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Dear Cindy – Lab or Imaging? - Medhunters Medical Community
By Cynthia M. Piccolo (Career Questions)
dearCPLabOrImaging image

Dear Cindy: 
I'm very interested in pursuing a career in medical imaging or as a medical technologist. Where do I begin?

Sincerely,

H

Dear H: 
Both are allied health professions, but they're very different professions, so first decide which you'd prefer. You can find an excellent overview of the professions through the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. It gives information including employment outlook, training, employment requirements, nature of work, locations of work, median salaries, etc. See:
  • Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians (among the many job titles used to mean "Medical Technologists" and "Medical Technicians")
  • Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (this refers to the various fields in medical imaging, except ultrasound and radiation therapy)

    • You can also find good information about the different careers on sites such as:

  • American Society of Radiologic Technologists
  • American Medical Technologists

    • These associations could also help you to find a person currently working in the field if you wanted to ask specific questions.

    When you decide which field you'd prefer, look for accredited programs through sites such as:

  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' ARRT-Recognized Educational Programs page
  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • allAlliedHealthSchools.com

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