Episode 29

From School to Career: The Unique Path of a Radiation Therapist

Published on: 28th July, 2022

On this episode of A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast, host Chaundria welcomes guest Laura Nappi, a radiation therapist with experience in various areas of radiology, including radiologic technology and mammography. In this episode, they delve into the world of radiation therapy and discuss various aspects of the profession.

Laura begins by highlighting the emotional toll of working in radiation therapy, particularly with cancer patients, and the importance of self-care and work-life balance to navigate these challenges. While salary is not the sole motivation, Laura emphasizes the significance of compensation for financial security and quality of life.

They also shed light on the career opportunities in radiology, specifically in radiation therapy, which only requires a two-year education but offers a good income and the ability to support oneself and family. Laura shares her own experience of attending shorter schools for one or two years, the stress involved, and the need to find a balance between studying and having a social life.

Laura emphasizes that the field of study is entirely different from anything else learned in school, requiring dedication and time management to juggle work, studies, clinical hours, and relaxation. However, the job satisfaction and impact on patients make it all worth it.

The discussion then moves on to the technological advancements in radiation therapy, such as adaptive therapy, which allows treatment plans to be adjusted based on daily tumor size. Laura also highlights the integration of MRI with radiation therapy, showcasing the increasing collaboration between different modalities. She believes in the importance of cross-training in other modalities, such as radiation therapists learning MRI and using ultrasound and X-ray.

Unity and collaboration within the profession are emphasized, with Laura discussing her involvement in the Radiation Therapist Association of New York State and the need to have a voice and advocate for the profession's progress.

Moving to Laura's journey in becoming a radiation therapist, she shares her experience of attending a radiation therapy school in Atlanta after completing prerequisites in radiology. She mentions the limited acceptance into the program and advises students to choose their own path and overcome obstacles to succeed in their careers. She also discusses the changing requirements for becoming a radiologic technologist, with many programs now requiring a degree.

The process of radiation treatment for cancer patients is explained, including imaging tests, biopsies, simulation using CT scans, and the multiple radiation treatments over several weeks. The treatment plan aims to target the tumor area while avoiding healthy tissues, requiring regular appointments with

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About the Podcast

A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast
Career growth, stories, and motivation for radiology and medical imaging professionals.
Welcome to A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast — the show that proves medical imaging isn’t just a “side hustle” of healthcare. It’s a career, a calling, and a community.

If you’re a radiology technologist, MRI or CT specialist, nuclear medicine tech, student in medical imaging, or a healthcare professional who wants to better understand what happens behind the scanner, you’re in the right place.

Too often, the radiology field gets overlooked or misunderstood. People think technologists just “push buttons” or stand in the shadows of doctors. But anyone who’s been in the profession knows it’s so much more than that. From patient safety and advanced imaging skills to navigating burnout, career pivots, and real human connection — this field requires heart, intelligence, and resilience.

That’s exactly what this podcast is about.

Hosted by Chaundria Singleton, a multi-modality technologist (MRI, CT, X-ray) with over 20 years in the field, former college MRI instructor, and top 5% podcaster, A Couple of Rad Techs gives you the motivation, resources, and perspective you need to thrive in this career and beyond.

Each week you’ll hear:
*Career growth strategies to help you move beyond burnout and into your next opportunity.
*Stories from the imaging room that show what technologists really do behind the scenes.
*Motivational episodes that remind you why this career matters and how to keep going even on tough days.
*Industry insights and guest experts who share the latest in imaging, education, and healthcare culture.

Whether you’re just starting your journey as a student, pivoting into a new modality, or a seasoned technologist looking for inspiration, you’ll find a mix of honesty, encouragement, and actionable advice here.

This isn’t a podcast about the science of radiology — it’s about the people. The real lives of technologists. The challenges, the triumphs, the laughter, and the lessons that rarely make it into textbooks or training manuals.

By listening, you’ll:
* Feel more connected to a community that understands your world.
* Gain confidence in your career path and next steps.
* Get practical tools to handle burnout, stress, and workplace challenges.
* Discover opportunities you didn’t even know existed in medical imaging.
* Be reminded that what you do every day in healthcare truly matters.

So, if you’ve ever felt unseen in your profession, if you’ve ever wondered what’s next in your career, or if you simply want to hear real conversations from people who get it — hit play.

Because in this podcast, we don’t just talk about radiology. We talk about the life, the growth, and the human side of being a radiology professional.

Subscribe today and join thousands of technologists, students, and healthcare pros who are finding motivation, career insight, and community every week on A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast.

About your host

Profile picture for Chaundria Singleton RT(R)(MR)(CT)

Chaundria Singleton RT(R)(MR)(CT)

As a Medical Imaging professional for over 20 years, I love sharing how relatable radiology is! I am a registered radiologic technologist with certifications in CT and MRI, a former MRI college instructor, radiology staffing owner and consultant, a children's book author, and a public speaker. This podcast is for the radiology and medical imaging profession!

I talk about career tips, yes, we talk money and salary too! How to become a rad tech, and how do you deal with feeling unseen and undervalued?

Thanks for watching and listening!