Imaging Industry Growing Rapidly

Medical imaging is a vital tool in diagnosing and treating diseases. The medical imaging industry is moving forward at light speed and therefore so are the job opportunities within it. Advances in medical imaging occur so rapidly that by the time new imaging and radiology equipment arrives in hospitals, the equipment is already outdated. This is not an exaggeration. Software upgrades between expensive new equipment purchases are necessary to help hospitals stay competitive.

The demand for trained professionals to work in imaging departments across the country, operating x-ray, CT, MRI, PET and nuclear medicine equipment is consistently high. It is estimated that 60 million CT scans are done annually in the United States. This is double the number of scans done just 10 years ago.

As more and more complexities of the human body are uncovered and explored, more advanced imaging procedures are developed to keep up with the demand. Another priority is making sure all this technological progress is cost effective and tolerable for the patient.

Rapid progress in a variety of different areas of medical imaging means that gaining training and certification in multiple areas, means more job opportunities as well as opportunities for advancement.

Here is a sampling of careers within medical imaging.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists:
-Use cameras to map the progress of radioactive drugs as they pass through the patient’s body, creating diagnostic images
-Training takes from 1-4 years depending on desired level of certification and degree
-Employment predicted to increase 15% by 2016
-Average salary: $64,670

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
-Direct high frequency sound waves into targeted areas of the patient’s body using special equipment
-Training ranges from 1 year certification programs to 2-4 year college programs; 2 year degrees are most popular in this profession
-Employment predicted to increase 19% by 2016
-Average salary: $59,860

Radiological Technologists and Technicians
-While the basic job description is working with X-rays, there is also the opportunity to specialize in CT scans, mammography and MRI
-Formal training programs range from 1-4 years with excellent crossover opportunities for those already working in health care occupations wishing to change fields
-Employment predicted to increase 15% by 2016
-Average salary: $50,260

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