Several thermography programs prepare students for work in a variety of fields such as health care.
Thermography in medicine is a diagnostic technique used to study blood flow and detect tumors, according to WordNet. The technique requires the use of a thermograph that records the heat that different parts of the body produce. Outside of the medical field, thermography also can be useful in fields such as building diagnostics, commercial electrical work and even law enforcement, according to the Infrared Training Center in Massachusetts. Salaries for thermography jobs can reach into the $80,000 range, as of March 2010, according to SimplyHired.com. Training programs teach students effectively use the equipment they need.
Definition
Thermography also is called infrared imaging or thermal imaging. Professionals in the field of clinical thermography analyze skin surface temperatures to detect normal or abnormal physiology. They do this by comparing a person's temperatures against the normal values of the distribution of heat in various regions of the body as researched at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, according to the International Academy of Clinical Thermology. These professionals typically use infrared cameras or even liquid crystal plates for diagnosing a variety of disorders such as breast cancer, vascular and nervous system disorders. Thermographers in other fields also can use infrared training in the building sciences industry to detect water or energy leaks, according to Alpine Building Inspection Inc. in Colorado. Training programs provide students with the technical skills they need to work in various aspects of the thermography field.
Training Requirements
To work as a clinical thermographic technician, individuals should be certified by organizations such as the International Academy of Clinical Thermology or the American Academy of Medical Infrared Imaging. These individuals must be licensed to diagnose. Those who are interested in the complex area of breast thermography also must complete advanced postgraduate training specifically addressing this area of the body. Courses for medical thermographers and professionals in other industries, such as environmental studies, are available at multiple institutions. The Infraspection Institute in New Jersey also is the only provider of comprehensive online training courses. Courses should meet the American Society for Nondestructive Testing training requirements.
Level One Certification
The first level of infrared training certification teaches students use infrared cameras correctly to gather data. Students learn calculate accurate, repeatable temperature measurements, according to the Academy of Infrared Training in Washington. Students also learn about topics such as distance to target, emissivity and reflected ambient. Programs additionally can teach how thermal imaging even applies to forensic investigations and building sciences. Programs allow students to practice both in class and in the field.
Level Two Certification
Students in the second level of thermography training learn to develop new inspection procedures and use infrared trending or software programs. They also work to improve their measurement skills for accuracy and diagnosis. This program covers topics such as thermal analysis, advanced theory, equipment operations, error sources, equipment calibration, quantitative report generation and even marketing.
Level Three Certification
Level three programs prepare students to actually initiate and manage an infrared thermographic program. This involves directing other thermographers to provide written procedures and purchase adequate equipment. Courses also cover current industry standards and specifications, thermography as legal documentation and even Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety standards.
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