“I’ve been applying everywhere to hospitals and clinics. A lot of clinics are opening up, so it’s getting better, but it’s still kind of in a standstill.”
36 2011
DIANA ROSSETTI has so many thoughts about her future. She always wanted to go into the medical field and found her fit in the Radiation Therapy Program at Manhattan College. The Brooklynite plans to take the New York State boards for licensure, which she needs to be a registered technologist in therapy, this summer. A cousin had suggested she consider the field and the College, but when her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent radiation therapy treatments, Diana discovered a side of science she could really pursue. She would like to work in a hospital or clinic. She likes the environment of a clinic more but recognizes the benefits of working in a hospital. As part of the program, Diana interned for two years at Beth Israel Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian and Flushing Radiation Oncology, a private clinic, which consists of working five days a week for eight hours a day. She took classes at night, and even managed to be on the swim team. In 10 years, Diana hopes to be a supervisor or senior therapist, or even in X-rays — another interest — or possibly becoming a physician assistant. She’d like to get a master’s possibly in public health or an M.B.A. at some point, too. She has lots of ideas about what she wants to do and is still working them all out. With many ideas come some concerns. For one, there is some danger of exposure when working in radiation. But also, and quite prominently, there aren’t many jobs open, and Diana has been finding that most places are not hiring. “Right now, hospitals aren’t really hiring, but I’ve been applying everywhere to hospitals and clinics,” she says. “A lot of clinics are opening up, so it’s getting better, but it’s still kind of in a standstill.” One option she’s considering is volunteering at a hospital. It’s unpaid, but it can help Diana get her foot in the door.