Careers in Medical Imaging: What You Need to Know
Are you interested in health care, technology, and making a difference in people's lives? A career in medical imaging could be perfect for you! Medical imaging professionals use cutting-edge technology to take pictures of the inside of the body, helping doctors diagnose and treat patients. In a medical imaging major, your course of study will focus on the sciences, some math and fostering compassion for people. Here are the imaging career paths you can take with the UC AMIT program to get there to get there!
Imaging Modalities in the UC AMIT program
What It Is: MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
What You'll Do: As an MRI technologist, you'll work with specialized machines to take images that are used for everything from brain scans to joint evaluations. You will also maintain patient safety around the strong magnetic field.
Degree Pathway: Bachelor’s Degree in Advanced Medical Imaging Technology
What It Is: Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases.
What You'll Do: As a nuclear medicine technologist, you’ll prepare and administer radioactive materials to patients and operate imaging equipment to capture images of how these materials are absorbed in the body.
Degree Pathway: Bachelor’s Degree in Advanced Medical Imaging Technology
Other imaging modalities available at UC
What It Is: X-ray is one of the oldest and most commonly used imaging methods. X-ray technologists capture images of bones, lungs, and more.
What You'll Do: As an X-ray technologist, you'll operate X-ray equipment to capture images that help doctors diagnose conditions like fractures, infections, or lung disease.
Degree Pathway: Radiologic Technology Program Associate Degree or Bachelor of Radiologic Imaging Technology at UC Blue Ash.
Imaging modalities available at other institutions
What It Is: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of soft tissues, organs, and developing fetuses.
What You'll Do: As a sonographer, you'll use ultrasound equipment to capture images that help doctors assess everything from pregnancy to kidney health to heart conditions.
Degree Pathway: ATA College offers a Associate of Applied Sciences Program, Cincinnati State offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and Kettering Health also offers a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
What It Is: CT scans use a series of X-ray images taken from different angles and combined to create a 3D image.
What You'll Do: As a CT technologist, you’ll perform scans that are essential for diagnosing complex conditions and planning treatments.
Degree Pathway: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Sciences, often with additional course work and clinical experience for certification in CT
Why Choose a Career in Medical Imaging?
Medical imaging is a growing field with many rewarding career opportunities. These professionals play a crucial role in health care, combining science, technology, and compassion to help patients receive the care they need.
If you’re interested in science and technology and want to make a difference, start exploring medical imaging careers today! Talk to your guidance counselor, look into local volunteer opportunities in health care, and start preparing for an exciting future in medical imaging!