- Video Library
- /
- Degree Field: Medical and Science Videos
- /
- Medical Diagnostics and Treatment...
Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Professions Video: Career Options
Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Professions Video: Career Options Transcript
Diagnostic imaging technologies and other medical diagnostic examinations are the backbone of modern medicine. They provide physicians with visualizations of internal organs and injuries, as well as other information that can aid in diagnosis and treatment. Medical diagnostics and treatment professionals specialize in the use of these technologies. Individuals who are interested in this career path can pursue an associate's degree in Sonography Technology, Ultrasound Technology or X-Ray Technology.
Introduction
X-rays, CAT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs and other diagnostic examinations provide physicians with images of organ systems, including the heart, lungs and brain. Without medical diagnostics and treatment professionals, doctors and nurses would literally be in the dark when it comes to treating patients.
Job Duties and Skills
Doctors and nurses rely on diagnostics and treatment technicians to operate a variety of technologies to provide accurate test results to the ordering physician. During testing they also make notes regarding changes in patient conditions and any other information that could aid the doctor in making a diagnosis.
Technicians should be familiar with common diagnostic and treatment equipment repairs and maintenance. Excellent communication skills are needed to explain tests to patients and to calm any fears that they may have. Strong computer skills are also required to operate diagnostics technology, enter test results and record other information.
Training Required
Community colleges and vocational schools are the most common training grounds for medical diagnostics and treatment professionals. Programs typically have titles like Medical Technology, Radiographic Technology, Cardiovascular Technology, Medical Sonography and Diagnostic Imaging Technology. Depending on the program selected, graduates may receive an associate's degree, diploma or certificate. These programs focus on developing technical and career skills, including the use of diagnostic and treatment technologies, first aid, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. Most programs will also place students in internships with local hospitals and clinics to allow them to build their skills in a professional environment.
For most diagnostics and treatment professions, a state-issued professional license or certificate is required. In addition to a written exam, some licenses demand certified hours of work experience or a practical exam that requires test takers to use the tools of their trade in a simulated professional environment.
Bachelor's degrees are not required for most entry-level positions in medical diagnostics and treatment, but they can be needed for career advancement. Most department managers and supervisors have at least a bachelor's degree in a field like biology or chemistry.
Career Options
Larger hospitals often have several departments dedicated to diagnostics and treatment technologies. Radiology departments employ sonographers, ultrasound technicians, MRI technologists and x-ray technicians. Cardiology departments require technicians to perform heart scans and other tests. Some hospitals have dedicated departments that perform CAT, EEG and EKG tests and require a variety of specialized professionals and technicians. With experience and possibly additional education, these professionals may be able to pursue department management and eventually hospital administration positions.
Some private clinics provide opportunities for diagnostics and treatment technicians as well.
Other career opportunities may also exist in equipment maintenance and technology sales.
Sources
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm
http://www.sdms.org/
http://www.aium.org/
http://www.imaginis.com/faq/history.asp
Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Professions Video: Career Options Related Articles
-
How to Survive Medical School
Most people have a perception of med school that includes countless hours of lectures, lab work and studying without much sleep along the...
-
Best Colleges for Surgeons: List of Top Medical Schools
Surgical programs at the country's top medical schools prepare students for careers as general surgeons or as surgeons in specialized...
-
Medical Schools Growing to Meet Demand
It may no longer be so difficult to get into medical school in the U.S. - almost two dozen new med schools have just opened or are...
-
Medical Diagnostics Equipment Repair Training and Education Programs
Medical diagnostics equipment repair technicians install, monitor and fix healthcare equipment used in hospitals, medical labs and...
-
Top Schools for Medical Administrative Services
Read about medical administrative service programs, through which students learn how to plan and direct healthcare delivery in hospitals,...
- Online Medical Diagnostics Career Education
- Education in Medical Diagnostics
- Online Doctorate Degree Program in Medical Diagnostics
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography Career Education in Riverside
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program in Panorama City, CA
- Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Distance Learning Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Careers in Medical Esthetics: Options and Requirements
- Medical Assistant Certificate: Program Overview
- Medical Translator: Job Duties, Salary and Requirements
- Top Ranked School for the Medical Assisting Field - Atlanta, GA
- Job Growth in the Next Decade: Medical Research
-
How to Earn a Bounty Hunter License: Info and Requirements
A bounty hunter license is a required credential for bail enforcement agents. Earning a bounty hunter license qualifies an individual to...
-
Genetics Nurse: Salary & Job Description
Genetics nurses work with patients who have, or might develop, genetic conditions. The salary potential may increase with advanced...
-
Certified Travel Counselor
Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a travel counselor. Get a quick view of the requirements as well as details...
-
Become a Baker Career Information and Requirements
Learn how to become a baker. Research the career requirements, training information, and experience necessary for beginning a career in...
Perfect School Search
Schools you may like:





Popular Schools
The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.
An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:
- programs & curriculum
- career opportunities
- tuition & financial aid
- admissions & starting dates
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Undergraduate applicants must be a high school graduate or have completed GED and completed some college
- Master's degree applicants must have a bachelor's or higher.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- Graduate Specialization - Healthcare Administration
-
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
- Master
-
Bachelor
-
- BBA in Healthcare Management
- Bachelor of Healthcare Management - HSA Mgt.
-
- Bachelor of Healthcare Management
-
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
- Kentucky (6 campuses)
- Ohio (2)
- Virginia (6)
- West Virginia (1)
Program Info
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Bachelor
-
- Bachelor in Medical Health Services Management
-
-
Associate
-
- Associate in Surgical Technology
- Associate in Emergency Medical Technology - Paramedic
-
- Associate in Medical Assisting
-
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
Bachelor
-
- RN to BSN
-
-
Associate
-
- AS in Medical Assisting
-
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
Doctorate
-
- PhD in Education - Sports Management
- Master
- Non-Degree
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher
School locations:
- Online Learning
Program Info
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- MBA Healthcare Administration
-
-
School Info
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Connecticut (2 campuses)
- Georgia (1 campus)
- Illinois (1)
- Massachusetts (1)
- New Jersey (3)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Rhode Island (1)
Program Info
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- Nursing (Practical)
- Medical Assistant Technology
-
- Medical Assistant
-
-
School Info
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Georgia (1 campus)
- Louisiana (1)
- Maryland (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- Pennsylvania (3)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (2)
- Virginia (2)
Program Info
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Associate
-
- Medical Assistant Technician (Associate in Specialized Technology Degree)
-
-
Non-Degree
-
- Radiologic Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Cardiovascular Technology
-
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Medical Assistant
-
-
Program Info
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- Surgical Technologist
-
- Medical Assistant
-
-
Non-Degree
10 Popular Schools
The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.
-
- Graduate Specialization - Healthcare Administration
-
- Master of Healthcare Management
- MBA in Healthcare Administration
- BBA in Healthcare Management
- Bachelor of Healthcare Management - HSA Mgt.
- Bachelor of Healthcare Management
- View more
-
- Bachelor in Medical Health Services Management
- Associate in Surgical Technology
- Associate in Emergency Medical Technology - Paramedic
- Associate in Medical Assisting
- View more
-
- RN to BSN
- AS in Medical Assisting
-
- MBA Healthcare Administration
-
- Nursing (Practical)
- Medical Assistant Technology
- Medical Assistant
- View more
-
- Medical Assistant Technician (Associate in Specialized Technology Degree)
- Radiologic Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Medical Assistant
- View more
-
10
- Surgical Technologist
- Medical Assistant
- Show more schools…
Find your perfect school
What is your highest level of education?