Happy Trails–8 Phoenix Paths and A.O.S. in RT Waypoints
Date: April 14, 2023
What do top Phoenix trails have in common with the Associate of Occupational Science in Radiologic Technology (A.O.S. in RT) degree? The range of short answers includes the following:
- Nature adventures and the A.O.S. in Radiologic Technology (A.O.S. in RT) course can be challenging—yet rewarding.
- Academic programs and hiking may require training and planning.
- Some programs and hikes may cause you to need additional “equipment.”
- Finally, like any good hike, a good career path is something you can be proud of. While you can take pictures along the way of both—one gets you blisters. The other gets you a diploma.
- Gurnick Academy has “moved” our online A.O.S. in RT course to the Phoenix area–nearby your favorite hike!
What Your Favorite Hike Might Have in Common with Our A.O.S. in RT Program
If hikes and education are your things, see our compass points below to learn what your favorite hike might reveal about your personality. See our chart of some commonalities with all things routes and imaging.
Phoenix Pathways |
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RT Waypoints |
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Tom’s Thumb Trail is a popular hiking area in the McDowell Mountain Range (within the Phoenix area). The trail leads up to a tall rock formation resembling a massive thumb sticking out of a mountain.1 The distance of the hike is four miles. For blue-sky vistas, we give it a “thumbs up!” |
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Q?: If you break your thumb, what imaging procedure will likely be used to diagnose it? A: We’re not suggesting you break your thumb, a.k.a. pollex or digitus primus manus. But if you do, X-rays are the fastest and easiest way for your doctor to view and assess bone fractures, injuries, or other joint abnormalities in this indispensable portion of your hand.2 |
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Pinnacle Peak is a granite summit just outside Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s named Pinnacle for a reason. For this adventure, remember the actual climb to the top is reserved for technical experts with gear.3 For the ordinary walker, there’s a path below with interpretive displays along the way. The hike’s distance is just under four miles roundtrip. |
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Q?: What is the pinnacle of success for a Radiologic Technology professional? A: Success can mean different things. There are various certifications and education levels for Radiologic Technologists. However, the highest level of education for a Radiologic Technologist is a master’s degree. |
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Papago Park Trails. This park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo and has eight different trails to choose from. Ultimately, the place is known for its rock formations. One trail, Hole in the Rock Trail, has an iconic hole large enough to stand up in.4 The cavity forms eclectic vistas and great photo ops. The hike’s distance is 0.9 miles out and back. Hidey-hole ahead! |
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Q?: What type of imaging requires one to go through a hole? A: During an MRI scan (a non-invasive imaging technique), one lies on a bed, then slides into a tunnel-like tube or scanner. This area is about 1.5 meters long, and one must lie very still while each picture is being taken and recorded.5 |
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Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is a central access point for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This trail offers short, accessible hiking areas that wander around and across a natural desert wash. Kids love to explore for wildlife along the path’s edges.6 The path’s distance is 4.4 miles (7.08 km). Bonus points—dogs are welcome on the hike, too. |
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Q?: Is diagnostic imaging used on animals? A: Yes. Imaging is transforming the way we diagnose Fido! Animals can be observed with a range of radiology and fluoroscopy, computed tomography, and even ultrasound.7 We think that is “dog-gone good!”
