Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
📍 State: CA
🩻 Modality: X-Ray
👩⚕️ Role: Travel Tech
📆 Year Worked: 2020
⭐ Overall Rating: 2 / 5
🚐 Travel Friendly: Yes
🔁 Would Work Here Again: No
Summary -
I worked on the inpatient unit during the height of COVID, and it was one of the most physically demanding assignments I’ve had. I was hired specifically for inpatient (though it is possible to be hired for outpatient, which I would strongly recommend over inpatient).
The workload was extremely heavy. Most days, I would walk in and immediately be handed a dozen or more portable exams. The workflow was very repetitive: pick up a large stack of portables from the lead on one or two floors, complete all assigned exams, log in on the floors for add-on studies, then repeat. During COVID, these portable runs could easily last two hours or more, especially with the constant donning and doffing of PPE.
To the hospital’s credit, UCLA handled COVID precautions better than many facilities. Staff were actively monitoring PPE donning and doffing to ensure it was done correctly, which showed a real emphasis on safety. That said, the job itself was still incredibly taxing. After finishing portables, you’d return to the department to complete paperwork (usually another 15–20 minutes), only to be handed another full stack of portables and sent back out again.
This was essentially the entire shift, five days a week — long portable run after long portable run. While the staff was friendly and supportive, the role felt more like manual labor than diagnostic imaging work.
Overall, I would not return to this facility for inpatient work, as it was simply too physically demanding for my preference. However, I would consider coming back only for an outpatient position, which I believe would be a much more sustainable and balanced experience.
Disclaimer: This review reflects an individual’s personal experience and opinion and should not be interpreted as guarantees of working conditions. Experiences may vary by department, modality, leadership, and time period.