Medical imaging jobs include ultrasound, radiology, and nuclear medicine, with various specialties within each field. Technologists, technicians, and assistants work in specific departments, such as cardiology and gynecology. Radiology deals with x-rays, with specialties in CT and MRI. Ultrasound technicians use frequency wave imaging, with specialties in obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography. Nuclear medicine uses radiopharmaceuticals to detect disease, with technicians responsible for administering them. Administrative duties are also part of the job. Educational requirements and job titles vary by region and facility.
Medical imaging jobs can differ from one position to another, including the fields of ultrasound, radiology and nuclear medicine. In addition to these various fields, medical imaging careers can also have many specialties. Technologists, technicians and assistants can be found in departments such as cardiology, gynecology and other specific departments.
Radiology mainly deals with procedures related to x-rays; Specialties may include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiologist, radiographers, assistants and technologists are some of the common medical imaging jobs in this department. Radiologists, radiologists, and assistants generally require a more advanced degree, while technologists and technicians may only have an associate degree or training from an approved professional program. The length and type of training program varies by region and employer. Common areas of employment are hospitals and doctors’ offices.
Ultrasound is another department that relies on medical imaging – the ultrasound technician uses frequency wave imaging to help diagnose illnesses or disorders within a patient. Ultrasound technology is most commonly employed in hospitals and clinics, where technicians may be referred to as technologists or assistants, depending on the facility. Common ultrasound specialties include obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography. Employment opportunities may be available in hospitals, doctors’ offices and often specialist practices. Minimum educational requirements may consist of vocational programs, diploma programs and various degree programs.
Nuclear medicine is another one of the medical imaging jobs and is quite similar to x-ray technology. The significant difference in these two areas is the use of radioactive drugs known as radiopharmaceuticals. These compounds are introduced into the body before imaging tests to contrast and detect disease. The nuclear medicine technician or technician is primarily responsible for administering radiopharmaceuticals to the patient and sometimes for performing the actual tests. Educational requirements can vary slightly for these types of positions; people with technical training in ultrasound or radiology can usually be certified to work in nuclear medicine.
In addition to testing-related tasks, a medical imaging worker may be responsible for a variety of other tasks. Administrative duties such as maintaining files and communicating with other healthcare professionals are also another important part of medical imaging jobs. Aspects of career descriptions such as education, training, job opportunities, and titles can be regional and facility based.
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