Burned Out? 5 Career Tools Every Imaging Technologist Should Know

Let's stop saying I can't afford to go back to school.

The SRT gives over $500,000 in scholarship grants each year and many go unclaimed.

Hello, my fellow radiologic technologists, medical imaging professionals and radiation therapists.

If you are a technologist or a therapist who's been in the profession for five years or more and you're thinking, is this it?

Maybe you're a recent graduate of a radiologic technology program or radiation therapy program, any medical imaging program, and you're wonder, what next?

Am I really going to still be pulling over patience or whatever it is that you're doing at this moment?

Will I be doing this for another 10, 15, 20 years?

I want you all to lean in because today we're talking about something nobody really breaks down for you.

It's the perks of being an ASRT member.

Now wait before you tune out and say, oh, another episode about being an ASRT member.

This is not just a boring CEU credits breakdown or why you should join the srt.

I just came from doing a presentation at a really large education conference and it was eye opening, you guys, because I thought that I was the only one struggling with pivoting or had struggled with pivoting in this profession.

After 20 plus years in the presentation, there were over.

There were individuals who have been in this profession for over 20 years.

He's pivoted so much you all.

But there were so many that came up to me afterwards who are still messaging me saying thank you for talking about this topic of pivoting, giving me ideas of how I can pivot and move.

It's not so much everyone is burned out or in a toxic, toxic environment.

Some individuals realize that maybe you're about to be an empty nester.

You no longer need the stability of working at a 9 to 5 or a Monday through Friday or at a facility close to home.

You can now travel.

You can now be a clinical applications technologist.

You can now go for that leadership role because things are changing in your life.

Things are going to look different.

But you didn't plan, you didn't strategize.

You don't really have a plan of how to use all of the skills you've acquired.

You really don't know.

Now this episode is for the tired technologists and therapists, the unsure, the underpaid, the overworked, overlooked, and just isn't sure how to pivot without Starting over or going broke doing it.

I'm talking to you directly today.

So first let's talk about what are perks.

A perk is a benefit you're already entitled to, but most of us never take advantage of it.

You may ask why.

The answer is because nobody has ever shown us how it works and why it works.

It's going to be different today.

We're going to answer all of that, so stay tuned.

In our world of medical imaging and radiation therapy, we are trained to scan, to serve, to show up, not to strategize in our careers.

I don't know, maybe I'm alone.

Let me know, you guys.

Am I the only one that was not taught really to strategize?

And if you're still scanning full time or whatever role you play in medical imaging and radiation therapy, lifting patients, burning out, unsure, you're probably leaving a whole career path on the table.

You've racked up so many skills, and this is what I found out at my presentation, that people had skills, I mean real skills, you guys, that were marketable, that they learned from medical imaging.

Yes.

This is why this conversation matters.

These perks aren't fluff.

They are your pivot plan in your medical imaging career.

They're your career leverage.

Especially if you can't afford to go back to school right now.

And let me just say, not being able to afford to go back to school is not always a financial burden for me.

When I was trying to go back to school for nuclear medicine, I had a tragic family incident happen.

My father passed away.

He got sick first, which took me out of school for a period of time.

And I was never able to return after he was no longer sick and went to sleep.

And for me, that was.

It took a lot out of me emotionally.

I could not afford to go back to school for months, for years.

It drained me.

Some of you maybe can relate to that.

You have pressures, you have responsibilities, people depending on you.

And maybe it is financial.

We're going to talk about that today, how that burden can be eliminated.

But I just don't want you to think about the cost always being financial.

The cost can be your emotional state.

The cost can be what you take away from your family.

Maybe you're busy taking your kids to practice, spending time with your family because they're little only once, right?

Kids grow up so fast.

You're a caregiver for your parents, for your in laws, you're newly married, you just had a baby.

You cannot afford to do it right now.

So we're Going to talk about five perks that could change your career.

Let's get into it.

One thing about being an ASR team member is the professional development courses.

I'm getting into it myself right now.

