Burned Out? 5 Career Tools Every Imaging Technologist Should Know

A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your medical imaging career, you’re definitely not alone. I mean, who hasn’t looked around and thought, ‘Is this it?’ Well, buckle up because we’re diving into a conversation that’s going to shake up your perspective on career growth and professional development. Chaundria, host of A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast, reveals how the ASRT provides amazing resources that can help you pivot your career without the need for additional schooling or massive financial burdens. If you’ve been in the game for a while and are feeling burnt out or just plain confused about what’s next, this episode could be your game-changer.

We kick things off by discussing the perks of ASRT membership, and trust me, it’s not just about CEU credits! The ASRT offers professional development courses that cover everything from leadership skills to effective communication. Imagine being able to handle workplace conflicts with the finesse of a diplomat while also managing your time like a seasoned pro. These are not just skills for the workplace; they’re life skills that will boost your confidence and help you shine in your career. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to feel empowered at work?

But wait, there’s more! We also touch on the importance of networking and visibility in your field. The ASRT Leadership Academy is a fantastic opportunity for you to step into leadership roles and get your name out there. Plus, with their volunteer opportunities, you can shape the future of your profession. It’s all about taking the reins of your career and steering it in the direction you want. So, if you’re feeling a little lost in your career path, tune in to discover how to utilize the resources available to you to advocate for yourself and elevate your professional journey. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help guide you every step of the way!

Takeaways:

• If you're feeling stuck in your medical imaging job, remember that there are tons of unclaimed scholarships available to help you advance your education without going broke.
• Being a member of ASRT opens doors to amazing professional development courses that can help you pivot your career without the need for additional degrees.
• The ASRT offers tools that can help you negotiate your salary effectively, ensuring you get paid what you're truly worth in your field.
• Networking through ASRT's Leadership Academy and volunteering can significantly expand your professional footprint and open up new career opportunities you never knew existed.

Links referenced in this episode:

• asrt.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• ASRT

1. Introduction and Context

• Addressing radiologic technologists, medical imaging professionals, and radiation therapists
• Concerns about job satisfaction, career longevity, burnout, and uncertainty in the field
• The idea of “pivoting” one’s career after years in the profession
• The importance of strategizing and planning career moves, not just “showing up” for work

2. What Are Perks?

• Defining “perk” as an underutilized benefit of ASRT membership
• The idea that technologists often miss out on these perks due to lack of awareness or guidance

3. The Problem: Lack of Career Strategy in Medical Imaging

• Most professionals are trained to perform clinical work, not to think about long-term career strategy
• The realization that many techs have valuable, marketable skills beyond scanning patients
• The need for leveraging existing skills to avoid burnout and dead-ends

4. Five Game-Changing Perks of ASRT Membership

a. Professional Development Courses

• Not just about CEU credits—focus on leadership, communication, time management, and conflict resolution
• Development of credibility and influence without requiring an additional degree
• Examples of Skills Taught:
• Supervision
• Communication (verbal, non-verbal, written)
• Employment law
• Project management
• Conflict resolution
• Time management & prioritization
• Practical applications: qualifying for lead roles, supervisor, administrator, or project manager positions
• Building foundational leadership and interpersonal skills

b. Career Center and Salary Tools

• Importance of knowing your worth (salary estimator)
• Resume builder and job board for streamlining job search
• Career coaching support for negotiations and resume development
• Using data to advocate for fair compensation and career advancement

c. Leadership Academy & Volunteer Opportunities

• ASRT Leadership Academy for developing future leaders (structure, content, time commitment)
• Roles for increasing professional visibility:
• Serving on governance committees
• Becoming a subject matter expert
• Advocacy in legislative matters
• The impact of volunteering on networking and career growth
• Foundation Travel Grant (up to $3,000): enables attendance at conferences for networking, visibility, and learning

d. Scholarships and Grants

• Over $500,000 in scholarships/grants awarded annually (often underutilized)
• Awards available for all career stages, not just students
• Simplified application process, financial and professional growth support
• Grants are available for specialized roles, including for single parents and working technologists

e. Advocacy at State and Federal Level

• Importance of licensure for pay, respect, and professional protection
• ASRT’s role in advocating for the profession
• The collective impact on the entire field—not just individuals

5. Why All This Matters

• The necessity of being strategic early or right now for long-term career satisfaction and stability
• ASRT as a “career safety net” and a platform for growth
• Encouragement to use existing ASRT member perks instead of going into debt or starting over
• Personal challenge to explore and activate at least one ASRT perk

6. Call to Action and Closing

• Encouragement to join ASRT or log in and start using membership benefits
• Suggestion to select and try one perk for 2–4 weeks, share the experience with the host
• Reminder of the episode’s big message: “You didn’t enter this profession just to burn out or stagnate—use your resources!”