Radiologic or x-ray technology is one type of medical imaging career.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the creation of 3.2 million new jobs in the health care industry from 2008 through 2018. One segment of the industry estimated to grow by 16 to 18 percent during this time frame is medical imaging. Professionals who work in this field use specialized equipment to create pictures of interior structures within patients' bodies that doctors use to diagnose illnesses, diseases and injuries.
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists operate machinery that emits invisible radiation, which create images of bones, muscles and other tissues. Sometimes called x-ray techs, professionals in the field often specialize in performing one type of testing, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography or mammography. To work in the field, a certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree is necessary with educational programs typically requiring 21 months to four years of study to complete. Because radiologic technologists use radiation as a part of their daily jobs, the federal government mandates that states license or certify all techs before they work with patients independently. Though licensing requirements vary from state to state, a written examination or skills test is generally required. As of May 2008, technologists averaged annual salaries of $53,230, according to the BLS.
Diagostic Medical Sonographer
Often referred to as ultrasound technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers perform tests using a transducer device, which is a hand-held device that emits sound waves. Technologists apply a layer of conductive jelly to the part of a patient's body being tested and then presses the transducer against the jelly. As images appear, technologists capture them in still photographs and/or through recording live video or digital images. Sonographers may specialize in a specific field type of imaging like obstetrical and gynecological ultrasounds or neurosonography (producing images the brain, spinal cord). Most sonographers earn either two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degrees in the field though a small number of educational programs last only one year and result in a certificate. Licensing is not required in any state to work in the field. The average annual salary of diagnostic medical sonographers was $62,660 as of May 2008, reports the BLS.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists administer injections or oral or inhaled doses of drugs called radiopharmaceuticals into patients and then use equipment that emits gamma rays to create images. Rather than photographing the structure of internal organs, these tests create pictures of chemical processes occurring in organs like the heart or brain. For professionals who already have post-secondary education in a field like radiologic technology or sonography, one-year certificate programs in nuclear medicine technology are offered as hospitals or post-secondary institutions. Those with no previous medical training typically complete two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degrees in the field. As of 2008, half of the states in the United States required licensing for nuclear medicine technologists, explains the BLS. The criteria for these licenses differs from each state, but usually involves the successful completion of a written examination. The average annual salary for nuclear medicine technologists was $67,480 as of May 2008, according to the BLS.
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