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Medical imaging technology is a science combiningadvanced technology and human compassion. Medicalimaging technologists use their knowledge of physics, humananatomy, and physiology to create permanent medicalimages. This profession requires a dependable personalitywith a mature and caring nature. Medical imaging servicesare offered in various settings such as hospitals, healthcarefacilities, physicians’ offices, mobile imaging companies,industrial plants, research centers, and government agencies.Commercial sales and marketing positions are also availablein the field.

People in this profession may specialize in a particular areaor pursue careers as educators, researchers, consultants, oradministrators. The constant growth in this field has createdmany new and exciting career opportunities. There areseveral choices to make when considering a career inmedical imaging technology.

Salaries vary nationwide; however, the range is usuallyreflective of training, education, demand, and experience.Employment opportunities are available throughout the worldand offer medical imaging technologists flexible work situationsto accommodate various lifestyles and needs. Admissionrequirements for education programs vary; however, highschool graduation is usually required and basic math andscience skills are important. Upon completion of an accred-ited program, the graduate is eligible for certification in thefield of medical imaging technology. To obtain a list ofaccredited educational programs contact:

Joint Review Committee on Education in RadiologicTechnology (JRCERT)20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850Chicago, IL 60606-3182Phone: (312) 704-5300E-mail: mail@jrcert.orgwww.jrcert.org

Career Opportunities

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management is a resourceand catalyst for the development of professional leadership in medicalimaging management. To find out more, please contact:

© 2010, AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management

490-B Boston Post Road, Suite 200, Sudbury, MA 01776ph: 800-334-2472 · fax: 978-443-8046info@ahraonline.org · www.ahraonline.org

The term diagnostic radiography is used todescribe a variety of radiographicor x-ray examinations. Most people arefamiliar with chest x-rays and also know thatx-rays are the best way to diagnose brokenbones. The radiographer performs theseprocedures as well as procedures thatrequire the use of contrast agents that makeit possible to study organs that otherwise

Radiographer

Most employers require certification as a radiographer by the American Registry ofRadiologic Technologists (ARRT). State licensure may be required.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

� 4 year baccalaureate degree program� 2 year associate degree program� 2 year hospital certificate program

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

cannot be seen on x-rays. Radiographers are valued members of the healthcare team.Through a blend of classroom and clinical training, students learn radiographicequipment operation, patient positioning techniques, radiation safety, and patientcare.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESCareer opportunities vary atthis level. Positions areavailable in hospitals, imagingcenters, private medicaloffices, sales, research, andcommercial areas.

Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist

Computed tomography (CT) technologists areresponsible for taking detailed cross sectionalimages of the internal structures of the humanbody. They are able to do this with advancedcomputerized x-ray equipment. These membersof the healthcare team work closely with radi-ologists to provide radiographic studies thatassist with patient diagnosis and treatment.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSThis is not an entry-level position. Courses are available through community collegesand commercial sources that give specialized training in CT scanning. This training pre-pares certified radiographers for an advanced certification test in CT scanning adminis-tered by the ARRT. Most employers require, as a minimum, certification as a radiogra-pher by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). State licensure maybe required.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSOn the job training is often offered to experienced medical radiographers who exhibitcompetence in their field and have a genuine desire to learn and advance theircareers. This is usually a career ladder position for those who have worked as a radi-ographer.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESOpportunities for CTtechnologists are available inhospitals, imaging centers,mobile imaging companies,sales, applications, andmarketing.

Diagnostic Medical SonographerA diagnostic medical sonographer combines creativity with advanced knowledge of humananatomy and advanced ultrasound imaging equipment to produce images of the humanbody. Sonographers use high frequency sound waves (much like sonar) to demonstrate bodystructures and organs. These images assist the physicians in the diagnosis and treatment ofmedical conditions. The sonographer must be able to work independently to provide highquality images. Experience in radiologic technology is often desired by employers. Employeeswho exhibit competence in their current area of specialization may be trained on the job.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMost employers require certification from the American Registry of Diagnostic MedicalSonographers (ARDMS). Specific requirements for certification may be obtained by contacting:ARDMS51 Monroe Street, Plaza East OneRockville, MD 20850-2400Phone: (800) 541-9754www.ardms.org

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS� 4 year baccalaureate degree program� 2 year associate degree program� 1 year certificate program

A list of educational programs can be obtained through the Society of Diagnostic MedicalSonographers (SDMS):2745 N. Dallas Pkwy, Suite 350Plano, TX 75093-8730Phone: (800) 229-9506www.sdms.org

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESCareer opportunities areavailable in hospitals, imagingcenters, educationalinstitutions, private medicaloffices, clinical research labs,sales and marketing.Sonographers may work indepartments of radiology,cardiology, obstetrics, andvascular imaging.

