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HOW DO YOU KNOW?

How do you know you want to be a medical radiographer, specializing in CT & MRI, Sonography, or Radiation Therapy? Before you make a career decision, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How much do you know about this profession?
    a.  Have you discussed the profession with someone who is 
         currently practicing it?
            1.  What have you learned about a day in the life of a practitioner?
            2.  What have you read about the profession-in news media, professional 
                 journals, books, or articles?
     b.  What kind of personal life is possible if you are dedicated to this work?
     c.  How does this profession fit into our society? What are the responsibilities, 
          problems,  and conflicts?
     d.  What are the ethical issues you may have to deal with?

2.  How much do you know about the eduction demands of this profession? 
     How long will you be in school?  What is the necessary period of clinical 
     internship?
     a.  What will you be studying? How difficult is it? 
     b.  What are the physical abilities to be considered? How expensive is it?
     c.  Do students ever drop out or fail after being accepted?
          1.	 What causes someone to drop out of this profession? 
          2.	 What kinds of problems would be caused by dropping out?
     d.  Does this profession require continuing education all through practice?

3.  If you have answered all those questions, it is time for these: 
    a.  What do you believe is most valuable to you in your life? 
    b.  How will this profession help you live by your values?
    c.  What are your proven skills?
         1.	Do you have the ability to learn and practice this profession? 
         2.	Do you have the ability to balance this profession with your personal life? 
    d.  What kind of person are you?
         1.	Are you well organized, energetic, interested in a variety of activities?
         2.	Are you oriented toward good relationships with and service toward people?
         3.	Are you emotionally stable, compassionate, and able to handle pressure?

As you think through all these questions, we, the Radiologic Sciences faculty, strongly encourage you to discuss these questions with your family, spouse, clergy, and/or someone whom you value and respect.

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