Review basic biomedical and physiological terms if you're in a technician program. Read radiology journals to prepare yourself to succeed in any type of program. Learn what advances have been made in the field if you've been out of school for a few years. Ask for copies of past publications by your teachers to learn about their interests before you start classes.
Prepare yourself mentally for stress and little free time. Most programs will have you alternating between seminars and laboratory work for 8 hours every weekday, and then you'll have to study and prepare for oral and written exams afterwards. Consider taking up a hobby such as yoga or jogging to stay fit and relax.
Make friends with your classmates and organize study sessions to prepare for your first school examinations. Success on these early tests will set the tone for the remainder of the program, while failing them could lead to expulsion from the course or force you to repeat the year.
Pay attention to how the doctors work with difficult patients once you start hospital observations. Remember that you're a professional and must ensure that everyone gets proper care, regardless of their physical, mental or behavioral problems. Let your supervisor know if you're encountering serious issues with a patient.
Monitor the levels of radiation and emissions from your equipment when you're working in the laboratory. Ask your supervisor if you can run the radiology tools at the lowest levels when you first start working with them. Go for monthly toxin screenings to ensure that your health doesn't suffer from working with the elements in the labs.
Get help from your peers and professors for your American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exams. Find out in which states your certification will allow you to work and what other licenses are needed in other areas. Remember to renew your licenses when they expire.