Mammographer

Mammographers use ionizing radiation to produceimages of the breast for screening, diagnosis, andtreatment purposes. A mammographer is responsiblefor creating a clear image that can be read by aradiologist, oncologist, etc, to make an accurate diag-nosis. Even routine mammograms can be stressful forpatients. Therefore, mammographers must be profi-cient in making the patient as comfortable as possiblethroughout the process.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMost employers require advanced certification in mammography by the American Registry ofRadiologic Technologists (ARRT). State licensure may be required.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSThis is not an entry-level position and experience in radiologic technology, sonography, or ultra-sound is often required. Courses are available through community colleges and commercialsources that give specialized training in mammography. This training prepares certified radiog-raphers for an advanced certification test in mammography, administered by the ARRT.Employees who exhibit competence in their current area of specialization may be trained onthe job.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESCareer opportunities areavailable in hospitals,imaging centers, educationalinstitutions, private medicaloffices, clinical researchlabs, sales, and marketing.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear medicine technologists are specialized members of the imaging healthcareteam. They perform procedures that analyze both the anatomy and physiology of thehuman body. These procedures involve administering a radioactive drug to thepatient and then analyzing the distribution and concentration of that radioactive drugwith gamma cameras. Nuclear medicine technologists also administer radioactivedrugs to treat certain cancers.

Some nuclear medicine technologists specialize in a clinical area called positronemission tomography (PET). Technologists specializing in PET operate a special imag-ing device that produces 3-D images of the human body.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMost employers require certification by a national credentialing body, either theAmerican Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear MedicineTechnologist Certification Board (NMTCB). In many instances state licensure may alsobe required.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS� 4 year baccalaureate degree program� 2 year associate degree program� 2 year hospital-based certificate program� 1 year certificate program (after training in a related field)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESCareer opportunities areavailable in hospitals,imaging centers, educationalinstitutions, private medicaloffices, clinical researchlabs, sales, and marketing.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist

MRI technologists use radio waves, powerfulmagnets, and computers to create images ofthe body. Technologists who work in this fieldmust have good computer skills and a strongknowledge of cross sectional human anatomy.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMost employers require certification as a radiographer by the American Registry ofRadiologic Technologists (ARRT). State licensure and advanced certification may berequired.

EDUCATION PROGRAMSThis is not an entry-level position and experience in radiologic technology is oftenrequired. Courses are available through community colleges and commercial sourcesthat give specialized training in MRI scanning. This training prepares certified radiogra-phers for an advanced certification test in MRI scanning, administered by the ARRT.Employees who exhibit competence in their current area of specialization may betrained on the job.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESOpportunities for MRItechnologists are available inhospitals, imaging centers,mobile imaging companies,sales, applications, andmarketing.

Special Procedure Technologist

Special procedure technologists work closely with physicians in evaluating and treat-ing certain diseases. They use specialized x-ray equipment to study the blood vesselsof the body. These technologists also assist physicians who perform procedures towiden narrowed blood vessels. This fast-paced specialty requires quick and some-times independent thinking and an advanced knowledge of human anatomy. Thetechnologist must also be able to handle sophisticated x-ray, computer, image pro-cessing, and patient -monitoring equipment.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMost employers require certification as a radiographer by the American Registry ofRadiologic Technologists (ARRT). State licensure may be required.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS� Three month to one year certificate programs are available to those individuals whoare trained and certified as radiographers.

�On the job training as part of a career ladder program is often available forexperienced radiographers displaying a desire to advance and learn new technologies.

ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONSMany employers require advanced certification by accrediting body (eg, ARRT) in spe-cialty if applicable.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESOpportunities as a specialprocedure technologist areavailable mainly in a hospitalsetting. Special proceduretechnologists may also workin sales, applications,marketing, or on mobile vansystems.

Radiation Therapist

The radiation therapist is responsible for treating patients with a radiation beam or source.This healthcare professional will also assist the radiation oncologist with the set up anddosage that the patient will receive during the treatment. Radiation therapy patients aretreated for cancer, and the therapist who works with the patients usually develops a special,supportive relationship with the patient and family members. Radiation therapists must pos-sess a high degree of sensitivity and caring in addition to excellent technical skills.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMost employers require certification in radiation therapy by the American Registry ofRadiologic Technologists (ARRT). State licensure may also be required.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

� 4 year baccalaureate degree program� 2 - 3 year associate degree program withspecial consideration given to registeredradiologic technologists

� 2 year hospital based certificate program� 1 year certificate program after completionof an American Medical Association certifiedradiography program

Currently the following programs are available; however, it is possible that in the future, a bac-calaureate degree will be required.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESAreas of opportunitiesinclude hospitals, free-standing clinics, research,sales, and marketing.

