Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Several months ago I was layed off for the second time in 5 years from
non-profit management positions.  I wanted something steady and always
enjoyed pharmacy and an intrigued by the hospital setting.  BTW - I am 47
years old.  I enrolled at Lincoln Tech (LTI)in the tech program and am doing
very well and find it interesting.

In my area all the hospitals hire either experienced techs or from LTI.  No
off the street hires at any level.

What do you think of the Tech profesion and see for salary and advancement
options?  I think I would be bored long term and the salary is about half
what I was making although I live basically and the money is ok to support
myself and family.

One last  ... 15 years ago I had a stupid misdemeanor arrest for a
nonviolent, nontheft, and nondrug related incident.  Not even a traffic
ticket before or since.  Will this be a problem for a hospital position or
registration?

What options for advancement would you consider?  Any other areas the
hospital might pay for education in?