Diagnostic Technology and Imaging
What it is
Diagnostic technology and
jobs in medical imaging
involve several procedures that help health workers diagnose disease. Ultrasound technicians use special equipment to take pictures of internal organs. Radiologic technicians take and analyze X-rays, and cardiovascular technicians identify heart or blood problems in patients.
EKG technicians attach electrodes to the patient’s body and operate EKG machines for medical imaging to detect and record the impulses transmitted by the heart during and between heartbeats. Nuclear medicine technologists determine if disease is present by examining metabolic changes, instead of checking to see if an individual organ has changed.
What it's like
Most diagnostic imaging and technology jobs — including ultrasound technician, EKG technician, cardiovascular technician or nuclear medicine technologist — are in hospitals. The most common diagnostic imaging tool is the X-ray, and that means that many jobs in medical imaging can involve direct interaction with patients. Jobs in medical imaging play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of various health ailments.
What it takes
Some jobs in medical imaging, such as an EKG technician, require a high school education (or equivalent) and some on-the-job training. Others, such as an ultrasound technician, require a two-year training program.
To learn more about diagnostic imaging and technology jobs, check out the job options to the right.
Jobs in this field
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Cardiovascular Technologist/Technician
Salary range:
$42,328 – $74,734
Minimum training:Associate's degree
Job description:A cardiovascular technologist or cardiovascular technician assists physicians in diagnosing and treating heart or blood vessel ailments. More
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Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician
Salary range:
$38,571 – $66,797
Minimum training:High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Job description:An electrocardiograph technician (or EKG technician) operates EKG machines to detect and record the electronic impulses transmitted by the heart during and between heartbeats. More
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist/Technician
Salary range:
$56,896 – $67,411
Minimum training:1-year certificate program
Job description:MRI technicians use special magnetic resonance scanning equipment to capture 3-D images of tissue and organs in the human body for diagnostic purposes. More
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Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Salary range:
$74,880 – $101,649
Minimum training:1-year certificate program
Job description:Nuclear medicine technologists operate cameras that detect and map a radioactive drug in a patient’s body to create diagnostic images. More
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Radiologic Technologist/Technician
Salary range:
$50,357 – $76,918
Minimum training:1-year certificate program; state-issued license required
Job description:Radiologic technicians and technologists take X-rays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. More
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Ultrasound Technologist / Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Salary range:
$61,589 – $89,710
Minimum training:2-year program
Job description:An ultrasound technologist or diagnostic medical sonographer uses special equipment to produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. More
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