Radiology Nurse

Radiology nurses work as part of the radiol-ogy team to provide specialized and routinenursing care to patients in the radiologydepartments. Radiology nurses may work inspecial procedures, breast imaging, CT scan,general radiology, or any area in whichpatients need specialized nursing care.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSThis is not an entry-level position. Most employers require certification in critical care,advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and conscious sedation.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS� 4 year baccalaureate degree program (nursing science)� 3 year degree program� 2 year associate degree program

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESOpportunities for radiologynurses are available inhospitals, imaging centers,sales, applications, andmarketing.

Radiology Information Systems (RIS) Specialist

Radiology information systems (RIS) specialistsare responsible for implementing, maintaining,and updating radiology information computersystems. Working with radiology staff, theyoversee the computer systems that provideinformation about patient exams, results, andhistories.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSThis is not an entry-level position. Some experienced employees who exhibit compe-tence in computers may be trained and promoted. Most employers require computertraining and/or radiology experience.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS� 4 year baccalaureate degree program (computer science)� 2 year associate degree program (computer science)� Vendor training

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESOpportunities for RISspecialists are available inhospitals, imaging centers,sales, applications, andmarketing.

Picture Archival and Communication Systems(PACS) Administrator

Picture archival and communication systems (PACS) administrators are responsible forimplementing, maintaining, and updating radiologic PACS. Working with radiologystaff, they oversee the computer systems that provide images and information aboutpatient exams, results, and histories. PACS connect to different radiographic andimaging equipment and make images produced on that equipment available toauthorized users.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSThis is not an entry-level position. Some experienced employees who exhibit compe-tence in computers may be trained and promoted. Most employers require computertraining and/or radiology experience.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS� 4 year baccalaureate degree program (computer science)� 2 year associates degree program (computer science)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESOpportunities for PACSadministrators areavailable in hospitals,imaging centers, sales,applications, andmarketing.

Radiologist Assistant (RA)

Radiologist assistants (RAs) function as radiologictechnologists who extend the capacity of the radiol-ogist, falling between the role of radiologist andradiographer. RAs manage and assess patients,perform certain imaging procedures, evaluateimages, and make image observations.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS� 4 year baccalaureate degree program� 2 year associate degree program� 2 year hospital certificate program

This is not an entry-level position and certification as a radiographer by the AmericanRegistry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is required. State licensure may be required.This training prepares certified radiographers for an advanced certification test toobtain RA certification, administered by the ARRT.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESOpportunities for RAs areavailable in hospitals,imaging centers, sales,applications, andmarketing.

Radiology Practitioner Assistant (RPA)

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS� 4 year baccalaureate degree program� 2 year associate degree program� 2 year hospital certificate program

Radiology practitioner assistants (RPAs) supplementthe radiologist. RPAs perform the same proceduresas radiologic technologists, as well as invasiveimaging procedures. RPAs also evaluate images,prepare reports for the radiologist, and assist inmanagerial durties.

This is not an entry-level position. Most employers require certification as a radiogra-pher by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). State licensure maybe required. Must be a graduate of a Certification Board for Radiology PractitionerAssistants (CBRPA) recognized educational program and successfully pass the CBPRAcertification exam. Specific requirements for certification may be obtained by contactingCBRPA:225 Dupont St, P.O. Box 1626,Lander, WY 82520Phone: (307) 335-5201www.cbrpa.org

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESOpportunities for RPAsare available in hospitals,imaging centers, sales,applications, andmarketing.

Management/Education/MarketingRadiologic technologists may also progress to different levels of opportunity in the areas ofeducation, management, and marketing. Positions are available as department directors andsupervisors as well as education program directors. Some may choose to seek positions usingtheir imaging experience in sales, marketing, or consulting with a medical oriented business.Others who gain a bachelors degree and go on to pursue a masters degree in health adminis-tration may choose to seek a position as a hospital administrator, a vice president in a hospi-tal, or a manager of a business for radiologists. Most people in management positions hireand supervise all non-physician employees. They develop strategic plans, prepare budgets,and investigate and implement future technologies. Most universities require radiology educa-tors who teach on a bachelors level (or higher) and have a masters in education and/or mas-ters in radiology science. This is also a new requirement for all radiology technology programdirectors.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS�Masters in business administration, masters inhealth administration, master of science inradiologic science administration and/oreducation� 4 year baccalaureate degree program

� 2 year associate degree program� 2 year hospital based certificate program�Many careers are based on a minimumbaccalaureate degree with experience in anarea of special interests

For information about becoming a Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) or for job listings, contact:AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management490-B Boston Post Road, Suite 200Sudbury, MA 01776800/334-2472www.crainfo.orgwww.ahraonline.org

ADVANCED CERTIFICATION

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESSeveral career levels existdepending on education andexperience. Positions areavailable in hospitals, privatebusinesses, large corporations,research, and colleges.