Being a member of a few years, I just think about some of the jobs that I've had before.

If I would have had access by being a member then to some of these courses, I wouldn't say I probably, I would not have maybe struggled as much.

I mean, I'm just being honest with you all.

Sometimes we don't always have access.

Even when we're put in positions or given positions or attain positions, we don't always have access because sometimes the people above us don't know to give us access.

They don't have access, so they can't give us something they don't know about.

Whereas being a member of the srt, they know they create leaders.

We're not talking about CE credits here, we're talking about you need someone to teach you how to lead a team, to run a department, how to train yourself, how to manage time.

The ASC ASRT offers these courses on communication, leadership, time management, conflict resolution.

And that stuff actually helps you grow out of burnout.

Because when you know how to even communicate with your team as a colleague, as a coworker, it can really make work enjoyable and how you deal with even management.

If you're not in management, it can make you and help you to be a better leader if you are not.

Everyone that we work with has good time management skills, right?

And we're not just talking about leaders, people that run departments.

Sometimes we work with individuals in our department that just don't manage time well.

It affects everyone.

And let's just talk about conflict resolution.

If everyone could take a course on conflict resolution.

Even if you think you're the best person at conflict resolution, we can always get better, right?

So why does this matter?

These skills build credibility.

We all should want to be leaders.

If you're still pulling long shift, maybe 12 hour shifts and you're wondering how to pivot without going back to school, I want you to explore how the SRT professional development courses can be the launchpad to a sustainable and influential career path.

Take for instance the Leadership Essentials series that they have for their members.

It builds foundational leadership skills.

What is it?

It is a comprehensive 10 part online series designed to prepare technologists for effective leadership roles.

Some of the topics covered are supervision, competent communication, employment, law.

I mean, that's something I'm going to tell you is so Important to learn and project management.

That's a whole nother career in itself, you guys.

Those are just some of the topics it covers.

And why does this matter?

You may say, why would I want that?

Now I'm coming to the end of my career.

I don't know if I want to be a leader again.

Everyone should want to develop leadership skills.

It matters because it equips you with the skills to lead teams, to manage departments, to navigate complex complexities of healthcare leadership.

And wouldn't you say that you have been asked to lead without even being the type having the title of supervisor.

And just imagine how if you learn these skills, maybe you're not going into a leadership role at that job, but as you've gotten into your career now you're thinking down the road 10 years, maybe there's a position that's at a corporate level, not even patient care related, that these skills that you learn in the Leadership Essentials series as an ASRT member just enhances your professional credentials and you get 11 CE credits upon completion.

I mean, we gotta get our CE credits, right?

We might as well get them in things that are going to help us be strategic and use as a launchpad later on.

So if you're someone that's five years into your profession, think about this.

If you are going to have to get 24 CEU credits anyway, why not use some of these ASRT membership membership benefits and use them to really, really enhance your professional career down the road.

Practical applications.

It will help you maybe transition into roles like lead technologist or department supervisor or administrator.

Gain confidence in handling team dynamics, conflict resolution, strategic planning.

Earlier you heard me talk about they have a section on project management that is an amazing profession that you can use this skill.

Not only that, they need project managers in imaging departments all the time.

This is just a stepping stone.

Communication skills is part of this series.

It enhances interpersonal effectiveness.

What is it?

It's courses that focus on improving verbal, non verbal and written communication within healthcare settings.

How many times?

When we deal with patients, we sometimes need to use improving our verbal conversation skills with coworkers non verbal.

Say maybe your face says exactly what you're thinking and your face just does not need to say that, right?

And maybe we need to communicate with email.

We're not the best at it.

These are great skills.

They emphasize active listening, empathy and clarity in conveying information.

Why does it matter?

Effective communication is critical for patient care.

Team collaboration and leadership reduces misunderstandings and enhances patient satisfaction.

I'm going to tell you when I did this presentation.

There were jobs that I showed everyone in that room that totally that these skills would help you.

That having these skills from being an SRT member and taking this course would help you to definitely be able to qualify for these type of jobs that were not patient care centered.

