“In recent years, the increasing complexity of radiologic procedures and the continuing emphasis upon the elevation of prescribed standards of practice set forth by the Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection of New York State have made radiologic technology and medical imaging a highly specialized and sophisticated science requiring competently trained personnel” (City Tech). My name is Penelope Morales and I am a Radiologic Technology and Medical Imaging major student at City Tech. I am pursing an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Technology. The career I am looking to acquire after obtaining my AAS is as a radiologic technologist. I know this is the best career path for me because I am fascinated with how diagnostic imaging works; I have a desire to work in the medical field, and best of all, this career can lead to an array of specialty areas of practice to advance my career. In this essay, I will inform you on what radiologic technology and medical imaging is, what being a radiologic technologist entails and how my education at City Tech will get me there.

In this major, I will learn how to “be skilled in the academic and clinical components of radiologic technology, communicate effectively in a heath care setting and will formulate technique factors and demonstrate skills in critical thinking and problem- solving as required of a radiologic technologist” (City Tech). Upon graduation, my career options will range from being employed in hospitals to urgent care facilities as a radiologic technologist. I will also be “eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination for certification and New York State Licensure” (City Tech). I specifically want to use the education I receive at City Tech as a stepping-stone for a BS in this major or certification in a particular specialty.

This picture shows disc herniation causing spinal cord compression on my cervical spine. On the third disc down you can see protrusion.

Radiologic technology and medical imaging is a range of diagnostic imaging techniques, which includes X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonography. These techniques take pictures, which helps locate an injury or illness, and confirms that the diagnosis is correct. With the exception of sonography, radiation is used to capture these images. Radiologic technology is a mix of art and science, which fascinates me. The visuals produced from diagnostic imaging tell a story. The story behind these images can save or destroy a person’s life. For example, diagnostic imaging can see where a coin is located in a child’s nose or locate a tumor a patient knew nothing about.

This picture was taken, within two months after my transplant, of my Mom and I.

Being a cancer survivor has given me a newfound purpose in life and a part of that is my desire to work in the medical field. I know this is the right career path for me because I have the empathy this job requires. I have been in a similar health situation and can personally relate with patients I will encounter with day to day. The impact my medical care team had on me during my treatment left an imprint on my heart. They have inspired my passion for involvement in the patient and health care field. Having this medical platform will allow me to help, encourage and support individuals that are trying to find reasons behind their illness and sickness. With my newfound purpose, I appreciate and believe my time I have left on this earth is valuable. This career offers flexibility in its scheduling, from working part time or weekends, giving me more time to spend with friends and family.

Radiologic technologist, also known as X ray technologist, uses x-ray equipment to produce 2-D and 3-D images of inside the body. Radiologic technologists work very closely with patients. They explain what type of imaging is about to take place and answer any questions the patient may have. Then, the radiologic technologist positions the patient to create the best quality images as possible. To ensure the patient’s safety from radiation, the technologist provides a lead apron to the areas of the body not needed for the X-ray. “Once the imaging equipment is set up and turned on, the X-rays pass through the patient’s body to X-ray film underneath, creating an image the technologist then develops” (Wilson, par. 4). The images are then sent to the doctor (a radiologist) who reads the X-ray and provides a correct diagnosis. Beyond broken bones, X-rays also can take images of other parts of the body such as the abdomen and lungs. Aside from a radiologist technologist, there are other positions that contribute to this field and depending on specialty, are in high demand.

Starting a career as a radiologic technologist is just the beginning to an endless pool of opportunities. “Increases in medical technology have created many specialties in the radiological field” (Wilson par. 8). With further education, a radiologic technologist can advance their career in specialties such as sonography, CT and MRI. Sonography, or ultrasound, uses sound waves to create images. CT and MRI technology “are similar to those of radiologic technology except that they rely more on computers that work in conjunction with imaging equipment” (Wilson par. 12). There are also a number of post- primary specialties that are not limited to, but include mammography, bone densitometry and cardiovascular technology. With these vast specialized areas comes many benefits such as monetary, knowledge and professional gain. Technologists with more than one post primary specialty are highly desirable within the health care industry. If I were to pick a specialty, my interest would be in sonography. As a sonographer, I would focus on cardiovascular technology as a post secondary specialty. With this specialty I would like to perform echocardiograms, which are sonograms of the heart. Continuing my education at City Tech will bring me a step closer to having the career I desire.

