Diagnostic Imaging
 Medhi Yazdanmehr Ultrasound Technologist Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento |
Technologists work in hospitals, clinics or independent diagnostic centers and operate a wide variety of equipment. Cardiovascular and interventional technologists are involved in complex procedures which study the vessels and vascular structures of the heart, brain and other organs and parts of the body. They perform high-level diagnostic and invasive procedures. Ultrasound, MRI, CT and Radiologic Technologists operate equipment that can produce pictures or images used to diagnose and monitor diseases and have many applications in obstetrics and gynecology. Nuclear Medicine technologists perform procedures that can diagnose or treat diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Ideal Career For
Individuals who enjoy working in a highly technical area and like the idea of working with patients. All technologists require education after high school at a community college, vocational school or university.
Jobs Classifications:
- Computed Tomography Technologist (CCT Tech)
- Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech)/Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech)
- MRI Technologist
- Ultrasound Technologist (US Tech)
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Electronic Imaging Technician
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Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech)
Nature of Work:
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Job Outlook:
Entry Level Salary for Sacramento Sierra Region:
$61,484
Education and/or Training:
Career Path:
Licensure/Certification :
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Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech)/Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech)
Nature of Work:
Radiologic Technologists use radiation to create images used to diagnose patients. Working from doctor's orders they use x-rays, fluoroscopes and other techniques to make these pictures. They position patients for each procedure and calculate the approximate exposure for each x-ray including duration, distance from the patient and strength of the x-ray. They may also assist in delivering substances by multiple routes such as injection and ingestion that help produce clearer images. During the x-ray process, they monitor patients' condition and reactions. They then develop the x-ray film for the physician to view.
Job Outlook:
Radiologic technologists and technicians held nearly 182,000 jobs in 2004. More than half of all jobs are in hospitals. Most of the rest are in physicians' offices and clinics, including diagnostic imaging centers. Employment of radiologic technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging. Opportunities are expected to be favorable.
Entry Level Salary for Sacramento Sierra Region:
$55,016 - $59,091(full time)
Education and/or Training:
Radiologic Technologists must be licensed as a Certified Radiologic Technologist by the California Department of Health Services. To take the state exam, the applicant must have completed a Radiologic Technologist Program offered by a community college, vocational school, hospital, or university. Most programs in California are two-year programs leading to a certificate or associate's degree. Some programs offer a bachelor's degree. Registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is also required. Current Radiologic Technologist fluoroscopy permit from the State of California is also required.
Career Path:
Radiologic Technologist may advance to supervisory positions within the hospital diagnostic imaging departments. With additional education and training they can become instructors or enter specialized occupations such as Nuclear Medicine Technologist or MRI Technologist.
Licensure/Certification :
- California Department of Human Services, Radiologic Health Branch
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
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MRI Technologist
Nature of Work:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists produce cross-sectional images of a patient's body using magnetic resonance imaging technology. This technology uses magnets and radio waves instead of x-rays to create images. MRI images are used by physicians to diagnose a wide variety of diseases. MRI technologists explain the procedure to patients and prepare them for the MRI. They select appropriate equipment, position the patient, and monitor them during testing.
Job Outlook:
See Radiological Technologist
Entry Level Salary for Sacramento Sierra Region:
$69,626
Education and/or Training:
Licensure from the State of California as a Certified Radiologic Technologist and Registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists are required. This requires completion of a Radiologic Technologist program offered by a community college, vocational school, hospital, or university. Registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Magnetic Resonance Imaging is preferred or must be obtained within 1 year. MRI Technologists must have an additional year of training beyond the basic Radiologic Technologist program to operate this specialized equipment.
Career Path:
Radiologic Technologists with one or more areas of specialty, for example CT and MRI, often have the best chance of promotion to advanced or supervisory positions.
Licensure/Certification:
- California Department of Human Services, Radiologic Health Branch
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
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Ultrasound Technologist (US Tech)
Nature of Work:
Ultrasound Technologists use sound waves to create cross-sectional images of a patient's body. They move an ultrasound-emitting device over the part of the body being examined while watching a video screen on which an image is being produced and recorded. They use their knowledge of anatomy to find the correct area to review. When satisfied with this display, technologists record the image on film and forward it to the physician who ordered the test.
