Clinical Imaging Specialist Career Info

Duties and Responsibilities of a Clinical Imaging Specialist

There is a wide variety of responsibilities that clinical imaging specialists are expected to carry out; the particular job duties will depend greatly on what type of clinical setting the specialist works in. Some clinical imaging specialists focus on radiography images, such as those produced by x-rays; other specialists will produce diagnostic images using sonograms or mammography equipment. Upon producing clinical images, these specialists will communicate with physicians and other clinical staff to diagnose patients and plan courses of treatment. It is often the clinical imaging specialist's responsibility to communicate with patients, as well, and to make the patients feel as comfortable with the procedures as possible. Other job duties are found in these excerpts taken from Monster.com:

• 'Performs CT, MRI and X-Ray using our state-of-the-art, high resolution imaging processes to assess the fine anatomic structures associated with otolaryngological and ophthalmological conditions.'-Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
• 'Performs mammograms and related duties as necessary to complete mammograms, according to professional and departmental standards. Completes all processing of incoming patients for accuracy and completion.'-Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

Job Requirements

There are several ways to enter the field of clinical imaging specialty. Some hospitals and clinics have training programs, and many vocational schools and community colleges offer classes in radiography or other clinical imaging fields that can usually be completed in around two years. But, many hospitals and other clinical laboratories are now requiring that specialists obtain a bachelor's degree in medical electronics or a related field. Most states will require that clinical imaging specialists hold a current state license to operate imaging equipment. Employers will also often specify the need for potential employees to have excellent communication skills, as they will work with patients who may be distressed or nervous about both the procedure and the proceeding diagnosis. Particular employers may list additional job requirements and certifications, such as found in these excerpts from Monster.com:

• 'You must be a Graduate of AMA approved, CAHEA accredited ultrasound program and be certified by the ARDMS/RDMS; ARRT registered in Radiologic Technology.'-CyberCoders
• 'Completion of an Associate's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, successful completion of an approved clinical laboratory internship and current ASCP, NCA, or equivalent experience.'-Memorial Health System

Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, the job growth for clinical imaging specialists is expected to grow much faster than the average in the near future. Part of the reason for this favorable outlook is the growth of the health care industry as a whole; however, there are sectors within clinical imaging that will grow faster than others. More physicians are requesting sonographic diagnostic images rather than radiographic images, due to the safer nature of sonography, so imaging specialist should be sure to obtain as much training in this area of imaging as possible. The median annual salary for clinical imaging specialists is $52,490, according to the BLS.