| The need for skilled healthcare workers is increasing in | | | | the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Nuclear |
| proportion to the needs of our rapidly aging population. | | | | medicine technologists are responsible for preparation |
| The field of diagnostic medical imaging is one area in | | | | of radioisotopes and operation of the nuclear medicine |
| which the demand currently is high and is expected to | | | | camera. The majority of nuclear medicine technologists |
| remain so for quite some time. It could be quite | | | | are employed by hospitals, with a smaller number |
| worthwhile for those thinking of entering the field of | | | | employed by imaging centers and cardiology offices. |
| allied healthcare to consider a career in medical | | | | The training period for this imaging specialty is usually |
| diagnostic imaging. | | | | 2-4 years. One year certificate programs are available |
| Diagnostic imaging is a catch all description that | | | | for those who already possess a degree in a related |
| encompasses a number of allied healthcare specialties | | | | imaging field. |
| related to the imaging sciences. The three primary | | | | Ultrasound is the science of producing diagnostic |
| fields we will discuss are radiologic technology, | | | | medical images through the use of sound waves. |
| ultrasound technology, and nuclear medicine | | | | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, are responsible for |
| technology. | | | | the operation of the the equipment to produce these |
| Radiologic technology, more commonly known as | | | | images. The training period for sonographers is usually |
| x-ray technology, is perhaps the largest of diagnostic | | | | 2-4 years at colleges and universities, with one year |
| imaging fields. The radiologic technologist is the | | | | certificate programs available for those with related |
| individual responsible for taking x-rays in hospital, office, | | | | healthcare training. Sonographers may find |
| and clinical settings. The training program for an x-ray | | | | employment at hospitals, private offices, and free |
| technologist is usually 2-4 years, and will lead to either | | | | standing imaging centers. A number of specialty areas |
| a bachelors or associates degree. Programs are | | | | are available for sonographers with advanced training. |
| offered through colleges and universites, some | | | | Among them are ob-gyn, cardiology, breast |
| hospitals, and the military. Once certified, the radiologic | | | | sonography, and neurosonography. |
| technologist can further advance their career options | | | | Imaging technologists must successfully complete |
| through advanced training in a number of specialty | | | | certification examinations in their related specialties in |
| areas. Among them are MRI, Cat Scan, | | | | order to certify their competency and compete in the |
| mammography, and interventional radiology. | | | | job market. Many states also have separate licensure |
| Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive | | | | requirements for radiologic technologists and nuclear |
| materials within the body to produce images used in | | | | medicine technologists. |