Job Outlook:
Diagnostic medical sonographers held about 42,000 jobs in 2004. More than half of all sonographer jobs are in hospitals. Most of the rest are in physicians' offices and clinics, primarily in offices specializing in obstetrics and in diagnostic imaging centers. Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014 as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology.
Ultrasound is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures as patients seek safer treatment methods. Because ultrasound - unlike most diagnostic imaging methods - does not involve radiation, harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are rarer for both the patient and the sonographer. Sonographic technology is expected to evolve rapidly and to spawn many new ultrasound procedures, such as 3D-ultrasonography for use in obstetric and ophthalmologic diagnosis. However, high costs may limit the rate at which some promising new technologies are adopted.
Entry Level Salary for Sacramento Sierra Region:
$70,269
Education and/or Training:
Ultrasound Technologists must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also complete a three-year training program at a community college or vocational school. Shorter programs lasting one or two years are offered to people who have previous training or experience in radiologic technology or related medial field. Registration by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is required.
Career Path:
Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize in obstetric and gynecologic sonography (the female reproductive system), abdominal sonography (the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas), neurosonography (the brain), or ophthalmologic sonography (the eyes). In addition, sonographers also may specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography.
Licensure/Certification: Schools in Sacramento Sierra Region: Societies:
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Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nature of Work:
Nuclear Medicine Technologists use radioactive drugs to diagnose and treat illness. The primary job of most Nuclear Medicine Technologists is to help diagnose diseases. To do this, they calculate the amount of radioactive drug needed and give the drugs to the patients by mouth or injection. They then operate scanning equipment that traces the location of the radioactive materials within a patient's body. These scans are used by doctors to diagnose diseases. Nuclear Medicine Technologists also treat diseases by administering radioactive medicines to patients. In addition they may also perform laboratory test using radioactive materials applied to tissue samples or blood to diagnose diseases.
Job Outlook:
Nuclear medicine technologists held about 18,000 jobs in 2004. About two-thirds of all jobs were in hospitals. The rest were in physicians' offices and clinics, including diagnostic imaging centers. Employment of nuclear medicine technologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.
Entry Level Salary for Sacramento Sierra Region:
$81,373 - $84,889
Education and/or Training:
Nuclear Medicine Technologists must pass a state-licensing exam before they can work in this field. There are two types of training available. First, many become Radiologic Technologists, which requires a two-year program at a college or university. After which, they specialize in Nuclear Medicine Technology, which requires one additional year of education. People who are not already Radiologic Technologists generally need a four-year college degree in the field. Registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist or Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification is required.
Career Path:
Nuclear Medicine Technologists may become supervisors, heads of department or may specialize in one are, such as cardiology.
Licensure/Certification Schools in Sacramento Sierra Region
- None in local area. For a complete list of accredited programs please click here.
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Electronic Imaging Technician
Ideal Career For
Individuals with great communication skills and has the ability to professionally handle patient, family and physician contact and maintain confidentiality.
Nature of Work:
The Electronic Imaging Technician organizes and coordinates the activities of the Diagnostic Imaging Film Library, which includes the modalities of Radiology, CT, Ultrasound, MRI and Nuclear Medicine.
As Diagnostic Imaging becomes more computer-based and film less the traditional film management role is changing. Film libraries are becoming a thing of the past with all images being stored electronically. The Electronic Imaging Technician now performs allimage handling on a computer.
Entry Level Salary for Sacramento Sierra Region:
$31,909
Education and/or Training:
high school diploma or equivalent is required. Electronic IMaging Technicians must have attention to detail to insure all films are associated with the correct patient. Requires accurate communication skills when reporting Radiologist's preliminary findings. Basic knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology and computer skills are required. This position also requires the ability to professionally handle patient, family, and physician contact and maintain confidentiality. Computer skills are becoming a requirement.
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