1. Is an associate's degree from a community college still the only required education?
Yes, that's my understanding, but it may vary by state. Not all states require a license. Some programs have been integrating more CT education the last few years. My old program now allows you the option of taking CT classes simultaneously and finishing up 3 months later ready to take both registries. I would recommend that if it's available. Other modalities X-ray commonly leads into....MRI, mammo, IR/cath lab, etc. There's also industrial applications for x-ray, but I know nothing about them:). I've seen a few people go work for manufacturers in some capacity as well...sales, trainers for newly installed equipment, etc.
2. Do you get pressured to take on more responsibility or get pushed into management the longer you stay in the role? Is your job pretty well stable in that you are doing the same thing now that you did when you started? (in my mind, this is a benefit, I'm looking for a clear job with no "upskill" yourself and constantly take on more and more responsibility and stress...).
No, no pressure. Yep, same job. Opportunities exist for clinical peeps to move into hospital admin with additional education, but few techs are interested.
3. What is a ballpark hourly wage both starting and after a few years of experience? Is this the same for PRN?
It's going to vary by geography, possibly substantially, but I'll give my experience. You might also want to check out the ASRT site. That's our professional org, and they publish surveys every few years on staffing and wage levels by experience, modality, state/region, etc. I think we start new grads here around $20-22/hr. I was hired in with 3 years exp in 2014 at $26. I'm now just over $32. I only do x-ray. PRN...depends on the place you're working. My place just uses a flat $30/hr regardless of exp. Another hospital system close by bases it on exp.
4. I would expect your pay would stay the same (maybe cost of living increases) since you aren't taking on vastly more responsibility as you progress in your career. True?
True. In my dept, we've all received 3% raises every year I've been here....except this one due to the pandemic. You can increase your money by adding/changing modalities, taking call (which can be mandatory depending on your gig), and working shifts with higher differential. This is totally biased towards my hospital-based experience though. When I was in FT hustle mode, I averaged 85-90k, working around 45/wk. Again though, n=1 here :).
5. Do you have to deal with a lot of blood/bodily fluids? I honestly get queasy sometimes around that stuff which has kept me away from nursing or medicine but I am familiar with running lab equipment and I see the tech job as far less involved in the messy stuff. Correct?
I work in a hospital, so I absolutely do. It's unavoidable. I guess it depends on what you consider "a lot." Not nearly as much as PCTs or nurses, no. But if the 400lb guy with leg cellulitis and/or gangrene needs help positioning for his foot series, and it's a safe bet they do, you're the one gettin' down in the humanity of it. It's also not terribly unusual to come off the elevator onto a med-surg floor and think there's been a collectively synchronized bowel movement. Occasionally cleaning the C-arm off after a hip surgery makes me wonder if there's an insurance billing code for "attempted murder."
6. What is your favorite and least favorite aspect of your job? Has that changed from when you started to now?
They're mostly the same. I like that it keeps me physically, socially, and mentally active. The variance on the first two, however, can sometimes exceed levels that I consider healthy for me personally. As Malcat alluded to, there are physical issues that potentially can crop up over time. This does depend on modality too, btw. X-ray has the most volume, so repetitive use injuries occasionally crop up in our discipline. Take care of yourself. Take the time to ask for enough help sliding the 500lb person over to the table. I've personally developed ongoing wrist issues...nerve compression and mild arthritis, but I wouldn't say most techs have. I'm so-so in dealing with people, and mostly work in ER, so the wide behavioral patient presentations can be...challenging. Things I also like...minimal paperwork, no suit or tie, not a desk job...on an 8 hr shift, I probably walk 1-3 miles. Keeps me in a good mood. Technology changes over time. Generally this has made my life easier.
7. As a PRN can you decline a shift if you get called in or are you obligated to say yes to a certain number per month or something like that? Can you PRN in different states or do you need to get certified in each state you want to work? I'm thinking of opportunities to travel around the country and pick up work here and there as needed.
PRNs don't get "called in", at least at my hospital, unless they're taking a call shift, which is completely voluntary. Most PRNs have jobs elsewhere. We have an app we use to offer up or accept shifts. You can see the various shifts available, and request any that you desire. However, you are in competition with other PRNs for them. The lead tech makes the final assignment, and tries to be fair in distributing them. Techs will also just text you and ask if you'll work for them. There are travelling tech jobs out there...I think the usual contract is for 13 weeks. My understanding is the travel agencies will walk you through whatever certification requirements are needed, but I have no direct exp with that either. Some hospital systems have a pool of PRNs that operate at different locations locally. Some places do want you to work a minimum number shifts per some unit of time.
