Job Description for a Medical Imaging Technician: Pay, Responsibilities, and More

What Does an Imaging Technician in Medicine Do?

Learn what a medical imaging technician does, how to apply, and what it takes to be successful in this field.

The taking and processing of medical images is the responsibility of medical imaging technicians. They frequently use diagnostic imaging from X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and other sources. It is their responsibility to make sure that these photographs are appropriately taken, saved, and evaluated by medical professionals.

To effectively communicate with doctors about patient care, medical imaging technicians need a solid grasp of medical terminology and processes. Additionally, they can be needed to help radiologists or doctors analyze medical images.

Job Duties of a Medical Imaging Technician

1. A medical imaging technician's duties can range widely and include the following:
2. Operating apparatus, including mammography apparatus, ultrasound apparatus, MRI scanners, X-ray apparatus, and other imaging apparatus.
3. Assisting patients to undress and place themselves on tables or imaging devices in preparation for examinations.
4. Monitoring the operation of the equipment to make sure it is functioning properly
5. Taking bodily fluid or specimen samples from patients to be tested in a lab.
6. Providing patients with information about test processes and emotional support while they are being examined.
7. Performing diagnostic imaging techniques, such as CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and x-rays.
8. keeping a record of the patient's details, including their age, height, weight, and major complaint as well as their past medical history and family history.
9. Operating x-ray machines, ultrasound machines, mammography equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, and magnetic resonance imagers (MRI).
10. Getting patients ready for exams by thoroughly explaining procedures and outlining any potential risks.
11. Providing patients with information about test processes and emotional support while they are being examined.
12. Assisting patients to place themselves on imaging devices in preparation for examinations.

Salary and Outlook for Medical Imaging Technicians

The level of education and experience, the size of the business, and the location all affect medical imaging technologists' pay.

$52,500 on average per year ($25.24/hour)

Annual Salary for the Top 10%: $91,500 ($43.99/hour)

Over the following ten years, a faster-than-average increase in the number of medical imaging technologists employed is anticipated.

More people will require medical imaging services like computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging as the massive baby-boom population ages (MRIs). Additionally, the demand for these employees is anticipated to rise as a result of technological developments in imaging equipment.

Jobs for Medical Imaging Technicians

The following credentials are commonly required for a medical imaging technician:

Education: An associate's degree or a post-secondary certificate is often necessary for medical imaging technicians. Anatomy, physiology, radiography, pathology, and medical ethics are among the subjects covered in these two-year studies.

Training & Experience: The majority of an imaging technician's training is on the job. Until students feel confident enough to work on their own, they may be supervised by an experienced imaging technician.

Credentials & Licensing: Although they are not always necessary, certificates can help you increase your chances of landing a job and boost your earning potential.

Apply For Medical Imaging Technician at Enugu State College of Health Technology Oji River - Click Here

Skills of a Medical Imaging Technician

To succeed, medical imaging technicians require the following abilities:

Communication: Throughout the course of the day, medical imaging technicians interact with a wide range of people, including patients, other medical professionals, and other imaging technicians. They can collaborate with others to ensure the finest patient care and effective imaging processes by using their effective communication abilities.

Medical imaging technicians must pay close attention to every detail to guarantee that their work is done correctly. To guarantee that they carry out the proper operations and collect the proper measures, they must be able to appropriately read and understand medical images and other data.

Medical imaging technologists utilize computers to input patient data into imaging systems, analyze patient files, and enter patient information. Additionally, they use computers to enter patient data into software applications and patient databases.

Solving issues in teams: Medical imaging technicians frequently collaborate with other technicians and medical personnel. They might have to explain procedures to patients and communicate with them. Technical issues, including when a machine isn't operating properly, may also require medical imaging technicians to find solutions.

Technical expertise: Medical imaging technicians must have a fundamental knowledge of the tools they use and how they operate. They ought to be able to read, comprehend, and interpret medical images and the data they contain. They must also be able to recognize and fix any problems with the tools they utilize.