That many of them were remote jobs.

But you had to have some of these skills that these courses, developmental, professional developmental courses are giving you as an SRT member.

Oh my goodness.

And of course practical application.

They're going to help you just how you interact with people in general.

Not only your patients, coworkers, but your family.

Right.

We all can communicate better.

Right.

The other other part of the series is time management and project coordination, maximizing efficiency.

What does it cover?

What is it?

It's a training module that teaches prioritization, delegation and effective workflow management.

It includes strategies for balancing clinical duties with administrative responsibilities.

Again, that project management.

That's whole nother level right there.

And you're getting this in these courses why it matters.

It enhances productivity and reduces burnout by promoting effective time utilization.

It prepares you for roles that require multitasking and project oversight.

Project management is its own certification.

You're getting an introduction into this.

You can have practical application for this is coordinate departmental projects or educational programs.

Again, when I did this speech at this educational conference, some of the jobs asked for individuals who had certifications, specialized training experience with these things right here that the ASRT membership is giving you access to conflict resolution and team building, fostering a collaborative environment.

What is it?

It's a course that provides tools for managing workplace conflicts and building cohesive teams.

It focuses on negotiation, meditation and consensus building techniques.

That is a art to it.

If you have the credentials and the experience and the know how to pull people together, especially in a work environment without being a leader or being a leader.

Oh my goodness.

You're going to be a valuable asset to the department.

You're also going to be building a skill that many people struggle with.

So if you're naturally like this and you add this certification because you are ASRT member and you take this training, oh my goodness.

You're going to influence work culture, enhance team performance in a positive way.

And it's essential that leaders have these type of skills.

Now another essential part of this series is strategic career advancement without additional degrees.

So there's also a part of this series that for individuals that say, well, I don't want to go back to school, but I want to have some strategic career advancement.

So there's part of the series there's gives you it gives you access to a variety of courses that build upon your existing experience and credentials.

You get opportunities to specialize in areas like education, quality assurance, or administration.

And that matters because this enables career growth without the financial and time investment of pursuing further degrees.

It recognizes your experience and builds upon the skills you've already acquired in your clinical practice.

So many of you have so much experience, you just need these membership benefits to help tap into them.

And now how can you make practical application of this particular part of the series?

In the ASRT membership, you can even move into administrative positions that focus on compliance, accreditation, or policy development.

There are so many ways you can use this.

Another benefit to the ASRT membership is career center and salary tools.

You've been at your job for years.

You're loyal, but new hires are coming in making more money than you.

That is not uncommon.

Here's the hard truth.

Many of us don't get paid what we're worth.

You get paid what you ask for, right?

The ASRT salary estimator.

It shows you exactly what you should be making in your modality, your state and your experience.

Their resume builder and job board already done for you.

You could take that to HR today.

This perk alone can pay for your membership tenfold.

You've dedicated years to your role.

Demonstrated unwavering commitment.

Yet it's disheartening to see new technologists enter the field with higher salaries.

But here is the truth.

Have you used the ASRT salary estimator to know your worth?

I'm not talking about going on social media and seeing someone make a video showing their check of what they make.

When we started in the field, salaries are what they were.

Cost of living was what it was.

Have you compared your salary against national averages for your specific discipline, job title, education level and state?

Even city?

Because just because it's the state doesn't mean that matches your city.

Have you identified potential salary disparities and areas for negotiation?

However, this figure varies significantly based on location and specialization.

California can top at an average of 114,000.

Nebraska could report as low as 54,000.

Specializations like medical dosimetry can demand averages of 131,000.

Understanding these figures equips you with the knowledge to approach salary discussions confidently.

Make use of the SRT job bank.

It's more than just a job listing platform Resume Builder Job Alerts Career Coaching look, if you have not touched your resume, you don't know where it's at.

You haven't seen your resume in a while.

Telling you ASRT membership benefits alone for the salary the salary, the Salary Estimator and the Resume builder and Career coaching is great.

