Medical imaging programs offer training in radiography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and thermography. Programs vary in length and degree type, with prerequisites in biology, psychology, and anatomy. Accreditation by various organizations is required for employment in the field. Imaging technologists can specialize or advance their careers in hospital administration, teaching, or sales.
Medical imaging jobs require the ability to operate medical equipment and produce accurate diagnostic images. Medical imaging programs provide classroom and clinical or field instruction. Prerequisites for medical imaging programs often include biology, psychology, and anatomy and physiology. Program length varies by degree type, and undergraduate and graduate courses in medical imaging are available in the US and Canada. Programs in radiography, ultrasound and nuclear imaging are the three main types of medical imaging programs.
Programs of study for radiography in the USA result in an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a certificate. Associate degrees are the most common type of degree for this discipline in the US. Radiology programs in the US must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Ultrasonography or sonography uses sound to create images of the human body. Ultrasonographers may specialize in obstetric and gynecological ultrasound or ultrasound of the nervous system or abdomen. Associate and bachelor’s degree ultrasound programs are available in the US. Two-year degree programs are the most common. Ultrasonography certificate programs are also offered, but are generally best suited to those already working in healthcare who want to expand their career options.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) oversees the accreditation of US ultrasound programs. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offer credentials in different areas of sonography. These credentials are helpful in getting employment in the field of ultrasound.
Nuclear medicine looks at changes in the body’s processes to uncover signs of disease. In the US, both associate and bachelor’s degrees are available for training in nuclear medicine technology. Certificate programs are also available for healthcare professionals who want to expand their skills. In the US, the accrediting agency for schools offering degrees in nuclear medicine technology is the Joint Review Committee of Nuclear Medicine Technology Education Programs (JRCNMT).
Medical thermography is a lesser known type of medical photography. This technique examines infrared radiation from the surface of the body to create an image called a thermogram. Medical thermography is generally considered a complement to other types of medical imaging.
Medical imaging programs can provide multiple career options, and imaging technologists can advance their fields. Technologists can specialize in a specific area of imaging or earn an advanced degree and move into hospital administration. Becoming a college instructor or a sales representative for an equipment manufacturer are two other career options.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
