John Muir Health logo
  • Patients
    About MyChart
    Locating Patients
    Medicare
    New Patients
    Payment & Insurance
    Physician Open Payments Notice
    Preparing for Surgery
    Pre-Register for a Visit
    Registration & Forms
    Request a Health Record
    Security Center
    Video Visits
    Why Choose Us
  • Services
    Addiction Medicine
    Behavioral Health
    Cancer
    Cardiovascular Services
    Digestive Health
    Emergency Services
    Lab Services
    Medical Imaging
    Neurosciences
    Orthopedics
    Pediatrics
    Physical Rehabilitation
    Pregnancy & New Parent
    Primary Care
    Urgent Care
    ALL SERVICES
  • Education
    Classes, Screenings & Support Groups
    Clinical Trials
    Conditions & Treatments
    Health & Wellness
  • Health Professionals
    Careers
    Clinical Research
    Family Medicine Residency Program
    John Muir Medical Group
    Medical Staff
    Nursing
    Pharmacy Residency Program
    Resources
    Training & Education
    Video & Publication Center
  • About Us
    Annual Reports
    Awards & Recognition
    Board of Directors
    Community Commitment
    Employers, Brokers, & Health Plans
    Executive Team
    Make a Gift
    Mission & Vision
    Partnerships
    Media Center
MyChart Login
  • Find a location
  • Find a doctor
  • Pay a bill
  • Find a job
✕

Latest information on COVID-19 >

Medical Imaging

Is it in your DNA?

  1. Home
  2. Get Involved
  3. Careers
  4. Career Education
  5. Career Education - Medical Imaging
Career Education
  • Career Education - Laboratory Services
  • Career Education - Medical Imaging
  • Career Education - Pharmacy
  • Career Education - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Career Education - Registered Nurse
  • Career Education - Respiratory Therapy
  • Career Education - Surgical Services

What’s Medical Imaging all about?   

Download this information

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

  • Fulfilling—Make a difference every day
  • Never a dull moment!
  • Work with a variety of patients
  • Work with other health care professionals
  • Work with the latest in technology
  • You can have a flexible schedule

You’d be a good candidate if you are…

  • Great with people
  • Intelligent
  • Not afraid to take initiative
  • Comfortable with your mechanical ability
  • Good with your hands
  • Empathetic
  • A great team player
  • Flexible and adaptable

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

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

There are Medical Imaging programs close by – Check them out!

  • Cabrillo College
  • Canada College
  • City College of San Francisco
  • Foothill Community College
  • Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Services
  • Merritt College
  • Peninsula Hospital

The benefits

  • Health care benefits
  • Retirement benefits—including a pension!
  • Paid-time off
  • Flexible schedules
  • Employee discounts
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Hospital-sponsored degree completer programs

The pay 

Radiologic Technologist (RAPTECH)

  • Hourly pay $39 to $53
  • Annual pay $81,900 to $111,300

Ultrasound Technologist

  • Hourly pay $46 to $63
  • Annual pay $96,000 to $131,000

Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NADTECH)

  • Hourly pay $48 to $65
  • Annual pay $100,755 to $103,000

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.

Want to learn more?
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
  • American Society of Radiologic Technologists
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
  • Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Hi! I'm here to help answer your questions.
Chat
ABOUT
About Us
Board of Directors
Executive Team
Awards & Recognition
Partnerships
Community Commitment
Employers, Brokers & Health Plans
NEWS & PRESS
Media Center
Annual Reports
GET INVOLVED
Careers
Volunteer
Make a Gift
CONTACT
Email Us
PRIVACY
Patient Privacy
Website Privacy
Terms of Use
Security Center
Follow Us

© John Muir Health All rights reserved.

John Muir Health is accredited by The Joint Commission. 

We use cookies to measure website traffic and personalize content for a better browsing experience. By using this website, you consent to our cookies. For more details, see our Website Privacy Policy.