Hi! I'm 18 years old and im currently doing the prerequisites to apply to the radiology program at my school spring 2027. I graduated highschool in 2025 so i dont have any experience in the medical field or any prior schooling related to a medical practice. All of this to say, even though I'm excited to work towards a career in radiology, medicine is very uncharted territory for me, and i have so many questions about the professional aspects, what school is like, and quality of life stuff.
I didn't really see people asking these questions, so i wanted to get some clarity on these specific situations, and hopefully help some other people who're in the same boat as me. So for starters, i've noticed that a lot of people are going to RAD school later in life, and just kind of having radiology as a continuancy of their medical career, instead of their square one. So my question is, will i feel like the types of people that are older and "sharper" with their medical knowledge will outnumber me in the classroom? and are there a lot of girls my age in your program? or is it mainly adults? i also am very much a people person so i want to hopefully find a good group of peers to be a sounding board as im going through all of the things that RAD school entails.
Since i haven't started the program, theres so many unknowns to the point that theres a number questions i will have down the line that i can't even form with my current understanding. But that being said, when i do eventually graduate, im hoping to get into travel. I come from a small town, and i've always wanted to immerse myself in the cultural epitomes of my country, so i just think it would be perfect for me. I have a few questions about what travelling as a RAD Tech is like. For starters, do you get to pick where you go? are jobs needed in major cities? ands what is your experience if you're doing travel? I also want to know what it would be like jumping right into travelling starting out, if it adds an extra layer of difficulty to the learning curve? Also, what kinds of different settings can you work in travelling, and are there a lot of options options? I truly know little to nothing about how a travelling job works, so any clarity here would be greatly appreciated. I'm interested in working in pediatrics because working with kids makes me happy but im not entirely sure if thats an option.
Finally, and this i know is controversial so i might get shot down, but what is your experience with seeing people who express theirselves creatively (like piercings, tattoos, or dyed hair) in the settings you've worked in? I've always really loved to express my style on the outside with dying my hair, wearing fun jewelry and makeup, so im just wondering to what extent would be professional to express my personal style in this career field. Most importantly is the hair, i love my pink hair and i would be so sad to dye it brown, but im prepared-- and almost certain i will have to-- make that sacrifice.
I'm certain that i'll have so many more questions in the coming years, but this is all of the things that have been lingering on my mind as of late. Thank you for reading!
ok i forgot to include this, but if you have any study advide to fill my time before i get into the program that would also be greatly appreciated (like a book or textbook or a volunteer job that can help me immerse into the field)