Can You Handle an MRI Program with a Toddler?
So, you’re sitting there wondering if it’s too late to dive back into school for MRI at 37, while juggling a toddler and your full-time gig. Let me tell you, age is just a number, my friend! With over 20 years in radiologic tech, I’ve got the scoop: your experience and wisdom can totally work in your favor. We chat about the real deal of going back to school—like how it’s not just about age, but more about having a solid plan and support system. From cutting back hours to figuring out childcare, it’s all about knowing what you need to keep that hustle alive. So, let’s break it down and tackle those worries together!
Ever found yourself wondering if you're too old to hit the books again? Well, our chat today dives into the heart of that conundrum. Picture this: you’re 37, juggling a toddler and a full-time job, and you’re eyeing a shiny new path in MRI technology. Sounds like a wild ride, right? But hold on, because age is just a number, my friend! With over 20 years in the radiologic tech game, I've got the scoop: your experience, your wisdom, and your fierce determination might just make you the perfect candidate for this challenge. Forget what the naysayers say! The real question is—are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into something that’ll demand your time and energy for a couple of intense years? Spoiler alert: if you’ve got a plan, you can totally do this! And don’t forget to picture yourself six months in, because it’s gonna be a ride, but a totally achievable one if you prep right. So, let’s get to it!
Takeaways:
- You might be wondering if being 37 and going back to school is crazy, but it's totally doable!
- Experience and wisdom can work in your favor when starting a new career path, trust me on this.
- Balancing school, work, and family is tough, but having a solid support system makes it easier.
- Don't let age deter you from pursuing your dreams; focus on what your reality looks like instead.
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Transcript
You're sitting there thinking, is my time up?
Speaker A:So I saw this post that said, is it realistic to go back to school for MRI at 37 years old, with a toddler and working full time?
Speaker A:Listen, I get it.
Speaker A:That question is deep and has many layers.
Speaker A:Did I wait too long?
Speaker A:But let me tell you something.
Speaker A:As someone who's been in radiologic technology for over 20 years, age actually has nothing to do with it and may work in your favor.
Speaker A:Let's get this out of the way.
Speaker A:37 years old.
Speaker A:It's experience, it's wisdom, it's knowing what you want this time around.
Speaker A:It's being flexible and humble enough to pivot.
Speaker A:And here's the real question.
Speaker A:Can you survive a program that's going to demand your time, your focus, your energy for the next two, maybe three years?
Speaker A:So this is the practicality of an MRI program.
Speaker A:Most of them are full time.
Speaker A:Daytime programs require that.
Speaker A:Even though they say hybrid or online, that just means your lectures are online.
Speaker A:When it comes to your clinicals, these are in hospital imaging centers and they're usually done during the daytime, maybe weekends.
Speaker A:But you're not going to see the things you really need to see.
Speaker A:And that means you'll have to physically be in a facility scanning patients hands on.
Speaker A:So when you work full time, you have to ask yourself this.
Speaker A:Number one.
Speaker A:Can I afford cut hours or switch shifts?
Speaker A:Will I have time to study?
Speaker A:Working full time, caring for a toddler who's going to help with child care while I'm in clinicals or in school studying?
Speaker A:What does support look like in my world?
Speaker A:Because that's the real variable, not your age.
Speaker A:You're going to have to say no to things for a season.
Speaker A:Maybe you can't work weekends or you need help from family or your partner picks up more at home.
Speaker A:MRI school, remember, is temporary, but it's intense.
Speaker A:So before you apply, picture your life six months in, tired, busy, stretched, and ask what will I need in place to keep going?
Speaker A:So you can absolutely do it, but do it with a plan, not pressure.
Speaker A:Don't let your age talk you out of it.
Speaker A:Let your reality prepare you for it.
Speaker A:On the Internet, you're going to see comments like, don't do it, it's not worth it.
Speaker A:Or do it, it's worth it or it's gonna burn you out.
Speaker A:I'm getting out of health care.
Speaker A:But the truth is, all of those are valid, but everyone's story is different.
Speaker A:Don't let your age talk you out of it.
Speaker A:Let your reality prepare you for it.
Speaker A:If this helped follow.
Speaker A:For the next episode of my Big Sister advice series, we're talking all about juggling school, juggling work, juggling just living life all without burnout in healthcare.
