How long is diagnostic imaging tech school

Prior to the appointment, Diagnostic Imaging specialist will instruct the patient on how to prepare for the examination or procedure. During the procedure, the specialist will monitor the patient and document their findings in the patient treatment record. These specialist will perform nuclear medicine, ultrasounds, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography. The Diagnostic Imaging specialist will select the correct tools, accessories and protocols based on the examination that needs to be completed.

Using computer programming, they will take those images and perform image subtraction and manipulations. They can operate pressure injectors, digital imagers, stereotactic biopsy devices, vital sign monitoring, and serial film changers. Besides documenting the patient treatment findings, Air Force Diagnostic Imaging technicians perform a few other administrative functions.

They are in charge of entering and maintaining all of the data in the different radiology programs and systems. Diagnostic Imaging specialist can even take part in preparing financial plans, equipment purchase requests and equipment recommendations. These specialist will coordinate with other departments to ensure treatment planning is successful and there are no issues that could interview with imaging.

Air Force Diagnostic Imaging specialists ensure quality by establishing standards and guidelines then making sure everyone meets those guidelines. They will review images to make sure that the quality is at the level that is needed for effective treatment and assessment. To ensure the equipment is working with top quality, they will perform quality control checks.

Specialist will monitor individuals to make sure that radiation safety is being met, hazardous materials are being handled properly and safety standards are met. As you move up in rank and time in the service, you can follow the pay table below to estimate your pay. The review below is from an individual who completed Diagnostic Image Training and focused on radiology.

The video below is a position description and review from a current airman in the Diagnostic Imaging position. Working as a Diagnostic Imaging specialist in the Air Force allows you to gain experience that can be valuable in the medical field. Civilian opportunities include working in private practices, hospitals, clinics and government facilities. Air Force Diagnostic Imaging specialist handle everything from equipment prep to radiation treatment.

The best credentials are a combination of formal training, a professional license, and work experience. The shortest training programs can take less than a year, but as with most jobs, workers with more training may have an easier time securing employment and earning their desired salaries.

The following are a few educational paths students can take toward becoming skilled radiology technicians with a competitive edge and high employability. Radiology techs work with imaging equipment and machines to produce x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging MRIs , computed tomography CT scans, and other images of internal organs, bones, and tissue, so that doctors can examine and diagnose potential injury or illness without invasive procedures.

Sometimes called radiographers, radiology technicians and technologists can work in general medicine or specialize in one area of the body or one type of medical imaging. Regardless of your specialization choices, the best way to advance in your career as a radiology tech is to complete the proper training and get work experience. Most states require radiology technicians to be licensed. And the vast majority of employers want to see all of their radiology techs certified.

Having at least some kind of credential to prove that you have been trained and exhibited potential in the field is crucial for getting employment. Once you have your license, you must complete at least 24 hours of continuing-education classes every two years to renew your license. These regular infusions of knowledge keep you current with new technologies and research in your field. You can also pursue an advanced degree in radiological technology, diagnostic medical sonography, or another related field.

Your exact salary will depend not just on education, but also on your recommendations, the facility and geographic location where you work, and your previous work experience. Medical imaging professionals can specialize in using different types of equipment, such as x-ray machines, functional magnetic resonance imaging scanners, electrocardiography machines, and computed tomography scanners, or they can specialize in making images of certain parts of the body, such as the heart, bones, internal organs, or even veins and arteries.

Being highly skilled in a niche of medical imaging is one way to increase employability. Most MRI technologists are certified as radiologic technologists first and then gain professional experience working with MRI machines before earning that certification. However, there are specific training programs geared solely towards MRI technologists. MRI technologists have more experience and are more specialized than radiologic technologists.

Therefore, there are fewer of them, and demand is high. According to the BLS, demand for MRI technologists is expected to increase by 7 percent from to , with 16, more jobs becoming available over that time BLS Those who are already certified as radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, or sonographers do not need the academic degree requirement.

The following links can help to provide a more detailed overview of the MRI technologist career:. A career in nuclear medicine technology is a highly specialized area of diagnostic imaging. While a nuclear medicine technologist still focuses on taking images of internal organs and systems, they are also responsible for administering radioactive drugs that help possible trouble areas show up on the images they take. Nuclear medicine technologists then work closely with physicians and other specialists to interpret the images they take.

Other typical responsibilities of a nuclear medicine technologist include:. Like other diagnostic imaging careers, the outlook for nuclear medicine technologists is quite good. According to the BLS, by , an estimated 1, nuclear medicine jobs are expected to be added between and , representing a faster than average growth rate of 5 percent BLS There are several educational pathways that prospective nuclear medicine technologists can take.

Some hospitals offer certification programs for those individuals who have already completed an educational program in radiology. Some states require that nuclear medicine technologists be licensed within the state, while others accept national certification, and still, others do not require any specific certification.

The following links can help shed light on the reality of becoming a nuclear medicine technologist and should make it easier to decide whether this might be the right diagnostic imaging career for you:. Although some programs teach computed tomography CT technology alongside MRI technology, despite their similarities, in many hospitals, they are two separate functions and two different jobs.

CT technologists use CT machines to examine the body using a device that emits radiation. CT scanning machines are more appropriate for identifying and imaging bone injuries as well as lunch and chest issues and certain cancers.

On the other hand, MRI machines are more suitable for soft tissue damage, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries, especially tumors. The responsibilities of a CT technologist are similar to that of an MRI technologist, only with their specific type of machinery and include:. These estimates are based on 2, salary profiles and may include bonuses and provide sharing options. Applicants must have prior standing with the ARRT in either radiography or nuclear medicine technology before pursuing their CT certification.