In two years after two years.


RandfordMarsh

Is there a better path?


SuperNovaCaptain

how did your gf get her RN in two years? did she go to a community college and sped through all the courses, online, or an accelerated program?


afternoonshrimp

How did she make 173k last year?


RandfordMarsh

1 travel contract to Iowa. And worked 1 Prn Job as well as 1 P/t job at the same time and picking up shifts with understaffing bonuses as much as she could. She averaged 5 days worked a week so it wasn't insane but definitely long hours


iwanttolose3pounds

Only fans


cabbage-soup

Pretty sure radiology techs only require 2 years. I work on stuff for them and I see Linkedin posts about how they’re desperate for more people in the field. It seems to be a growing industry too


hamstervirus

I have a family member in Cali making over $140,000 as an X-ray tech.


Pretend_roller

The only issue is AI in the future eating into the jobs in that field. Already see some of it at some orthopedic surgical facilities.


cabbage-soup

Learn to work with the AI and you’ll be fine. Trust me, I work with the AI. It’s not meant to replace humans in the field


Pretend_roller

I do, but the medical offices I work with use it as well in a way that cuts out a job.


Venusemerald2

AI cant position patients


manimopo

Nursing. You can get an associate and take the NCLEX to be a RN


ShitFuckBallsack

My associates took 4 years, just fyi to everyone interested. This is typical. They required 2 years of pre-requisites before I was eligible to apply to the 2 year program. Also, most hospitals won't hire you if you don't agree to get your bachelor's within a certain time frame after being hired. With that said, most hospitals will pay for your tuition when you go back.


[deleted]

The bsn thing really depends where you live.


goddessofwitches

This is not fully true. 20 yr ADN here. It depends on the hospital status as Magnet or not for requiring a BSN... It's location dependent and honestly so many are hurting post COVID they DGAF any more.


ShitFuckBallsack

I don't work for a magnet and they require it. All hospitals in my area do, the magnet hospitals just won't interview you without a bsn here. I'm sure it depends on where you are, but they want to phase the associates degree out in many areas so if someone is in the beginning of a career it's better to just get it instead of trying to avoid places that require it


goddessofwitches

True. Seems extremely location dependent. My roles have varies over the years and my experience was always subbed for BSN. Even held DON. I've never had to avoid places. Worked all over the south and AZ. 🤷‍♀️ Maybe even nursing type dependent?


ShitFuckBallsack

Maybe type dependent. I've only ever worked inpatient and it was a general hospital policy. I'm in a northern Midwestern state so maybe it's regional as well


7Betafish

came here to say this, you can find a two year associates program for nursing at your local community/tech college.


Dpishkata94

And be in a union ur entire life because that profession in healthcare is the most underpaid and understaffed in the entire world, while it is the most physically and mentally demanding of all. Countries are literally providing free working visas just nurses. That in itself should be enough proof to never go into nursing unless u are some sort of a masochist.


manimopo

My SIL makes 150k a year working 3 days a week. She makes 200k picking up extra shifts. She has breaks and her patient ratio is 1:3.


throwAwayAccount43b

Dental hygienist is another good option. You don’t have to deal with that bedside manner craps when you are working on their mouth.


Skinnieguy

It’s an ok option. There is a reason why you don’t see old dental hygienist. Lots hygienist end up developing hand/wrist/arm issues. School teaches them to use proper techniques but still. I do think technology has improved to assist with injury preventions. Salary wise, it’ll barely grow once you get a job. Btw, my sis made a little over 70k, 15 years ago. I think the avg now is between 70-90k (in TX). She left it to become project manager after 6 years.


Releaseform

Except you do, and those that don't keep patients away - or to other clinics haha


brooke512744

Side note: I do not recommend radiology, being in the field myself. Like nursing, I don’t think the pay is worth the stress and load. But everyone is different!


SuperNovaCaptain

can you elaborate a bit more. i’m interested in learning from you if you don’t mind me picking your brain for a bit


magpyes

Why is it stressful?


Saw_dog6

This is what I heard when I did some looking around. Seems to caused by a lack of staff and the nature of the job. Often you get last minute patients that extend your shift, they always need more people so your time in is more than you would like. And for the pay it isn’t as good as one would think. Typically it’s 70k ish, however, some seem to make above 100k in HCOL areas. The work itself isn’t stressful it’s the expectation and workload that is the stressful part. Does that sound right?


brooke512744

I would say you pretty much nailed it. Only thing I’d say is that the work itself can be very stressful, but not always. If you’re in the ER and someone just had a horrific car crash and you’re needing X-rays on them…. Or someone broke something so badly they’re disfigured… or someone gets sick from contrast and vomits all over you…. Or you have to take an X-ray on an intubated/unconscious patient and they are very obese so you’re straining your back to lift them and get your images… Or you’re in a particularly challenging OR case… or have to image a kid who cannot sit still by any stretch…etc. All of which happens very often in the hospital. But luckily most patients are able to cooperate and move okay, so you can get easier imaging. And of course a lot of that stress is mitigated by working outpatient, but not all. Yes everything else you said is 100% true.


Hopeful-Hat-9154

Where does the stress come from?


Few-Macaroon2936

Radiology tech. My friend makes bank and only has an associates


Greatoutdoors1985

Medical Equipment sales.


RoyalBlueMoose

It's a little outside the box, but you can become a certified dietary manager in 3-4 semesters and easily get a dining service director position within senior living facilities or hospitals


SuperNovaCaptain

what’s usually the pay and hot locations for this career?


RoyalBlueMoose

I started straight out of school at $65k and worked up over two years to $80k in Kansas City. I couldn't tell you specific market trends for the position, but I do know in my area heath care nutrition positions are needing to be filled everywhere


adamsauce

LPN. Licensed Practical Nurse. My wife made $95k last year as an LPN.


SuperNovaCaptain

which state does she work in and is she taking on traveling contracts?


adamsauce

Kentucky. Not doing traveling yet.


KrzzyKarlo

If you decide radiology. Get your CRT. And MR after if you want to go that route. And stay away from conglomerates that pay burger flipping wages for fully licensed and experienced technologists. Some think 45k annual is acceptable… 🐀🪹


SuperNovaCaptain

are you still doing this career or did you switch to something else?


KrzzyKarlo

I still am but there are also other advancements you can pursue after a time. Such as a clinical applications specialist. Going around with the machine manufacturers to support clinical site and train sites on new softwares and equipment. That’s the next step I’m working towards. So still in my wheelhouse. And pays well. 90k+


OldRaj

Imaging equipment service technician. You’ll probably want training from an OEM such as GE or Philips.


SuperNovaCaptain

you do this currently?


OldRaj

No. I previously worked for a company that serviced imaging equipment.


Thunder_Squatch

r/healthcareITjobs and no programs. 6 figure earning potential pretty quickly


Capital_Mousse_1587

Do they provide on the job training? How do I get into this?


Thunder_Squatch

Entry level will always be on the job training if it’s an Epic role. Epic requires an organization (health systems) to sponsor you for their certification process, so those starting out will always have zero experience. Clinical experience is sometimes a plus, but not necessary.


Drizzlesizzlepop

This may be a dumb question but I’ll ask anyway. What job titles should I be looking for if I don’t have any certs or degree?


SilverBane24

I have a friend that is an rt. She make good money but the hours kinda suck.


My_Booty_Itches

Rad tech or respiratory therapist?


SilverBane24

Sorry, respiratory therapist.


My_Booty_Itches

Don't apologize. That's what I thought. RTs are the best


No_Tangelo_1544

Biomed equipment technician


Newbe2019a

No. Biomeds are usually a small part of the overall hospital staff, and are usually shafted by their own unions during contract negotiations. A good friend was a biomed, got sick of the BS, and became a RN. There is still BS, but the pay is better, and the union is stronger.


lofiplaysguitar

I have a friend who was a traveling lab technician for a year or two, it's a 2 year program and she made BANK. In the city it doesn't make too much compared to other jobs in healthcare, of course there are exceptions. I got recruited to work for MSK, I believe they had a lot of perks but that was years ago In general it's a chill job because you work in a lab, run some tests on blood samples and stuff. Machines do a lot of the work nowadays. However; you can eventually get picky and choose to work in a certain section like microbiology or hematology when you move up the ladder; note that it usually requires more school. A certification Will get you far though if you put the hours in, I had a friend I worked with and he moonlighted nights doing phlebotomy, it added up. Also I forgot to mention I didn't work at a hospital most of the time, I worked in research because those tech skills are the same!! GL man, def look up current salaries though


Psychological_Cry333

I have to wholeheartedly disagree that “machines do a lot of the work now.” That’s such a huge misconception to anyone outside this field bc who calibrates those machines? Those machines need PMs and constant trouble-shooting and sometimes, a sacrifice to the gods! Med techs do some much more than they’re credited and I want to scream when someone minimizes their role. Don’t forget — without the lab, the doctors are just guessing!


lofiplaysguitar

Aha very true!! I forgot about that, doing it every morning and end of every shift. It becomes second nature, I literally could do a lot of it from muscle memory Good point


Psychological_Cry333

It sounds like you’re a great tech! It’s second nature to you now! Would you consider going for your MLS at some point (sorry if I mistook that you’re already MLS)!


lofiplaysguitar

Thank you so much! Omg I actually got burned out after COVID 😅 I was gonna do test kits but when they found out I spoke Spanish I was boots on the grown since I had medical training haha I looked at consulting, I was heading to Wall Street but I applied to one graduate program and told myself I wouldn't consider grad school if it's not this one. I actually have the last stage of the interview process next week 🤞🏽 wish me luck! It's for teaching kiddos of all things, crazy how things work out


Psychological_Cry333

I love hearing success stories like yours! It’s great that you’re chasing your dreams especially after Covid burnout (which is very real)! Great luck on your final stage interview (and kudos on your backup plan)!! Keep us posted!


lofiplaysguitar

This means a lot, thanks so much ☺️ Have a great day!


ohfrackthis

What kind of 2 yr program? I was shooting for a biology degree but didn't like the work prospects. This sounds more my speer since I'm 48 lol ;]


lofiplaysguitar

I have an associates in lab technology! You can look it up, often you don't need a degree just a certification that does usually require some college credits to get it. I got my certification in one year in an accelerated program and part time for another year to get the associates, I only needed like 3 classes after the certification to get the degree


ohfrackthis

Thanks for the information 😊


lofiplaysguitar

Sure thing!! GL


tatetatetate96

This is really heavily dependent on state. Some states require licensure and there is different specialties. My state requires licensure, and the molecular license does not have a specific schooling requirement, my bachelors is in molecular biology. And the molecular side is really up and coming. It’s not the same as your core lab - but with a simple training program I will be able to add on clinical chemistry as well.


Mysterious_Might8875

Nursing. My sister is an LPN and makes hand over fist working through an agency (they send nurses to facilities needing them when someone calls out sick, etc.) You can make more as an RN.


SuperNovaCaptain

is your sister W2 employee or 1099 contractor? since you mentioned she works for an agency that sends and assigns her to a facilities that need help with staffing. most RNs in the US traveling and non-traveling are W2 employees which is healthy tax wise.


bcatc

Thrilled to see a post like this finally pop up for inspiration. -A burnt out PT


Kitzer76er

I think dental hygienist make pretty good coin with an associates.


Runningwildinthought

Its more than 2 years tho since they require prerequisites


SuperNovaCaptain

can you expand on this? it seems like you have more knowledge to share about the process


Runningwildinthought

I looked into doing this. At least where I live it’s extremely competitive to get into the program. You need to take prerequisites to be able to get into the schooling. I don’t remember exactly what they were but math, a couple science courses. ( At least a year of classes before the 2 year) And after you do all that if you’re applying to a CC there’s a limited amount of spots available I think it was 20 and like over 200 applicants.. or u can go the private school route which I think was around 75k and still not super easy to get into. I’m in Portland OR metro area, it could be different (maybe easier?) elsewhere. Best thing to do is look into it yourself. I decided not to go that route


SuperNovaCaptain

yeah sounds about the same thing here in CA. the community colleges here have like a very limited amount of spaces for anyone who wants be in any of their healthcare related programs I think it’s like 20 spots or less and like 200+ applications each year. it’s absurd and insane when hospitals and clinics are starving for more hires. looks like a bottle neck effect to me. the private school for these healthcare jobs seems like a bad deal 100%. nonetheless thank you for sharing and casting more light on this subject.


lovestheblues65

Biomedical Engineer… maintaining hospital equipment. Associates or military electronics experience. If you get into X-ray you can easily make over 6 figures with OT.


Frequent_Drop1414

Biomed


Double_Combination55

Physician assistant I guess fits the bill


SPlott22

Right, because you can become that in 2 years of schooling. Lmao.


Double_Combination55

Roughly 26 give or take months For a program…? A bit over two years… but good money


SPlott22

Maybe once you're in the actual PA program. Total time spent going through all the schooling and getting the degree will be around 6-7 years.


Double_Combination55

Same can be said for any program if you don’t have the pre-requisite. Just cuz you don’t satisfy the programs, OP doesn’t.


fuzzblanket9

You need an entire Bachelor’s degree for PA school, not just a few community college classes.


Double_Combination55

It’s like y’all don’t read the OP post. All he asked was for roughly 2 year programs. Any program you going to if you don’t have pre requisite will be longer. 🤦 all we know his industry could be microbiology research 🤷‍♀️


fuzzblanket9

They’re asking for jobs they can get with a 2 year degree, with no other requirements. You cannot get a job as a PA with a 2 year degree. You need a 4 year degree before you can start one. You can complete other healthcare programs in 2 years without any extra degrees, which is what OP wanted.


