What it is

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

• Cardiovascular Technologist/Technician

  Salary range: $38,571 – $66,797 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

• 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

• Nuclear Medicine Technologist

  Salary range: $63,669 – $91,255 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

• Radiologic Technologist/Technician

  Salary range: $48,689 – $72,827 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

• Ultrasound Technologist / Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

  Salary range: $56,587 – $81,674 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