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:
The perks
You’d be a good candidate if you are…
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:
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:
There are Medical Imaging programs close by – Check them out!
The benefits
The pay
Radiologic Technologist (RAPTECH)
Ultrasound Technologist
Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NADTECH)
What careers are 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 CT 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.
Ultra Sound Technologist—uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce visual images of organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body. To become an Ultra Sound Technologist, you need a two-year associate’s degree from a college with an accredited Ultra Sound Technologist 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 because technologists use gamma rays injected into patients to convert energy into images. To become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, you need to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. You then need to acquire specialized training and certification. You must pass an exam to get your state license and certification.
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.