Allied health professionals play a vital role in supporting healthcare teams for optimal patient outcomes. Imaging and radiology technicians and technologists are part of a growing field that is significantly involved in the patient diagnostics process. Learn more about different radiology and imaging specialties, the benefits of working as a tech, and the outlook for these healthcare careers.
Imaging and Radiology Career Paths
Imaging and radiology healthcare professionals work across various facilities and specialties. Each specialized area has unique challenges and benefits. Below are a few of the different types of technologist positions and their responsibilities.
Ultrasound Tech/Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
An ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer is an allied healthcare provider who uses specialized instruments to retrieve imaging of the inside of the body. These techs can work in a variety of fields and facilities. Some types of ultrasound imaging are vascular (for viewing blood vessel abnormalities or obstruction issues), obstetrics/gynecology (for pregnancy imaging or internal reproductive organs), and cardiac (for imaging the heart). As an ultrasound or sonography technician, you would be responsible for operating imaging equipment, explaining procedures to patients, interpreting images, and working with other providers to provide ultrasound results.
Cath Lab/Cardiac Tech
Cardiac catheterization technologists are more commonly known as cath lab or cardiac techs. These technicians work in facilities that evaluate heart health through systematic tests. They will often insert catheters into the heart and then administer and measure special fluids to gather heart health test results. These tests range from X-rays and pumping strength evaluations to pressure checks and wellness evaluations. They work closely with other providers to evaluate these test results and monitor patient safety and vital signs during procedures.
X-Ray/Radiologic Tech
A radiologic tech takes imaging of internal anatomy with an X-ray machine to help physicians diagnose injuries, illnesses, and other medical conditions. They help explain the X-ray process to patients and aim to provide a good patient experience during the process. These technicians operate and maintain complex equipment.
Interventional Radiology Tech
Interventional radiology (IR) techs use imaging technologies to assist with performing medical procedures. For example, they may use imaging guidance to assist with minimally invasive procedures like placing catheters, medical devices, and wires. They assist with a variety of procedures such as stenting, angioplasty, ablation, cryotherapy, biopsy, and more.
Computed Tomography Tech
CT technologists are highly trained radiology professionals. They work with complex equipment to capture advanced anatomy imaging at different levels of the body. This is accomplished with rotating X-ray equipment. These cross-sections of imaging help physicians to evaluate and diagnose internal organs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tech
An MRI technologist uses radio waves and magnetic fields to capture detailed images of tissues and organs throughout the body. These images help providers diagnose serious conditions such as tumors, spinal injuries, brain disorders, and more. These technicians are involved in keeping the experience positive for patients as well as ensuring the MRI is accurate and effective.
Mammography Tech
Mammography technologists work with imaging equipment specific to breast exams. They monitor scanning video, adjust the density or contrast of picture quality, and review the imaging quality before sending it to a physician for diagnostics. They can work in both hospitals and imaging clinics.
Top 5 Benefits of Radiology and Imaging Careers
There are many personal and professional benefits of working in radiology and imaging. This specialty offers jobs across many different geographic areas and facility types, so you can shape your career based on the benefits that are your highest priority. We’ve highlighted just a few of those benefits below.
- Compensation: Imaging and radiology technologists can expect a median salary of over
$70,000 to 80,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. This salary depends on factors such as specialty, experience, geographic area, and facility type. Work experience and specialized certifications can increase earning potential in different specialties of radiology technology. - Flexibility: Technicians and technologists in these fields are needed across all communities. Most healthcare settings offer imaging technology, and they need qualified healthcare professionals to learn and run their equipment and support providers in diagnostics. This high need offers many open positions and often means employers are willing to offer flexible working logistics to fill highly needed positions.
- Skill Development: The skills needed as an imaging or radiology tech vary based on specialty, but most require everything from operating complex equipment to interacting with both patients and providers. Techs will benefit from developing a wide array of valuable skills. Communication skills and technical skills required by imaging and radiology positions will translate to many other areas of your personal and professional life.
- Growth Opportunities: The professional development opportunities in this field offer significant growth potential and advancement opportunities. If you’re interested in supervisory positions or management roles, radiology and imaging can provide those types of opportunities.
- Social Interactions: Life is busy and interactive as an imaging and or radiology tech. If you enjoy patient interactions and being part of a team of healthcare professionals, radiology and imaging could be a great fit for you. Working as an allied health professional in these fields means developing relationships with providers and creating positive interactions with patients.
Growth and Demand for Radiology and Imaging
The need for radiology and imaging is high — and growing. According to a recent survey from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the vacancy rate in the field is 18.1%. This shows a significant increase from a similar survey three years ago, which showed a rate of 6.2%. This rise in vacancy shows the opportunity and growth available in the field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologist positions are projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is well above average compared to other fields. If you’re considering a hands-on career in allied healthcare, radiology imaging is a steady choice.
Radiology and Imaging Jobs with SHC
With a growing need for radiology imaging support and the important role radiology and imaging holds as part of a healthcare team, this specialty is a great career path. Providing dependable diagnostic information while managing patient and provider relationships and experiences is a rewarding path, both professionally and personally.
Supplemental Health Care (SHC) has a standout recruiting team ready to help you learn more about a variety of opportunities across radiology imaging. You can also check out our mobile app to quickly search for job opportunities across the country. Reach out today to take the next step in furthering your healthcare career!
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