These tools are designed to streamline your job search and enhance your professional presentation.

Take Action Advocate for yourself.

Arm yourself with the Salary Estimator as an ASRT member and the job bank.

It will position you to initiate informed discussions with your employer about compensation.

You'll be able to explore new opportunities that align with your career goals and financial expectations.

You'll be able to leverage career coaching to refine your negotiation skills and job search tactics.

Utilizing these ASRT resources isn't just about seeking new employment.

It's about recognizing your value and ensuring your compensation reflects your expertise and experience.

Now let's get on to the third point.

Leadership Academy and Volunteer Opportunities this one is for you if you're thinking I don't want to scam forever, but I don't know what's next.

Have you been there?

Let me tell you what's next.

Visibility the SRT Leadership Academy trains you how to advocate, speak, serve on committees and implements change.

It gets your name in rooms that can offer you many possibilities and volunteering.

That's your network in motion.

You need a seat at the table and the ASRT is one of those doors that opens it.

You just have to walk in it.

Let's explore how the ASRT can bridge to new horizons.

There's the ASRT Leadership Academy Cultivating Future Leaders.

It's a structured program designed to equip medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals with essential leadership skills.

This is a six week online course which really delves into governance and association management, how understanding the structure and function of professional organizations really really getting to the nitty gritty about it because we don't really know you guys.

I'm telling you, most of us don't know.

Strategic planning Learning to set goals and develop actionable plans Legal and ethical issues Navigating the complexities of healthcare regulations Communication and leadership principles Enhancing interpersonal skills for effective team management Participants are expected to dedicate two to four hours per week to coursework, culminating in a two day in person session that solidifies learning and fosters networking.

While the program does not give you CE credits, it provides invaluable experience for those who are aiming to transition into leadership roles within the profession.

I would love to know where else are you getting access to leadership academies.

Then there's the volunteer opportunities.

You get to expand your professional footprint.

Engaging in volunteer roles with the SRT as an SRT member can significantly broaden your professional networking.

And again, governance committees.

You get to shape the direction of the profession by serving on various committees.

Subject matter expert.

You get to contribute your expertise to develop educational content and review professional standards.

You can say when you read that book or take that exam or hear somebody that took it, you can look proudly and say, I contributed to that.

I put my stamp on that.

I was a part of that.

Advocacy roles.

You get to represent the profession in legislative matters, ensuring that voices of technologists are heard.

These roles not only allow you to give back to the community, but enhance your resume.

Open new doors to career paths.

When was the last time you invested in being in a room?

Not just clocking in for work, but showing up where the big conversations about our profession are happening?

Just think about that for a moment.

A lot of technologists don't attend conferences.

Not because they're not interested, let's just get that straight.

But because the cost feels out of reach.

Between the travel.

Look, I just came back from a conference.

I know between travel, hotels and registration, registration fees, most technologists and therapists, especially those supporting families or who work prn, just can't justify the expense.

And they end up missing out on the very spaces where leadership, mentorship and career changing conversations are happening.

But, but, but, but that.

You hear how excited my voice is getting, right?

Because I got good news.

That's where the ASRT foundation travel grant changes the game.

Please, you guys.

This is like free money out there.

A membership has already paid you back.

Think about this opportunity.

A travel grant.

This is just one of many.

It covers up to $3,000 in expenses.

So you can show up, you can connect, you can grow without pulling from your savings or picking up extra shifts.

Come on.

$3,000 in expenses?

Whew.

It's not just about going to conferences.

It's about finally being in the room where your next opportunity might be waiting.

And I'm not gonna say might.

I'm gonna say will be waiting.

Cause I'm the connections.

What you come back with.

This foundation is amazing.

It supports those attending SRT conferences with which are prime spaces for networking, volunteering, speaking, and stepping into leadership roles.

Even if money is tight, you can still show up in the rooms that grow your visibility in your career.

You may say, why does all this matter?

By participating in the Leadership Academy, the volunteer opportunities, these travel grants, you're just.

