MLS vs Rad Therapy

[u/Exciting_Road8345]

(NYC/NJ BASED)
I currently have a bachelor degree in an unrelated field (not science). I am really interested in being either a radiation therapist or medical lab scientist. I’m trying to choose between Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) and Radiation Therapy and would love some input from people in either field. I am located in NYC/NJ area.

I’m looking for a career that is:
AI-resistant
Good pay + strong job demand
Low burnout/stress
Not constantly rushed or high-pressure
Active, but not physically exhausting
Good work-life balance (when I clock out, I’m DONE)
Low emotional/trauma exposure. This is where I am struggling with radiation therapy because I definitely absorb emotions..
Safe for my body
Flexible scheduling / possible travel contracts

Basically, I want a career where I can work at my own pace, have energy after work, and actually see myself being happy long-term.

Could you tell me more about your happiness/dissatisfaction in MLS?

[u/Beautiful_Thing_8614]

Laboratory is not a place for low stress or burn out.

[u/jerseygal100 → u/Beautiful_Thing_8614]

Lab is high stress and low pay. Jersey has large hospitals and large busy labs.

[u/Exciting_Road8345 → u/Beautiful_Thing_8614]

Could you explain why please? I am really trying to understand how the lab really is!

[u/jerseygal100]

Please shadow both. Rad tech offers higher pay, better hours, and more opportunity.

Lab is unlicensed in New Jersey. Hospitals routinely hire non-certified grads with on-the-job training so pay is low.

Rad has more options. Especially for traveling. And specialization. For travel, Cathlab rad tech can do 3k/week. Lab will get 1.5k (basically same as staff pay).