City Tech’s Radiologic Technology Department’s trefoil image. This image is the symbol for radiation.

“City Tech’s comprehensive program provides students with the special knowledge and skills required for the practice of radiologic technology and medical imaging” (City Tech). My education at City Tech will prepare me to enter the field of radiologic technology as a qualified healthcare professional. Academic courses include but are not limited to human anatomy, radiographic physics and radiation safety. I will also learn how to use diagnostic imaging equipment to acquire images. Aside from the academics, I will receive hands- on clinical training at an off- site health care facility. This experience will allow me to practice my technical skills and communication with patients. It will also give me the opportunity to work with other heath care team members.

Seeing what is required of a radiologic technologist, are you interested? If so, having an interest in math and science is a plus and you have to stay focused. You will have to complete a set of pre-requisites before applying for the program. This program is very competitive and has limited seats. “Due to the high number of applicants to the clinical phase of the program in the past two years, the average GPA, for acceptance to the program has been approximately 3.5 or higher” (City Tech).   My advice would be to concentrate on your pre- requisites. Aim high and do not allow yourself to get a grade lower than a B. Remember why you chose this career. Whether you have a passion for helping people or are interested in professional growth within the radiologic field, your limitations in this major are based on your own abilities and interests. The array of radiologic technology to learn keeps this field exciting and new. The possibilities are endless.

Works Cited

New York City College of Technology (City Tech). “Radiologic Technology and Medical Imaging.” New York City College of Technology College Catalog 2014-2015. Web. 26 March 2015.

Wilson, Landice. “Examine a career in diagnostic imaging.” Career World. Apr/May98, Vol. 26 Issue 7, p21.3p. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1 April 2015.

Names: Mohammad A.Diakite

Section: ENG 1101, D371

Date: 05/11/15

College: NYCCT

PROJECT # 2

Exploring City Tech’s Mechanical Engineering Technology Major and a Career in The U.S Coast Guard.

I am Mohammad and I attend New York City College of Technology. My major is Mechanical Engineering Technology. For my career I plan to become a U.S. Coast Guard Officer with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. These are the best career choices for me because Engineers and Coast Guard Officers are needed worldwide. The Coast Guard Officer Job is related to my favorite hobby, which is swimming, and it is related to Homeland Security, which is what I have always dreamed of doing. Engineering is ranked one of the most employed careers in the United States. It also has one of the best pay rates in the country and even in other countries.Based on those criteria, I think I have a better chance of success in this field. In this essay, I will first write about the requirements to become a successful college student with a Mechanical Engineering Technologydegree. I will then write about the jobs available in the market for mechanical engineers.Lastly, I will write abouthow a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology will help me boost my chance in the Coast Guard and what is the duty of a mechanical engineer in the US Coast Guard.

As a Mechanical Engineer at New York City College of Technology, we learn how to use machines to make our products and how to use the proper softwares for our drawings and machine designs. According to the New York City College of Technology catalog, “A balanced curriculum provides a solid foundation in the scientific and mathematical principles on which mechanical design is used, as well as ample hands on experience in our well-equipped laboratories”. As a City Tech student, I want to be able to use the machines that I need for my major accurately and advantageously. For example, the lathe, the horizontal and vertical milling machine, the drilling machine and the CNC machine, etc. After triumphantly completing my bachelor degree at New York City College of Technology, there are morechances that I would be employed in an Engineer-based company like Verizon, Con Edison and many more. Although it was not stated in the catalog, a degree in Mechanical Engineering will boost my chances of being in the United States Coast Guard program since they also seek engineers to work for them.