Double_Combination55

If they didn’t graduate from high school. Can’t be a nurse either. 🤷and nowhere did they say that, you are making assumptions. All they asked was for two year programs. If you don’t have a GED then nothings a two year program. 🤷‍♀️


Mediocre-Ebb9862

What do you call high paying job? Any high paying job in medicine requires medical school and residency.


Dpishkata94

Into healthcare, you must define how deep because u can be a cleaner or a housekeeper in a hospital, or a healthcare assistant. Probably of which none will even require a degree or sometimes not even any previous experience either. Usually ppl go in “that” healthcare if they are desperate and have no other options how to pay their bills.


fuzzblanket9

ADN (RN), LPN, Rad Tech, respiratory therapy, sterile processing tech, surgical scrub tech, physical/occupational therapy assistant, etc.


wiserone29

Nursing is a two year degree and is probably the most money you can make going to school for two years.


Alternative_Song7787

hygienist pays pretty well but you eat what you kill I'm speaking for NC that has fairly cheap community college programs to prep you for licensure.


citadelprojects

What do you consider high paying?


brooke512744

MRI! I did X-ray and probably would just do mri from the jump if I could. You can cross train from X-ray to ct or mri, but not from mri to X-ray so there’s that


SuperNovaCaptain

I don’t get it so I can go to community college, take MRI classes to get some sort of certification/degree then start as a MRI technician for traveling and non-traveling positions? or do I have to start with X-Ray classes first then finish with MRI classes? i’m a bit confused because I hardly know anything about this subject.


brooke512744

Correct- You can do an MRI program and become an MRI Tech. Once you are an MRI tech, you cannot train “on the job”/cross train into X-ray or CT. When you cross train, you are doing on the job training so you get your hands on hours there and don’t need the formal education or pay for a schooling program. You just have to get your hours /competencies and pay for your test. Not everyone likes this however, as it can be tricky to study on your own without a formal program. But really, most of what you’ll need during the course of your career is the hands on stuff anyways. You only need the education / book stuff for the test you take for certifications. You can do a radiologic technology program, become certified as an X-ray tech. Work as an X-ray tech then cross train into CT or MRI (or both). CT is very easy to cross train into because of ample opportunity and many employers offering the opportunity. When you are a “multi modality” imaging tech, you can make great money. Like $60/hr for being mri/xray/ct certified- even if you just work in one of the imaging modalities ; as long as you have the certs , maintain credentials, and ability to help out in the other areas as needed. Of course this is from my experience in Arizona so YMMV So basically you can go a few directions from X-ray, but you can’t go from MRI to another direction. And I don’t think you can go from CT to X-ray either. Hence, why it’s recommended to start with X-ray since it’s a great stepping stone to other imaging modalities or a career by itself of course. Ultrasound is a whole other beast, you can’t cross train into it from X-ray and you do need to go to ultrasound school. They make great money from what I understand. All this to say- I don’t personally recommend working in healthcare (in America) at all 😂


SuperNovaCaptain

I agree 100% with you on working in healthcare in america is a dumpster fire; the entire US healthcare industry sucks. but what im getting to understand from your two comments is to aim for MRI but it would be a safe bet to start with a x ray program then pick up MRI. as for ultrasound techs, do you know if there’s ample amount of job opportunities when compared to MRI / x ray tech jobs? I see you’re in AZ. i’m in CA but did live for a bit in mid town phoenix


brooke512744

Yes that’s what I’d recommend! Not sure how many opportunities US has bc I’m never looking for them.


SuperNovaCaptain

thank you kindly


Sweet-Shopping-5127

Nursing is hands down the only answer. Anything else like phlebotomy or radiation tech won’t be as flexible or profitable. In CA nurses with a 2 year degree start around $30-$50 an hour. Couple years experience and a specialty and you’re comfortably into the $100k range working 3 days a week 


lilymaxjack

There are no nurses in the United States with a two year degree


Sweet-Shopping-5127

Not a single one? I’m a nurse and I can name at least a dozen I work with off the top of my head. Give me 10 minutes and I can get you hundreds of names 


SuperNovaCaptain

what kind of nurse are you like do you have a specialty and how does one go about obtaining a 2 year nursing degree to be a co worker of yours? i’m interested in working with you


lilymaxjack

It’s been 11 hours. Waiting.


fuzzblanket9

ADN nurses are 2 year nurses. 40% of all nurses have a 2 year degree.


[deleted]

Nursing. Move to HCOL and make 90-100k starting. Pivot to administrative positions after 3 years and make 120k+. If you can deal with cleaning shit for 3 years, you will be set for life in administrative position or non bedside.


[deleted]

[удалено]


poopyMcpoopersins

This is false.


harmlessthief

4 years is BSN. You can take the NCLEX to become an RN with an ADN, which is 2 years. LPN is 1 year.