X-ray tech looking to change careers

[RAD GUY 1]

 Greetings, I am new to this website and forum. I am medical Registered Radiologic/MRI Technologist and was hoping someone might be able to help me. I am interested in professions in the Nuclear energy industry. I know this may seem like an extremely weird and or broad scoping question. But is there anyone out there that has even heard of a medical  Rad tech wanting cross over and break into this industry. And if so where , what , how does one go about it. Since my training has incorporated radiation safety, protection and biology. And have had to practice ALARA in a medical setting for the past 15years I figured this would be a logical avenue to go down for a career change. Any help, guidance and or assistance would be greatly appreciated . Thank you very much. 

[SloGlo]

yule take a cut in pay transferring to r.p. in nuke power. best weight too due the change wood bee threw a utility position inn order too get the training kneaded.
last thyme aye new a tech wooo did this was in the 1970s, when the classifications wasn't sew stringent.

[RAD GUY 1]

Thanks for the info.

[Sadawg04]

You can defiantly do it. You have the fundamental knowledge for radiation protection. I would look into which nuclear facility you want to go to. I would apply and you will be invited to test. Im not exactly sure what pre employment test is RP but like for example there is mass which is for maintenance and Poss for operations. Maybe someone else here has the knowledge on the pre employment test for an RP tech. The key is to find out which EEI test that is and prepare for it. You must pass this test it shows you will succeed through the training program. Once you pass you will be invited to a interview. I wouldnt say go back to school. You may lack some of the knowledge but you have a background for an RP tech. I wish you the best of luck.

[RAD GUY 1]

 Thank you very much for the input. Honestly I'm open to just about anything to get my foot in the door. It doesn't have to be RP. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, I've just been doing patient care for 15 years and would like a change.  I put myself through radiology school as a janitor. Start doing whatever and then test out where and when I can for whatever. So long as I can crack my financial nut and pay bills till I move up? Please forgive my lack of knowledge when it comes to industry vernacular and nomenclature . What is an EEI test? I was thinking about taking a 40hr Radiation Safety Officer on line so at least it shows I'm serious and am willing to do the work as far training. Your thoughts?

[Sadawg04]

EEI is the edison Electric Institute and they issue battery tests for commercial facilities. When people apply for jobs they have these tests on record. If you pass the tests and everything looks good you will be invited to a interview where you can really show off your skills. Its important you pass the EEI test so when hundreds of people apply for the job they are sent to take the EEI test. If you dont pass you will no longer be considered a candidate. You can retest every 45 days but it depends on the company they all have different rules. If you want to do that online class to put on a resume go for it. I personally wouldn’t worry about it. I can not remember which test RP techs have to take. If you pass the EEI test you need to show off your skills. Tell them how you did your duties safety meantion you know all about ALARA and how you perform your duties with shielding, distance, and time. Its important to showcase any knowledge you have because it shows your trainable and they will put the time and money into training you.

[Marlin]

Thank you very much for the input. Honestly I'm open to just about anything to get my foot in the door. It doesn't have to be RP. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, I've just been doing patient care for 15 years and would like a change.  I put myself through radiology school as a janitor. Start doing whatever and then test out where and when I can for whatever. So long as I can crack my financial nut and pay bills till I move up? Please forgive my lack of knowledge when it comes to industry vernacular and nomenclature . What is an EEI test? I was thinking about taking a 40hr Radiation Safety Officer on line so at least it shows I'm serious and am willing to do the work as far training. Your thoughts?

   There may be a problem with experience equivalents for commercial power RadCon technician, you will find no matter how much time you have only a fraction will count toward acceptance as an ANSI qualified tech. It can be done but you may be essentially starting over.

[hamsamich]

I knew one lady RP she was at Calvert Cliffs '06.  Senior RP who used to zap cancer patients.  She said it was very depressing for obvious reasons.  Not sure what she did to cross over but she did it.  Probably easier to do it back then.....

[bsdnuke]

I recommend you consider going for a radiation therapy dosimetrist specialty.

[TVA]

Face it. He will pass the testing

[retired nuke]

Funny - you're lookin to get out of radiology to go to nuclear - I'm lookin to get out of nuclear and into radiology.
My plant shut down.
Many plants shutting down, especially in northeast.
Nuclear is dying...