I am having a career crisis and although I have worked with a good
career coach, I am at another crossroads.  Some background: I have
worked as an instructional designer and trainer for 15+years,
designing training for business, finance, technology (software and
hardware), sales training, and some medical. I worked as a writer and
editor including some major hospitals in the Boston area in the
mid-late 80's.  I got an MEd. in Instructional Design in 1991, (have
B.A. in English) and worked happily in the field until 2001.

For personal and medical reasons I left the field, also because of so
much volatility/contract work/layoffs. There have also been major
changes in technology (e-learning, etc.) I tried a couple of things 
(teaching, grad school for counseling) and wasn't happy with those
choices.  Six months agao I decided to get back into instructional
design and training because I didn't know what else to do and was
anxious to start working again. I took a good online course is current
trends in my field, redid my resume using Monster (great job) and
started networking.  Having been out of the loop for so long that has
been tough--many companies and colleagues are just gone due to
closings, layoffs...I was lucky to find an old colleague with a great
contract project.  It has now been postponed due to finances.  So,
here I am again, along with many others of course. I am very
discouraged because I don't want to go through this anymore.  So, I
will keep looking but as I get closer to 50, I am feeling anxious and
frustrated---I'd like to be able to have fairly steady income and work
(and satisfaction) by then.

I tried mental health counseling, I'd love to give back and get off
the treadmill, but the program was 3+ years and the pay would be
dismal.  So now I am thinking of healthcare.  I don't want to be a
nurse, but I know there are other jobs that have less training/time
involved and that I would work with patients, feel like I am doing
valuable and interesting work.  I know it would still take a couple of
years.  I've looked into radiology technician and similar jobs that
have a great outlook and I think I'd enjoy it. It seems that some
older people make the change even at my age! I have very little
science or math background, although I wrote about lots of complex
medical topics and enjoy medicine.  It seems you need algebra,
chemistry, biology, anatomy, etc. to even apply for these programs. 
This is very intimidating to me. I was terrible at math and remember
nothing about algebra or chemistry--the rest is fine. But to re-learn
these subjects seems overwhelming.

After my long story here, my main question is:

What types of healhcare career may be good for me re: training,
background, feasability, job satisfaction, pay/secuirity?  I know the
money is decent, less than what I've made but fine.  There are several
programs here in Mass.  I spoke to one (radiology tech) who told me
I'd need those science and math courses before I apply. That seems to
add months to what would be a two-year program. I also heard there are
many jobs but not enough spots in schools. I don't know where I could
learn those subjects soon and quickly!  I've missed spring semester. 
So, does anyone know about these programs, how I would learn the
subjects I need, and any other similar healthcare professions to look
into?  I'm willing to do it, I don't mind school and learning new
things,  but I don't want to go for it if it's not worth the time and
stress.  I don't know what other areas to look into at this point.

Well this is long enough!  I appreciate your patience.

---

Clarification of Question by rara11-ga on 04 Feb 2005 10:31 PST

A clarification may help:  I am not looking for detailed
descriptions-- --(just basic info as to what they entail re: training
and education, also a little about job details.)--- of each type of
radiology technician.  I know there are several, nor am I am
interested in radiation therapy.  I have ressearched these positions
somewhat, and know the basics of the education and skills required.  I
am looking for any specific info about what programs/types of RTs do
not require more than 2 years of school, although I know that
continuing education and certification is required.  I also know that
you do clinical rotations during training, which is good.  I am
looking more for how to prepare to move forward to see if it is
reasonable for me to pursue a career in RT, or a similar one if you
can find one.   My lack of science and math is discouraging to me and
I feel overwhelmed re: this area and how to deal with it.  Perhaps a
similar healthcare area is relevant and more attainable?   If not at
least I will be more prepared to make a decision to pursue or move on.
 Hope this helps.

---

Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 15 Feb 2005 19:16 PST

rara11-ga,

First off, let me wish you good success with your hunt.  You seem to
be facing a real challenge in a forthright fashion....all the best
with it.


You might want to have a look at a relatively new resource set up by
the US Department of Labor.  It's called O*Net, for some strange
reason, but it looks to be a very useful tool for scoping out
different types of occupations.

You can find it at:


http://online.onetcenter.org/


Note that you can click on the "Skills" tab to begin exploring job
titles that match your particular skills and interests.

Or, you can just enter terms like [ radiation technician ] in the
search box at the upper right, which will take you to:


http://online.onetcenter.org/find/quick?s=radiation+technician


Note there are numerous job titles you can explore here.  Clicking on
"radiation technican" leads to a (fairly comprehensive) summary page:


http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2034.02

Summary Report for:
29-2034.02 - Radiologic Technicians


where you can click on "details" for even more extensive information:


http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-2034.02

Details Report for:
29-2034.02 - Radiologic Technicians


The pages all include lists of related jobs, so you can explore all
types of job titles in and around the radiation tech area.

I hope this sort of information is the type of thing you're looking for.  