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Flatiron Summit is a towering peak in the Superstition Mountain Range. It is recommended for hikers that have trained in advance. “You need physical and mental stamina, something fierce to make it up and down this trail in one piece,” says one blogger. Yet it will “reward those who scale its heights with unbelievable views.”8 The distance of this hike is 2.6 miles (4.18 km). To successfully train for adventures such as this, begin by taking smaller trails or walking a bit every while building up endurance. Take it one step at a time! |
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Q?: What training is involved in the A.O.S. in RT degree? Is it difficult? A: Our A.O.S. RT Program length is 23 months.* Gurnick Academy’s course strives to develop students’ intellectual, analytical, critical-thinking, and performing skills for successful careers in diagnostic imaging. One should understand it’s a professional course requiring respect for academics. To successfully prepare for a course like this, begin by learning all you can about the human body and imaging equipment. Take it one class at a time! |
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Camelback Mountain, via Echo Canyon Trail, is one of Phoenix’s best hiking and rock-climbing destinations. Camelback offers the highest point and views of the metropolitan area. Furthermore, the area preserves a lot of native species unique to Phoenix.9 The distance of the hike is 2.5 miles (4.02 km) out and back. We’re not certain why it’s called Echo Canyon Trail. Maybe scream once or twice while on the path, and let us know what you hear. |
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Q?: Is there a type of imaging based on echos? A: Yes, it’s called an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The images and information produced are more detailed than standard X-ray images. Additionally, an echocardiogram does not expose one to radiation10 like other forms of imaging. This is not your common, everyday type of echo! |
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Piestewa Peak, a.k.a. Vianom Do’ag by the Tohono O’odham tribe, meaning Iron Mountain.11 The mount is also commonly called Squaw Peak. The hike’s distance is a little over one mile. While considered a favorite path, it’s a challenging trail. Providing panoramic views reviews state, “It’s a popular spot–yet it offers tranquility.”9 |
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Q?: Is being a Radiologic Technologist a popular career path? A: Imaging technologies are growing throughout the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field is expected to expand by approximately nine percent throughout the next decade.12 Over the next ten years, more than 20,800 openings for Radiologic Technologists are projected to open each year.12 Like Piestewa Peak, it’s a challenging career path offering many celebrated lifestyle and career options. |
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Mormon Trailhead to Fat Man’s Pass and Hidden Valley Trail. The Mormon Trailhead provides a short hike to Hidden Valley within South Mountain Park. There are several other routes through South Mountain to get to Hidden Valley and Fat Man’s Pass.13 The hike’s distance is 3.6 miles (5.79 km). Fat Man’s Pass is a very narrow path incorporated into the trail. Two big boulders that are very close together create a narrow pathway or tunnel for hikers.14 |
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Q?: Is it easier to imagine a large or thin person? A: Obese patients challenge imaging departments in their ability to obtain diagnostic-quality images and to perform image-guided interventions. These technical challenges include properly accommodating large patients on imaging equipment, adjusting equipment settings to address imaging limitations, and pre-planning and preparation for image-guided interventions to ensure safe and successful outcomes.15 |
All in all, we’ve stated the technical range, anticipated costs, and expected timeframes. We’ve even mapped out the educational pathway and verified the needed equipment. You determine your distance. You decide your level. You create your bucket list. We help you along the path.
Earning an A.O.S. in RT may be the best path you ever take–so let’s get going! Got trail mix, anyone?!~
*Indicates 94 Approved Instructional Weeks
Citations:
1 “Tom’s Thumb.” Modern Hiker. (Accessed April 3, 2023.)
2 —. “X-Ray (Radiography)–Bone.” Radiological Society of North America, Inc.Ⓒ (RSNA).Ⓒ April 15, 2022. (Accessed April 3, 2023.)
3 Czaplicki, Christopher. “Pinnacle Peak.” The Mountains Are Calling. March 8, 2018. (Accessed April 3, 2023.)
4 “Hike to the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park.” Outbound Collective.Ⓒ 2023. (Accessed April 3, 2023.)
5 “MRI Scanning.” PHA, Pulmonary Hypertension AssociationⒸ UK. (Accessed April 3, 2023.)
6 Lipps, Steven. “Lost Dog Wash.” McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, 2020. (Access April 4, 2023.)
7 “Diagnostic Imaging.” Associated Veterinary Specialists, Associated Veterinary Specialists.Ⓒ (Accessed April 4, 2023.)
8 Waitingforrain28. “Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail: So Steep, I Had to Take It Step by Step.” Nightborn Travel. Jan. 11, 2021. (Accessed April 4, 2023.)
9^a, b “Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail.” AllTrails.com, AllTrails, LLC.Ⓡ (Accessed April 4, 2023.)
10 “Echocardiogram: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine. (Accessed April 4, 2023.)
11 “Phoenix Mountains Preserve|Visit Phoenix.” Www.visitphoenix.com. Visit Phoenix. (Accessed April 5, 2023.)
12^a, b Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Radiologic and MRI Technologists. (Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.)
13 “Mormon Trailhead to Fat Man’s Pass and Hidden Valley Trail.” All Trails, AllTrails, LLC.Ⓒ June 14, 2014. (Accessed April 5, 2023.)
14 “Hidden Valley via Mormon Trial.” Modern Hiker. (Accessed April 4, 2023.)
15 Uppot, Raul N. “Technical Challenges of Imaging, Image-guided Interventions in Obese Patients.” British Journal of Radiology, Vol. 91, 1089 (2018). (Accessed April 4, 2023.)
Of Note:
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is not associated with the Radiological Society of North America, Inc.Ⓒ (RSNA).Ⓒ
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is not associated with the Outbound Collective.Ⓒ
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is not associated with Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK.Ⓒ
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is not associated with Associated Veterinary Specialists.Ⓒ
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is not associated with AllTrails, LLC.Ⓡ
