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Medical Imaging @ STCC
Click on the words "Medical Imaging" to get more
details on the STCC program.
Nuclear Medicine
Employment of nuclear medicine technologists
is expected to grow faster than the average
for all occupations through the year 2010. The number of openings each year will be very
low because the occupation is small. Growth will arise from an increase in the number of
middle-aged and older persons who are the primary users of diagnostic procedures,
including nuclear medicine tests.
Technological innovations may increase the diagnostic uses
of nuclear medicine. One example is the use of radiopharmaceuticals in combination with
monoclonal antibodies to detect cancer at far earlier stages than is customary today, and
without resorting to surgery. Another is the use of radionuclides to examine the heart's
ability to pump blood. Wider use of nuclear medical imaging to observe metabolic and
biochemical changes for neurology, cardiology, and oncology procedures, also will spur
some demand for nuclear medicine technologists.
On the other hand, cost considerations will affect the
speed with which new applications of nuclear medicine grow. Some promising nuclear
medicine procedures, such as positron emission tomography (PET), are extremely costly, and
hospitals contemplating them will have to consider equipment costs, reimbursement
policies, and the number of potential users.
Nuclear Medicine Fall
2008 Information Packet
Radiography (X-Ray)
Employment of radiologic technologists and technicians
is expected to grow faster than the average
for all occupations through 2010, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand
for diagnostic imaging. Opportunities are expected to be favorable. Some employers report
shortages of radiologic technologists and technicians. Imbalances between the supply of
qualified workers and demand should spur efforts to attract and retain qualified
radiologic technologists and technicians. For example, employers may provide more flexible
training programs, or improve compensation and working conditions.
 Although physicians are enthusiastic about the
clinical benefits of new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted depends
largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. For example, digital imaging technology
can improve quality and efficiency, but remains expensive. Some promising new technologies
may not come into widespread use because they are too expensive and third-party payers may
not be willing to pay for their use.
Radiologic technologists who are educated and credentialed
in more than one type of diagnostic imaging technology, such as radiography and sonography
or nuclear medicine, will have better employment opportunities as employers look for new
ways to control costs. In hospitals, multi-skilled employees will be the most sought
after, as hospitals respond to cost pressures by continuing to merge departments.
Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic
technologists and technicians. However, a greater number of new jobs will be found in
offices and clinics of physicians, including diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities
such as these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2010 due to the strong shift
toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by
technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital.
Some job openings will also arise from the need to replace technologists and technicians
who leave the occupation.
Radiography Fall 2008
Information Packet
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is
expected to grow faster than the average
for all occupations through 2010 as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand
for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. Some job openings also will arise from
the need to replace sonographers who leave the occupation.
Ultrasound is becoming an increasingly attractive
alternative to radiologic procedures as patients seek safer treatment methods. Because
ultrasound—unlike most diagnostic imaging methods—does not involve radiation,
harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are rarer for both the patient
and the sonographer. Sonographic technology is expected to evolve rapidly and to spawn
many new ultrasound procedures, such as 3D-ultrasonography for use in obstetric and
ophthalmologic diagnosis. However, high costs may limit the rate at which some promising
new technologies are adopted.
Hospitals will remain the principal employer of diagnostic
medical sonographers. However, employment is expected to grow more rapidly in offices and
clinics of physicians, including diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as
these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2010 due to the strong shift toward
outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological
advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital.
Sonography Fall 2008 Information Packet
(PDF)
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