Healthcare workers are the unsung heroes of our society. They battle disease and injury every single day.
That’s why five of the top 25 jobs in the U.S. with the highest salaries are in healthcare. That doesn’t mean you have to be an ER doctor or nurse, though.
A career in medical imaging can give you a rewarding way to help patients facing difficult medical issues, and earn a good wage doing it.
Here’s how you can launch your own medical imaging career today.
Choose Your Pathway
Before you start your new career, you’ll need to decide on the diagnostic imaging role you’re most interested in. You could work as an ultrasound tech, or train to work in radiology.
Some specialisms are more advanced and require more advanced skills, like radiation therapy specialists for cancer support. The advanced skills mean higher pay, but they also mean more training.
Whichever diagnostic imaging pathway you choose, don’t forget these basic skills you’ll need to succeed in the workplace.
Go Back to School
Careers in medical imaging are specialist, which means getting back into the classroom and learning your trade.
If you’re already an RN or a doctor, you might only need to do a short diploma program to get yourself up-to-date with the knowledge you need. Otherwise, a two or three-year degree program will be your best option.
Organizations like the Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute can get you the skills and training you need to net yourself a junior medical imaging job.
Get Your License
You might have the skills and certifications you need, but to actually gain employment in a medical imaging job, you’ll need to get the proper medical license.
These requirements will vary by state and specialism, so speak to your state’s medical board to see what you need. You may need to take state-specific exams to prove you’re capable, as well as provide evidence of your qualifications.
You may also need to commit to regular professional development with additional training on a regular basis.
Consider Your Salary
You might consider medicine as your vocation in life, but a job is a job, and that means looking at your salary options before you jump into a career in medical imaging.
The annual medical imaging salary for workers, depending on the specialty, is between $50,000 and 60,000 a year. Remember, this is the average—you may need to work for less as you work through training and start your first role.
Use these figures to help guide you when you’re negotiating your salary with your first employer.
Launch Your Medical Imaging Career Today
Tech has revolutionized the medical industry. Medical imaging is innovative, helping to improve patient diagnoses and fight urgent medical issues, and that’s why you should be considering it as a career.
The length of training depends on the role you’re looking for and your current qualifications. Whatever the specialism, a medical imaging career can be rewarding, well paid, and offer a lot of opportunities.
Before you head off for your medical training, make sure to browse our website to keep yourself happy and healthy along the way.