Medical imaging courses prepare technicians to use different machines to diagnose and evaluate diseases. Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. Ongoing education is necessary to keep up with technological advances. Certificate programs are available for those specializing in a specific type of machine.
Medical imaging technology is used to take pictures of the inside of the body for the purpose of diagnosing and evaluating the progression of diseases and other medical conditions. Medical imaging courses prepare technicians to use many different types of machines, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and x-ray machines. Courses typically include prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology, as well as detailed lessons in each of the different types of imaging technology.
Anatomy is one of the most common prerequisite courses in medical imaging, as students need to recognize the different parts of the body in order to produce the images requested by physicians for diagnostic purposes. The human body contains hundreds of bones, muscles, nerves and other structures that can play roles in different diseases and conditions. While beginning technicians may not need to know the function of every nerve in the body, they do need to understand where everything is located and when to look closer if they see something that shouldn’t be present on the scan. Medical terminology is also an important prerequisite as the medical community uses very specific terms when communicating.
Those enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program in radiography often take a wide range of medical imaging courses designed to familiarize them with all the different types of machines. Along with general courses on using each machine, these classes also cover topics such as maintaining the machines and the steps required to process an image. Safety classes, including minimizing radiation exposure and interacting with patients with communicable diseases, are also often part of the degree program,
For those planning to specialize in a specific type of machine, such as an ultrasound or x-ray machine, community colleges and professional technical schools often offer certificate programs. Certificate medical imaging courses generally take less time than a degree program, with some finishing in as little as nine months. This is a good option for anyone wanting to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, although it can be beneficial to continue with an associate’s degree once in the field, as this can open up more advanced job opportunities.
In addition to the basic medical imaging courses required to work in the field, technicians are often required to attend ongoing educational seminars and classes. The field of medical imaging changes frequently as new technological advances are made, and technicians must keep abreast of these changes. Once technicians find employment, their companies typically cover the cost of additional professional development classes.
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