Allied health professionals report high demand throughout the healthcare sector. Medical imaging specialists are particularly sought-after and earn above-average salaries. These allied health professionals operate specialized equipment to capture the images that physicians use to diagnose and treat countless medical conditions. 

What can you do with an allied health imaging degree? Also, how can you advance your medical imaging allied health career after you’ve entered the field? Earning a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging can help prepare you for the next step in your career. 

Medical Imaging Allied Health Degrees

What are the requirements to work in medical imaging careers? Candidates for entry-level radiology and sonography careers typically need a certificate or associate degree from an accredited program. To advance into more specialized positions, these professionals often need to have a bachelor’s degree in a medical imaging field. 

Medical imaging degree programs provide foundational training in human anatomy, medical terminology and patient care. These programs also provide hands-on clinical training, in which students gain experience in their specialty. During coursework and clinical components, students learn how to create diagnostic images, assist physicians during noninvasive procedures and operate imaging technologies. 

Licensure and certification requirements for medical imaging allied health careers vary by state. Additionally, some employers prefer that imaging professionals hold certain professional certifications.  

Allied Health Imaging Career Outlook

The job outlook for medical imaging specialists remains strong. In 2023, the median annual salary was $76,020 for radiologic and MRI technologists and $80,850 for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s significantly higher than the median annual wage of $51,250 for all health technologists and technicians.  

An aging population means increased demand for specialists who help physicians diagnose age-related conditions. Nationally, radiologic and MRI technologists will see 6 percent employment growth between 2023 and 2033, while diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians will benefit from 11 percent job growth, according to projections from the BLS.  

While an associate degree meets the entry-level education requirement for allied health medical imaging careers, a bachelor’s degree can mean more job opportunities and higher earning potential. 

 In a 2022 survey of radiologic technology professionals, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists found that 62 percent didn’t hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, while only 30 percent held a bachelor’s degree. The same survey reported a higher average salary for radiologic technologists with a bachelor’s degree ($79,650) compared with those with an associate degree ($72,450). 

7 Allied Health Careers With a Medical Imaging Degree

What can you do with an allied health imaging degree? A medical imaging degree prepares graduates for diverse roles in the healthcare field. Here are seven allied health careers that require specialized medical imaging training. 

MRI Technologist

MRI scanners use magnetic force and radio waves to create medical images. An MRI technologist prepares patients for scans, injects a contrast agent, and operates the MRI scanner to produce images of bones, muscles, organs and other internal structures. Physicians can then use the images to diagnose medical conditions.  

CT Technologist

Computerized tomography (CT) scanners use X-ray technology to create diagnostic images. CT technologists prepare patients for scans and operate computerized equipment. These medical imaging technologists specialize in producing images of different parts of the human anatomy. For example, they may create CT scans (formerly known as CAT scans) of the head, abdomen and other body parts.  

Echocardiographer

Echocardiographers, also known as cardiac sonographers, use ultrasound technology to create diagnostic images of the heart. Physicians rely on these images to identify problems with the heart’s valves, chambers and blood vessels. Some echocardiographers specialize in fetal and newborn cardiac sonography, which allows physicians to diagnose and treat cardiac conditions during pregnancy and immediately after delivery. 

Vascular Technologist

Diagnosing conditions that affect blood vessels, including blocked arteries and blood clots, requires specialized expertise. Vascular sonographers and vascular interventional radiographers use medical imaging technologies to capture images of blood vessels. Using tools such as MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds, vascular technologists provide data for physicians to diagnose various disorders. 

Breast Sonographer and Mammography Technologist

Breast sonographers and mammography technologists help detect breast cancer early, saving lives. Mammography technologists operate mammogram machines that use X-ray technology to capture images of breast tissue. Breast sonographers use ultrasound machines to follow up on mammogram results and identify cysts and tumors. These tools are critical for physicians diagnosing and treating patients. 

Cardiac Interventional Radiographer

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. Cardiac interventional radiographers help physicians diagnose and treat conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. They use medical imaging technologies that provide real-time X-ray images. These tools allow physicians to provide nonsurgical treatments for diseases, including stents, angioplasties and ablations. Cardiac interventional radiographers also assist with biopsies. 

Bone Densitometry Technologist

Bone density is a significant concern for older adults. Bone densitometry technologists operate equipment that measures bone density and assesses bone health. These specialists typically work with X-ray equipment to capture images that can indicate bone loss. Physicians can then diagnose patients with osteoporosis or low bone density and create treatment plans.  

Advance Your Allied Health Career at SEMO Online

Are you a medical imaging professional ready for the next step in your career journey? A Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health from Southeast Missouri State University Online can teach you the theoretical knowledge and leadership skills you’ll need.  

Designed for professionals with an associate degree in radiologic technology or diagnostic medical sonography, the fully online program prepares graduates for specialized certification and career advancement. SEMO Online partners with Saint Francis Healthcare System to prepare employees for imaging certification exams and offers opportunities for tuition assistance and discounts. Contact SEMO Online today to learn more about the online allied health degree or the on-campus healthcare programs. 

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Sources: 
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, How to Become a Sonographer 
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Bone Densitometry 
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, What Do Radiologic Technologists Do? 
American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Wage and Salary Surveys 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Radiologic and MRI Technologists 
U.S. Department of Labor, Projections Central, Long-Term Occupational Projections (2022-2032)