What are some of the specializations within this degree program?

• Ultrasound Technician: Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, create images of the internal body using specialized equipment. Sonographers prepare the sonogram machine, which uses sound waves to construct images of organs and tissues.
• Radiology Technologist: This type of medical imaging specialist is trained in a variety of imaging techniques, such as mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed topography (CT) scans. These technologists prepare and calibrate equipment and adjust patients for the scans.
• X-Ray Technician: X-ray technicians have duties similar to those of technologists, except that their training is usually less extensive. They prepare patients for x-rays, apply protective lead shields, and adjust the x-ray strength.
• Cardiovascular Technologists: These technologists and technicians may specialize in a variety of invasive and noninvasive procedures associated with the human heart. They may perform cardiac ultrasounds, echocardiograms, Holter monitoring, or stress tests.

What degree levels are available?

• Certificate: 1 to 2 years to complete
• Associate's Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete

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What are the educational and certification requirements?

The educational and certification requirements vary by medical imaging discipline and by the complexity of the imaging techniques used. The most common path for entering these fields is to earn an associate's degree in diagnostic medical imaging in the particular field. These programs are commonly offered by allied healthcare organizations, community and junior colleges, and technical schools. They include course work in foundational liberal arts topics, like English, math, and social science, as well as relevant natural science topics like biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Students also take courses in particular techniques and equipment, as well as patient care.

Students should investigate accreditation and certification requirements specific to the medical imaging specialization they would like to pursue, as requirements vary. Radiology technologists and x-ray technicians should look for programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. There are voluntary certification programs through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and some states also have their own radiology licensing procedures. There are currently no state requirements for ultrasound techs, although voluntary certification is available through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and Cardiovascular Credentialing International. (BLS; BLS; BLS)

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What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

• Foundational Liberal Arts: All associate's degree students are expected to take basic college-level courses in critical thinking topics. Courses like English Literature teach students how to develop complicated arguments and communicate clearly.
• Foundational Science: Foundational science courses, such as Human Anatomy, teach students about the body and its processes. This prepares them to interpret the medical images they will be creating.
• Practical Techniques: Classes like Ultrasound Equipment teach students about the complicated machines they will use to develop medical images. Students learn how to program, calibrate, and care for these sensitive instruments.
• Practical Specialization: Some programs allow students to specialize by taking advanced practical courses in certain clinical areas. For example, radiology technologists could specialize by taking additional classes in Mammography.
• Clinical Practicums: Hands-on work is clearly key for imaging students that work directly with patients. Clinical Practicums give students an opportunity to practice patient interaction and the techniques they have learned in the classroom.

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What are the on-site training requirements?

All diagnostic medical imaging programs will require on-site clinical experiences as a prerequisite to graduation. These experiences generally occur in a hospital or other allied healthcare center, under the guidance of a professor or instructor. The required length of the clinical experience varies by program and the occupation's licensing requirements, although one semester is generally the minimum.

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What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

• Nursing: Like diagnostic medical imaging professionals, nurses work hands-on with patients. Nurses help enact patient treatment plans and consult with physicians to improve patient care.
• Medical Administration: Those less interested in clinical approaches could specialize in medical office administration. These workers coordinate work schedules, create appointments, administrate payroll, and perform other office duties.
• Physical Therapy Assisting: Physical therapy assistants also prepare for their careers through two-year specialized degrees. They work to carry out physical therapy treatment plans, by helping patients perform exercises and by documenting patient progress.
• Occupational Therapy Assisting: Occupational therapy assistants help individuals develop the skills to work and live a normal life, after suffering from disease, an accident, or another debilitating situation. They work under the guidance of occupational therapists and also need an associate's degree.
• Massage Therapy: Massage therapists use different modalities of physical touch to relieve muscle and joint pain or to increase relaxation. Masseuses generally require a certificate or associate's degree to practice.

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