X-ray technicians use diagnostic imaging to help physicians diagnose injuries.
A career in the field of radiology can be lucrative and rewarding. Those working in the field of radiology typically use radiation either for the purpose of creating diagnostic images or some form of therapeutic treatment. Careers in this field typically require specialized medical and technological training at the post-secondary level.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Radiologic technologists and technicians are medical imaging professionals who use images like X-rays that rely upon radiation technology. The required qualifications to work in this field can vary by employer, but training can be obtained through the completion of an associate's degree, a certificate program or a bachelor's degree. The associate's degree is the most common. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average job growth in this field from 2008 to 2018. The BLS also notes that the median salary of professionals in this field was $53,240, as of May 2009.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians also assist physicians, but do so primarily as it relates to cardiovascular health through the use of noninvasive radiological imaging techniques like sonograms. Professionals in this field can use both invasive and non-invasive procedures to help diagnose and treat illness. The BLS notes several different areas of specialization in this field such as cardiac sonography and vascular sonography. As with radiologic technicians, cardiovascular technologists typically obtain an associate's degree to work in this field. The BLS expects the number of jobs in this field to grow by 24 percent from 2008 to 2018. Cardiovascular technicians and technologists made a median salary of $48,300 as of May 2009.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists use radiopharmaceuticals, or pharmaceuticals that contain small amounts of radiation, to help physicians diagnose disease. Images are then produced to show where these radiopharmaceuticals have concentrated in the body. This helps physicians diagnose certain diseases. As with other radiology careers, an associate's degree is the most common educational requirement, but certificate programs and bachelor's degree programs also exist. The BLS projects 16 percent job growth in this field and reports a median salary of $67,910 as of May 2009.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists treat cancer using machines known as linear accelerators. The X-rays emitted by these accelerators target the cancer cells and shrink them. An associate's or bachelor's degree in radiography and an additional 12-month certificate in radiation therapy are required. Licensing is typically required as well. BLS estimates indicate the potential for 27 percent job growth from 2008 to 2018. Median pay reported by the bureau for 2009 was $74,170.
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