CT jobs vary depending on certifications, education, and training. Most CT technologists work in hospitals, but they can also work in laboratories, clinics, and equipment manufacturing. CT technologists can become supervisors, directors, or instructors with additional training.
There are many different CT jobs that a person can undertake depending on the certifications, education and training they have. Some people prefer to work in hospital settings, while others prefer not to work with patients, instead working in laboratories or other jobs. In 2008, in the United States, about 60% of CT jobs were in hospitals and 40% in other sectors of the medical industry. With a degree in CT scanning, a person usually has a wide range of employment options.
Originally, computed tomography (CT) was called computed axial tomography (CAT) because early scanners only took axial scan images. More recent versions, however, are capable of performing other planes, such as sagittal or coronal plane images. While modern job descriptions rarely refer to CAT scans, a job seeker often needs to understand what each one means.
Generally, the job title for people holding CT positions is radiologic technologist. A technician usually uses only X-ray scans and equipment, while a technician has more training and uses a wide range of equipment, including CT machines. In some hospitals, the technologist is also the department supervisor.
Most CT technologists need a license and requirements vary from region to region. Technical colleges, universities, and even some hospitals may offer various radiography training programs. Typically, this results in a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree.
People who have CT jobs can usually move on to other jobs if they receive extra training. This training depends on the job the person wants. CT technologists can become supervisors, department administrators, or directors or other management personnel if they add management training to their CT training. Some choose to specialize and receive training in that particular area. Others can raise their full CT scan certificate to become chief radiology technologist.
Outside the hospital setting, CT jobs can be located in physicians’ offices, clinics, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. Medical and diagnostic laboratories often need CT technologists to process scans performed in hospitals and other patient facilities. In the laboratory environment, CT scan work usually does not involve direct contact with patients.
Another branch of the medical field that commonly employs CT technologists is equipment manufacturers. These companies may hire experienced CT technologists as sales representatives to sell scanning machines to hospitals, clinics, and other facilities that use scanning equipment. Sometimes people with CT jobs become instructors for equipment manufacturers. They can go into the field and train CT technologists on how to use the equipment.
People with CT jobs who want to teach others can further their education and become instructors. Generally, there are numerous opportunities in the field of education. A person may become an instructor of CT technologists, an educator of instructors, or a director of a radiologic technology program or institution.
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