Medical imaging jobs necessitate the ability to operate medical equipment and produce precise diagnostic images. Medical imaging programs include classroom instruction as well as clinical or field training. Biology, psychology, and anatomy and physiology are frequently required prerequisites for medical imaging programs. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in medical imaging are available in the United States and Canada, and program lengths vary depending on the type of degree. The three main types of medical imaging programs are radiography, sonography, and nuclear imaging.
In the United States, radiography programs lead to an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a certificate. In the United States, associate’s degrees are the most common type of degree for this field. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology must accredit radiologic programs in the United States (JRCERT).
Sonography, also known as ultrasonography, is a technique that uses sound to create images of the human body. Obstetric and gynecological sonography, as well as abdominal and nervous system sonography, are all options for sonographers. In the United States, associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree sonography programs are available. Associate’s degree programs that last two years are the most common. There are also certificate programs in sonography available, but they are usually best suited for those who are already employed in the healthcare field and want to expand their career options.
Sonography programs in the United States are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) are two organizations that offer credentials in various areas of sonography. These credentials will help you find work in the field of sonography.
To find signs of disease, nuclear medicine examines changes in the body’s processes. Nuclear medicine technology can be studied for an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in the United States. Certificate programs are also available for healthcare professionals who want to further their education. The Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology is the accrediting agency for schools offering degrees in nuclear medicine technology in the United States (JRCNMT).
Medical thermography is a type of medical photography that is less well-known. This technique creates a thermogram by examining the infrared radiation of the body’s surface. Medical thermography is frequently used in conjunction with other types of medical imaging.
Medical imaging programs can lead to a variety of job opportunities, and imaging technologists can advance their careers. Technologists can specialize in a specific imaging field or pursue a master’s degree and work in hospital administration. Other career options include becoming a college instructor or a sales representative for an equipment manufacturer.