I am unsure where to post my discussion, so I apologize if I am in the wrong section. I am currently attending a community college in the Central Coast in California. I am currently finishing up my pre-requisite classes to get into a college that offers radiology. My goal was to be a license radiology technician and eventually move down to Southern California when I graduate. After doing some research, I came across students who got their certificate as Rad techs however a lot of them suggested against the course. They claim that job availability is very scarce, and a lot of the schools now have a waiting list. I only need 2 classes to finish my pre-reqs, but I got discouraged after reading those comments. Would it still be a good idea to pursue radiology or should I just pick another course? I heard about PTA, but I am unsure about the job demand. Thanks for your time!
Why not do your own research?
Take a look at some of the job search sites, find the outlook n some of the SoCal communities.
And know that a lot can change in the next 3 years. If it’s what you want to do, then do it.
I agree with the above. I’m a Physical Therapy major, and being a PTA is rewarding, but why not stick with your original plan? Look at the job market. Look at the areas where radiology is needed most. Is it pediatrics? Is it geriatrics? If you feel that radiology is not suiting you, then go for being a PTA! Personally, I would want to be a PT. Being a PTA sometimes requires you to hold some Bachelor’s Degree related to Health Science (as I found out when I applied to being a rehab aide). Physical therapy is a growing field, so you might just hit the spot if you decide to be a PTA 
Hope this helped and best of luck!
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
Job outlook doesn’t seem too bad.
Also look online for Rad Tech jobs. Do you find any?
What does the career placement office at your CC say?
What does your adivsor day?
From the phrasing of your post, it sounds like you have read some stuff online. Remember that people who post about things online have different motivations than people who don’t - they tend to be more dissatisfied with whatever it is they are talking about. I mean, think about CC, for example - you don’t think this is representative of the college-bound population, right? No, people come here because they have specific types of questions and know they can get a specific kind of help.
Talk to the career services at your CC, some professionals in the field in your area, and do some job searching in your particular region.
What are all your classes you’ve taken so far? Depending on what classes you’ve taken so far you can switch majors. Is it a B.A or a B.S you are seeeking at University after you transfer?
My counselor was the one who made my classes plan. Only need some biology based classes and I am done with all the english and math requirements. I am planning to go to a city college and not a university because the good schools that offer radiology are mostly city colleges. Its just discouraging reading a lot of negative comments from those students who took the RT program. I will definitely talk to a counselor and hopefully clear my mind.
JMS357 Are you based in California? I heard a lot of good things from PTs but I need to check the requirements. I know some schools in SC that offer classes for PT. Thank you all for the advice.
@OneLittleSparrow I actually live in NJ but I go to school in Philly. I have some friends who go to school in Cali.
I’d stick with the plan especially as it sounds like you’re willing to relocate find a job. It took me 6 years to get a degree in the career I chose and there were VERY few jobs available for graduates. I knew that it was the field that I wanted to be in so I was willing to take lower level tech jobs for a couple of years if I didn’t find a professional job right away after graduation. I was also willing to relocate to just about anywhere to get some experience in the field. I ended up in a job very vaguely related to my major for a year, then got a temp job in my major field for two years, then finally got a permanent job and had a 30 year career in the field.
That worst case scenario being covered, I compared the number of new jobs annually in your field to my field and you have 10-25 times as many predicted new jobs annually compared to mine (2,000 vs 20-50,000 for RT’s). So I’d say you’d have a very good chance of finding a job. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
I have been looking at Allied Health programs that are taught at my local community college. From what I could tell RT has jobs but you may have to work night shift, evenings, weekends . I understand you can also specialize to up your hiring potential. (Like MRI)
Relax. The job market and salaries change. Not so long ago, teaching jobs were few and now there are vacancies right before school starts. Choose a major that you like and so well. Expand related skills and knowledge that gives you a broader choice of jobs. Invest in you rather than speculate.
Flexibility. One sne to teach in the elementary school she attended. The odds seemed really remote to me. Have heard others say they want to be professional athletes, Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, or start a career in television news in a major market. Unlikely. It is important to be willing to move to take a job, be a teacher sub in a district you like and watch job openings. Look at websites for openings. Apply your skills in other jobs. Look at business, government, and all sorts of websites that post job opportunities.
Smart. Dont invest in training and job opportunities that depend on your money to obtain a job that may not materialize or makes you happy.
Thanks for the replies. I am still taking my last pre req classes this fall, and hopefully I will be able to attend a good Rad tech school. I appreciate all the advises posted and thought you guys posted.
JMS357 I was going to ask what schools you attended if you were here in CA! There are only a few schools who offer Rad tech and most have long waiting list! Thanks for replying.