After playing with O*Net a bit, let me know what sorts of additional
information you would like to make for a complete answer to your
question.


Go for it...!


pafalafa-ga

---

Clarification of Question by rara11-ga on 15 Feb 2005 20:50 PST

Hi--thanks for your information.  I did spend some time on O*Net and
it is a very comprehensive website--excellent design, easy to use. 
So, I found a lot more info about RT and related fields. I even looked
up my own field and the information about skills, abilities, etc.
needed is very accurate and interesting, after the fact! The links you
provided were great.  I was able to get where I wanted quickly.

Well, your suggestions helped answer most of my question. First, I now
realize that I don't think I can (or want to) pursue the RT or related
areas with my background and education. I read more details about
subjects you need like chemistry, calculus and even physics, which is
very intimidating.  I don't think I know anything about physics and I
never had calculus.  You certainly don't need to be an expert, like a
scientist, but geesh...I never realized that an RT would need all of
those subjects to the degree described.  I don't think you can help me
with how to learn what I need.

On the other hand, I still don't specifically know the extent of
it--how much you need to master before even applying, but I am not
sure if I want to pursue it if it involves what I read about on O*Net,
including the related professions.  So, in that sense you have
answered my question, actually.  I have learned enough to know that
the only thing left to try is to follow the commenter's advice below. 
I read his comments just after I researched O*Net and it all seems to
fit together.  Perhaps there is a small chance that a community
college could show me the way in a reasonable fashion.  I am
disappointed about all this, but at least I now know what is needed.

So, you have helped me and I thank you.  I am pleased with what you gave me.

---

Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 16 Feb 2005 07:40 PST

rara11-ga,

Thanks for your note...I'm glad to hear the O*Net site was of value to
you, even if the information it provided was disappointing. 
Still...it's a very useful resource, and I hope it will help you in
the future.

Ordinarily, at this point, I would post the information I've provided
as an answer to your question, so I could collect the fee you posted. 
But before I do, I just wanted to check in with you one more time.

Is there anything else you need on this?  I'm certainly willing to do
more work if I can be of assistance.  Of course, I can't answer the
BIG questions of what to do with your life at this point...you're the
only one who can make that choice.

But perhaps I can provide some more information to be of help to you
in the choosing.  If so, just let me know what you need at this point,
before I post a final answer.

Thanks...and all the best.


pafalafa-ga

---

Clarification of Question by rara11-ga on 16 Feb 2005 10:21 PST

I don't think so, there's not anything left to ask it seems.  I
appreciate your asking, but I am now clear on what I do or don't want
to do. I appreciate your help--it worked for me.

Thanks.  I will continue to use O*Net also.

rara11-ga,

Thanks again.  As I mentioned, I'm re-posting the information I
provided earlier to make the answer "official".  All the best to you
in your endeavors.

paf


==========
rara11-ga,

First off, let me wish you good success with your hunt.  You seem to
be facing a real challenge in a forthright fashion....all the best
with it.


You might want to have a look at a relatively new resource set up by
the US Department of Labor.  It's called O*Net, for some strange
reason, but it looks to be a very useful tool for scoping out
different types of occupations.

You can find it at:


http://online.onetcenter.org/


Note that you can click on the "Skills" tab to begin exploring job
titles that match your particular skills and interests.

Or, you can just enter terms like [ radiation technician ] in the
search box at the upper right, which will take you to:


http://online.onetcenter.org/find/quick?s=radiation+technician


Note there are numerous job titles you can explore here.  Clicking on
"radiation technican" leads to a (fairly comprehensive) summary page:


http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2034.02

Summary Report for:
29-2034.02 - Radiologic Technicians


where you can click on "details" for even more extensive information:


http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-2034.02

Details Report for:
29-2034.02 - Radiologic Technicians


The pages all include lists of related jobs, so you can explore all
types of job titles in and around the radiation tech area.

==========




search strategy:  Used existing bookmark for O*Net

A difficult topic.  My researcher did the best possible with the
information.   Very helpful.

While this may not answer your question it may help. A career change
at the age of 47 is probably gonna mean most of your old credits do
not work. But if you find the right school you'll be set. Now this
question is best answered by going into a college(community college
will do) and asking the counciler. tell them what you want to be and
how much schooling is required. Even if someone answered this question
to your approval I wouldn't trust it. Search monster.com to get more
details and contact the people and ask them what they're looking for.
From that you should be able to answer your question.

Hi billyraysirus (achy breaky),

As you can see from my clarification to my researcher, I think I am
all set for now.  His/her answer provided me with enough info to
probably make my decision.  However, I am going to check with a
community college.  I talked to one before but they said I needed a
science background...hence my dilemma and question.  I wanted to find
out more before I continued.  I use monster all the time and they do
have info but not enough for this specific dilemma.  So I am going to
take your advice and call and go in to talk to a college and see how
that goes.

I appreciate your comment and it is a very helpful one.  Thanks!