Types of Radiologic Technology Degrees
Going to school for the right career in health care takes a lot of planning and preparation. Before being admitted into a clinical training program that includes hands-on hospital training, you must earn at least an associates' of applied science two year degree. Many schools now offer online programs that allow you to complete most of this training online.
Medical Imaging Technician
Although many of the terms, training, and specialties for radiologic technicians are similar, there are subtle differences between the specialties. Medical imaging refers to a specialist trained in installing and maintaining the equipment that technicians use on patients.
Musculoskeletal Radiology Technician
Musculoskeletal Radiology Technician
Musculoskeletal refers to the muscles and the skeletal bones of the body. The musculoskeletal technician takes images of the bones and joint malformations and abnormalities, and their connections to muscles.
Neuroradiology Technician
These are specialists that use CT, computed tomography, and ultrasound to take images of the nervous system. This refers to the abnormalities of the central or peripheral nervous system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Angiography is also taught in schools to perform vascular scans for abnormalities.
Nuclear Medicine Technician
Nuclear medicine technicians learn how to administer radiopharmaceutical drugs to patients. The drugs migrate to specific tissues, like the thyroid for example, and then specialized ink in the drug allows the technician to take a scan of the organ’s or tissue image.
Cellular Imaging Technician
Monitoring the changes and rate of respiration of cells is an important step towards imaging and counting the cells that may be the cause of an ailment. Cellular imaging technicians learn a lot of histotechnology techniques that allow them to cut, stain and observe a biopsied bodily tissue for abnormalities.
Medical Sonography Technician
The other familiar term for this specialty is ultrasonography, or ultrasound. The technician uses an instrument that produces sound waves allowing them to make a picture image of the tissues, such as the abdomen. Obstetric sonographers take pictures of fetuses while in the womb.
Computed Tomography
This is most commonly known as an X-Ray to make highly detailed images of the human body. This is a highly technical field that employs computers to make 3D images of particular body parts, or the entire body for diagnosis and scientific research.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician
This specialty is known more commonly as the MRI technician. This technician uses the MRI machine to take pictures using magnetic waves that align the molecules of the body to produce an image by rotating at different speeds.
Mammography Technician
This technician performs mammography’s primarily to diagnose breast cancer. The greatest feat of this technician is to place the patient into the best possible positions in order to retrieve the highest quality images possible.