Workplace of a medical imaging technician

Hospitals, outpatient centers, and private medical practices employ medical imaging technicians. They must be able to reassure patients of all ages because they work with them. Medical imaging technologists frequently work full-time, with some also working nights and weekends. They might be on call, in which case they have to be accessible for work whenever it is needed. Patients who are unable to move themselves may need to be lifted or moved by medical imaging technicians. They might also come into contact with dangerous substances and contagious diseases.

Trends in Medical Imaging Technician

These three developments are affecting how medical imaging technicians perform their jobs. To keep their knowledge current and maintain a competitive edge at work, medical imaging technicians will need to be informed on these advances.

Virtual reality's application to medical imaging

Virtual reality (VR) is being used more frequently in medical imaging because it has a variety of advantages over more conventional techniques. 

As they may immerse themselves in a virtual environment that resembles their own, VR enables patients to feel more at ease throughout procedures. Additionally, it gives medical professionals and technicians a greater understanding of the architecture of the body, which is useful for identifying diseases and injuries.

Medical imaging technicians will need to learn how to employ VR in their profession as the field of medical imaging grows.

Learning how to put up VR gear and making sure it is secure and safe for patients are part of this. Additionally, in order to stay up with the most recent advancements, technicians will need to be knowledgeable with the most recent VR technologies.

Greater emphasis on preventative care

Medical imaging technicians will need to concentrate on offering services that help to spot issues early on as preventative care becomes a more significant component of healthcare.

The rising popularity of tests for conditions like cancer and heart disease is a clear indicator of this trend. Medical imaging technicians will need to be ready to manage the increased demand for their services as these screenings become more widespread. In order to give their patients the finest care possible, they will also need to be aware on the most recent diagnostic instruments and procedures.

Getting into the Medical Imaging Field

Being a medical imaging technician can be a rewarding and successful career. It's crucial to take into account all the variables that may impact your success in this industry, such as your education level, certification status, amount of experience, and personal characteristics.

Keeping abreast of the most recent innovations in medical imaging technology and methodology is among the most crucial things you can do. This entails reading scholarly publications and going to seminars and workshops. Additionally, keep a look out for fresh goods and services that can enhance patient care or boost productivity.

Advancement Opportunities

Advancement opportunities for medical imaging technologists include becoming senior, lead, or supervisory technicians. Others might work in imaging departments as managers. Technicians often take on greater responsibility as they grow, and they could also make more money. Additionally, some technicians could decide to focus on just one type of medical imaging, such computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Responsibility & Tasks

• When doing medical imaging treatments, follow all safety precautions.
• Patients should be prepared for imaging techniques by being informed about the procedure and having their questions addressed.
• Make careful to properly position patients on the imaging table and to keep them still throughout the operation.
• Operate imaging machinery such X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines
• Make adjustments to the imaging device's parameters to assure the creation of high-quality photographs.
• Patients should be watched during procedures to guarantee their safety and comfort.
• Keep thorough records of your imaging procedures.
• Maintain imaging equipment cleanliness
• Help other doctors, such as radiologists, with picture interpretation
• Teach new hires how to use imaging technology properly
• Keep abreast on developments in medical imaging technologies.
• Take advantage of chances for professional development and continuous education.

Skills and qualifications needed

• Equivalent to a high school diploma
• Completion of a radiology program with accreditation
• Registration with your country's association
• State-issued radiography license, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills

Example of a Job Description for a Medical Imaging Technician

We at [CompanyX] give our patients access to the most cutting-edge medical imaging technology. In order to improve patient care, we're looking for a medical imaging technician to join our team. The ideal applicant will also possess a qualification in medical imaging technology or a related discipline. He or she will be in charge of running the imaging machinery, getting patients ready for treatments, and supporting the radiologist. A team player with strong communication and customer service abilities will make the best candidate.