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Medical Imaging
What's Medical Imaging all about?
Medical Imaging professionals are responsible for providing quality images to the Radiologist. It is up to us to figure out the best way to position patients so we can get an image for the Radiologist to use to make a diagnosis.
Depending upon the area we work in, we might:
- Use radiation (or some other energy source) to produce images of the body
- Position patients properly on the table and operate equipment
- Calculate exposure factors of time, distance voltage and current
- Administer chemical mixtures by mouth or injection
- Communicate with other health care practitioners
The perks
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You'd be a good candidate if you are...
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What are the careers in Medical Imaging?
Medical Imaging is a dynamic profession that has grown significantly over the past 20 years. You can specialize in one area or you can practice in as many "modalities" (specialty areas) as you want, as long as you have a license for that modality. Here are a few of the careers available in Medical Imaging:
Medical Imaging Technologist—uses radiation or some other energy source to produce images of the body. If they need a simple one-dimensional image, the technologist may choose an x-ray. But if they need cross-sectional images, they'll choose C.T. or MRI. To become a Medical Imaging Technologist, you need a two-year associate's degree. You'll also need to acquire specialized training and certification. To get your state license, you need to pass an exam.
Sonographer—uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce visual images of organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body. To become a Sonographer, you need a two-year associate's degree from a college with an accredited Sonography program. And then you need to acquire specialized training and certification. You must pass an exam to get your license.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist—one of the most interesting careers in Medical Imaging. Nuclear Medicine Technologists inject radioactive tracers into patients then use special scanners to image different organ systems using gamma rays emitted by the patient. Nuclear Medicine training programs require a bachelor's or associate's degree for admission with a national certification exam after graduation. You must pass an exam to get your state license and certification.
There are Medical Imaging programs close by—
Check them out!
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Opportunities outside the hospital setting
Medical Imaging professionals can work in many other places besides hospitals. Here are just a few examples of other places you can work:
- Physicians' offices
- Diagnostic imaging centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Medical sales
- Product development
Lots of career growth
Jobs for Medical Imaging professionals will grow faster than most other jobs because of advances made in diagnosis, testing and treatment over the last few years. The aging population and the increase in the number of medical tests, treatments and procedures performed each year will create even more demand.
The pay
| Medical Imaging Technologist | Nuclear Medicine Technologist |
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| Sonographers | |
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The benefits
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Want to learn more?
Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologists
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
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