The job market for mechanical engineering is wide. Mechanical engineers are known for inventing, making, repairing, and testing tools, machines, and many more. Basedon the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic, “Mechanical engineers generally work in professional office settings. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. In most settings, they work with other engineers, engineering technicians, and other professionals as part of a team.” People think of mechanical engineers as people in an auto shop although it is more like an office job where they spent most of the time drawing or inventing things in the computer. According to the “Engineer Salaries: Good News, So-So News” article by Robert Beverly, “The good news for young engineers is, once we get into the intra-engineering competition for employment, mechanical engineering projects the second-largest amount of projected job openings at 99,600”. Competitive companies like Verizon, Con Edison, car companies and many more are seeking mechanical engineers because they are the ones to create and make something unique for the company and make the company a more competitive and productive company. For example, the competition between the Apple Incorporation and Android Incorporation is huge. They are both seeking mechanical engineers who know how to use the most recent softwares to make the designs. Thisis why they are looking for mechanical engineers who have recently graduated college since they have a more innovative mind, modern knowledge, proficiency in the latest technology and the skillset. The companies’ future depends on these engineers to make their products better than any other companies that they are competing with. In order for these companies to stay in the market competition, they need to update their engineers or hire new ones. This means that the more recent you get your bachelor degree, the better chance you have in the industry. As soon as you get your degree, you have to get hired or your chances of finding a job decreases.

Being a part of the United States Coast Guard is my number one dream. After successfully completing my Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, I have a better chance to become a Coast Guard Officer because I have a higher level of education. On top of that I am an engineer. As I mentioned before, they are seeking mechanical engineer like any other competitive companies out there. Based on the U.S Coast Guard Career website, mechanical engineers are needed in the Coast Guard to become Machinery Technician which is also called MK’s. “MK’s maintain engineering systems at virtually every Coast Guard unit and actively participate in operational missions. Technical training and experiences obtained are comparable with occupations in commercial engineering and law enforcement field”. Most people enter to become a Coast Guard immediately after obtaining a High school diploma while I am planning to enter after I receive my bachelor’s degree, so that my chances of being hired for that position is greater. Mechanical engineers are necessary to ensure all equipment work perfectly and if there is a problem with an equipment, there is someone present to resolve the problem. Without the equipment working properly, Coast Guard Officers would not be properly equip and able to protect our borders as they are today.

Studying Mechanical Engineering Technology at City Tech plays an integral role in my career. This major boosts my chances of entering the United States Coast Guard. Mechanical Engineering involves designing and manufacturing products, buildings, etc and at City Tech, with our well equipped Laboratory, our faculties help us design and make some products from small individual parts and devices to large systems. It helps us prepare for the real world out there. These large systems are used in the society. In the Mechanical Engineering field, knowledge, understanding, creativity, innovation and a broad range of skills are necessary in order to be successful and at City Tech, based on the City Tech catalog, “The Mechanical Engineering Technology program provides the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for success in a broad range of technical career”. These aspects correlate with the core values of being a Coast Guard. Both fields show me that I am needed in the society which is what I dreamt of accomplishing all of my life. Serving the community does not only impact myself but it also has a positive role on the society.

In conclusion, as a Mechanical Engineer student at City Tech, all I can say is that I made the right decision on choosing this major. I do not have a second thought on choosing another major because Mechanical Engineering Technology is the only major I can see myself comfortably fitting into. My only desire when I began college was to have hands on experience and I am getting the hands on experience every time I attend City Tech which helps me to learn and succeed. If you are tactile and like to beinvolved in designing and manufacturing products, buildings, etc.then Mechanical Engineering Technology is the right major for you at City Tech. Based on my research, Mechanical Engineers are increasingly needed, so finding a job after getting a bachelor degree should not be difficult. At City Tech, although you are enrolled for a bachelor program in Mechanical Engineering Technology, you have the ability to receive an associate degree while pursuing your bachelor degree. This option was organized by the department to promote working at a job in the Mechanical Engineering field while attending college. It gives you more knowledge and better chances of success.Anyone who is unwilling to get their hands dirty, should reconsider if this is the right field for them. Although we spent most of our time drawing in the computer, we sometimes make those drawings in the lab, and that requires a lot of dirty work. Engineers turn ideas into reality.

 Work cited

New York City College of Technology (City Tech). “Mechanical Engineering Technology”. New York City College of Technology College catalog 2014-2015.Web.30 April 2015.

United States. “Mechanical Engineering Technology.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2015 Edition. Web. 30 April 2015.

Robert,  Beverly. “Engineer Salaries: Good News, So-So News.” Editor’s Note(August 2013). 0891-9976. EBSCO HOST. Web. 06 May 2015.

United States. “Mechanical Technician” Coast Guard. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. United States Coast Guard, 2015 Edition.Web. 30 April 2015.

New York City College of Technology (City Tech). “Mechanical Engineering Technology”. New York City College of Technology College catalog 2014-2015.Web.30 April 2015.