Medical imaging clinicians play a critical role in our nation’s healthcare system, leveraging their unique skills to operate imaging technology and identify disease and illness in patients. But there are many different types of medical imaging specialties and each is growing at their own unique pace. In this blog, we’re taking a look at the medical imaging job outlook by specialty, so that you can get a better idea of clinician demand across the United States.
CT & X-Ray Technologist Job Outlook
CT and X-Ray technologists each use different types of medical imaging technology in their daily work, but all they work toward spotting disease in patients. The demand for these crucial allied health clinicians is growing in the U.S., with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting that overall employment of radiologic technologists is slated to grow 6% between 2022 and 2032.
MRI Technologist Job Outlook
When it comes to MRI technologists in particular, the BLS projects that the overall employment for these allied health clinicians will grow 8% between 2022 and 2032, which is considerably faster average growth than other occupations. In fact, the BLS predicts that employment of these technologists will grow from 41,400 in 2022 to 44,600 in 2032.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Outlook
Ultrasound technologists, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use soundwave technology to form images of the inside of the body to detect injury or check on the health of infants in the womb. According to the BLS, overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow by 14% between 2022 and 2023, from 83,800 in the field to nearly 96,000.
Radiation Therapist Job Outlook
According to the BLS, overall employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 2% between 2022 and 2032, which is slower than most occupations. In fact, the BLS projects about 700 openings for radiation therapists each year on average through 2032.
Cath Lab Technologist Job Outlook
Cath lab technologists run tests on patient cardiovascular health—according to the BLS, overall employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 4% between 2022 and 2023.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Outlook
Nuclear medicine technologists have the slowest job outlook out of the specialties on this list, with the BLS projecting that overall employment of these critical allied health clinicians will grow by around 0% between 2022 and 2032. However, the BLS does say that around an average of 800 openings for nuclear medicine technologists is projected each year through 2032.
Become a Travel Medical Imaging Clinician with BHS
Are you a medical imaging professional who’s looking to take advantage of growth in your specialty? When you partner with us and become a travel allied health clinician, we’ll connect you with assignments in short-staffed healthcare facilities across the country that will meet your personal needs and professional goals. Check out our job board and apply to an open position today to get started!