You're not just advancing your career, you're contributing to the evolution of this profession.

These experience can lead to increased visibility, establishing yourself as a leader or influencer in this field.

Professional growth.

You get to develop skills that are transferable to various roles beyond the clinical setting.

I need that to be a visual for you all.

Networking.

You get to connect with like minded professionals, people that look like you, that have the same daily struggles that's been in a profession like you.

They've been unsure how to make this pivot and turn, but they've done it.

You need to be around people like that and you do that.

You do that by the Leadership Academy.

Being an ASRT member, volunteering opportunities.

Leadership isn't just confined to titles, y' all.

It's about initiative and impact.

The ASRT membership provides that platform.

You bring the passion and commitment.

I want to talk about something else.

The four things.

Scholarships and grants.

Let's stop saying I can't afford to go back to school.

The ASRT gives over $500,000 in scholarship grants each year and many go unclaimed.

If you want to to transition into education, quality applications, even start teaching, these scholarships can fund that shift without you taking out loans.

The word is getting out there.

You want to be one of those recipients for the next go round.

I know you do.

I know you do.

They have scholarships at every stage, whether you're entry level for students to accredited radiologic science programs or professional level scholarships for technologists pursuing additional certifications and degrees.

Once you become an ASRT member, the application process is simple.

The awards can range from 500 to $5,000 based on commitment, achievement and financial need.

I'm going to tell you it's not just scholarships, it's grants as well.

Many in our profession don't take advantage of the SRT grants and scholarships because we assume they're only for students or think we don't qualify.

Others are simply just too overwhelmed by their work schedule to even do the research for what's available.

After years in the field, it's easy to feel like growth means going back to school and racking up more debt.

But that's not always true.

The truth is, some of the most valuable scholarships are designed specifically for working technologists.

In a Facebook group I'm in one of the medical dosimetrists.

One of the medical dosimetrists said nobody's Applied for this single parent radiologist assistant scholarship.

Where is everyone at?

Wow, so many scholarships go unclaimed.

They're begging us as medical imaging professionals to claim them.

We just haven't been taught to look for them or believe we deserve them.

But that changes today.

You get to number five.

Be an advocate at a state and federal level if you.

If you want.

Many some of you live in states that don't require licensure for imaging, radiation therapy, or mri.

Guess what?

Anyone can be hired in private facilities to do your job.

That's not a warning.

It's actually happening.

And being an ASRT member can make it easier for them to fight for our profession.

No license equals lower pay.

No respect, more burnout.

This isn't just about you.

It's about us all.

So, advocacy at a state and federal level.

Why does all of this that we just talked about matter, especially now?

Because you've worked hard.

You stayed loyal to the profession of medical imaging and radiation therapy.

You've shown up every shift.

But if you want to stop scanning by whatever age you want.

I'm not going to put an age on it so much.

But you get the point.

You gotta be strategic and strategic earlier or right now.

You're not stuck.

You're not uninformed.

ASRT isn't just paying dues or money.

It's a career safety net.

It's your escape plan.

It's got so much to offer.

You can build a new path without quitting your job, without going into debt or starting from scratch.

But you have to use what's already being built for you.

And it works.

So here's your challenge.

Log into the asrt.org website today, sign up and become a member.

One year.

Give it a try.

Pick one of the perks I share with you in this podcast.

Just one.

If you're already a member, pick one that you've never used before.

Try it this week.

Give it at least 2 weeks or 30 days.

Becomes a habit then, right?

Message me, DM me, tag me.

Let me know which perk you chose and which perk surprised you the most.

What was the result?

Remember, family, You've come too far to burnout now.

You didn't enter this profession just to scan until your knees gave out or your shoulder gave out.

You entered it to make a difference.

Now it's time to make one for yourself.

Until next time.

Again, if you're not a member yet, now is the time to join.

Visit asrt.org BCEEN to learn more and get started.

Thanks for hanging out with me today on a couple of rad techs.

If this episode was helpful, be sure to share it with a coworker and hit that follow button.

I'll see you next time.