Medical Imaging Colleges and Training Programs

<p>Medical imaging programs are typically offered by community or junior colleges, although some bachelor's programs are available. These programs provide significant hands-on experience with imaging tools to prepare you for a career. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Radiographic procedures, radiographic physics, patient care, sectional anatomy, medical ethics</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Outlook (2021-2031)*</b></td><td> 6% (for radiologic and MRI technologists)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Salary (2021)*</b></td><td> $61,370 (Median annual salary for radiologic and MRI technologists)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Emory University, College of DuPage, Quinnipiac University, Linn-Benton Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsMedicalImaging">What Is Medical Imaging?</h3> <p>Medical imaging is associated with radiology (the use of x-rays), ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging to help with the diagnostic assessment of a patient. According to the BLS, the professionals who help give medical imaging to a patient are usually called radiologic technicians and technologists. Technologists perform the more complicated imaging procedures. Radiologic techs must prepare, communicate with and scan patients with the radiological equipment in a medically safe manner. A specialized physician, known as a radiologist, analyzes the images to better understand what is going on inside a patient's body. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationalRequirements">What Are the Educational Requirements?</h3> <p>A postsecondary education is required to become a radiologic technologist or technician in the U.S. You can choose from certificate, associate's or bachelor's degree programs, according to the BLS. Certificate programs are typically at least one year long, while a bachelor's degree program may take four years of full-time study. You might want to enroll in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) advanced certificate program. An Associate of Science in Medical Imaging or a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography might also be two available options. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCollegesOfferMedicalImagingTrainingPrograms">What Colleges Offer Medical Imaging Training Programs?</h3> <p>You can study medical imaging at a variety of learning institutions, including some programs that are available online. Programs are offered through community colleges and four-year universities. The following schools offer medical imaging training: </p> <ul><li>Thomas Edison State University (Trenton, NJ) </li><li>Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff) </li><li>Emory University (Atlanta, GA) </li><li>College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn, IL) </li><li>Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) </li><li>Linn-Benton Community College (Albany, OR) </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanILearn">What Can I Learn?</h3> <p>Classes may be delivered through distance education, over the Internet, on site at a hospital or in a traditional classroom setting. Most programs combine classroom-based learning with laboratory courses and practical experience. For your program, you might choose a part of the body on which you want to focus. The following areas of interest might be covered in your training program: </p> <ul><li>Radiologic examinations </li><li>X-rays </li><li>Magnetic resonance </li><li>Cardiovascular anatomy </li><li>Scans for the cardiovascular system </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfLicensingOrCertificationWillINeed">What Kind of Licensing or Certification Will I Need?</h3> <p>Licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require some form of licensing for radiologic technologists. The American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT) offers an examination that some states use for licensing purposes, and also offers voluntary certification. Certified radiologic technologists must renew their certification every two years.</p>