Imaging Professionals: Roles, Certifications, and Work Environments in Medical Imaging

Imaging Professional

Healthcare workers who use imaging technology to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Where do imaging professionals work?

hospitals, clinics, physician offices, mobile units, specialty imaging centers, urgent cares

Sonography Scope of Practice

governed by the SDMS.

Radiography Scope of Practice

governed by the ASRT.

Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer)

Performs X-rays and fluoroscopic procedures.

Radiologic Technologist Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Radiologic Technology.

Radiologic Technologist Credential

ARRT certification required.

Where do Rad Techs work?

ER, OR, inpatient/outpatient, urgent care

Computed Tomography Technologist

Performs computed tomography (CT) scans for cross-sectional imaging.

Computed Tomography Credential

ARRT(CT).

What high demand setting do CT techs work in?

emergency and trauma care setting

Magnetic Resonance Technologist

Operates magnetic resonance imaging scanners. (usually cross-trained or trained into the field)

Magnetic Resonance Credential

ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT.

Cardiac Interventional Radiologic Technologist

Assists with minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance.

Cardiac Interventional Credential

ARRT(CI) or RCIS for cardiovascular.

Vascular Interventional Radiologic Technologist

Assists with minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance.

Vascular Interventional Credential

ARRT(VI).

Bone Densitometry (DEXA Technologist)

Conducts bone density scans to assess fracture risk or osteoporosis.

Bone Densitometry Credential

ARRT(BD) optional.

Where do DEXA tech work?

outpatient and women's health settings

Mammography Technologist

Performs breast imaging for cancer screening and diagnosis.

Mammography Credential

ARRT(M).

PACS Administrators (MIMPS)

• Pictures Archiving and Communication Systems.

• Medial imaging management and processing system

PACS Administrators (MIMPS) certification

CIIP

Radiation Therapist

Applies ionizing radiation to the patient in accordance with the prescription and instruction from the radiation oncologist.

Radiation Therapist Education

1-4 year program.

Radiation Therapist Credential

ARRT certification (T)

Medical Dosimetry

Plans patients treatments and analyzes the radiation distribution and dose for accuracy and safety.

Medical Dosimetry Education

up to 2 years and 1 year of supervised work experience

Medical Dosimetry Work Environment

from home, large hospitals or clinics

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Uses radioactive materials for imaging and therapy (e.g., PET scans).

Nuclear Medicine Tech Education

Associate or Bachelor's in Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Tech Credential

AART(T) or NMTCB

Nuclear Medicine Focus

focus on organ function (heart, thyroid, kidneys)

Radiologist Assistant

Advanced level RT who works under the supervision of a Radiologist.

Radiologist Assistant Education

Baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate level

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Uses ultrasound to image organs, vessels, and fetal development.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Education

Associate or Bacholor's in Sonography or post-certification

Sonographer Specialties

OB/GYN, vascular, adbomen, echo

Commercial Representative

Discusses the technical use of the equipment in the production of a quality image.

Commercial Representative Education

Baccalaureate degree and business background

Radiology Administrator

• Combined technical and management background.

• Purchase equipment, personal management, budget preparation, regulatory factors, etc.

Radiology Administrator Education

baccalaureate to MSRS (administration track)

Radiology Administrator Credentials

CRA (certified Radiology Administrator)

Educator

Competency in curriculum design and program planning.

Educator Education

Masters or Doctoral

What are SMART goals ?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound