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Medical Imaging Technologist

Also known as Medical Diagnostic Radiographer and Radiographer.

Medical imaging technologists operate X-ray and other imaging equipment, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, to produce radiographic images that are used in the diagnosis and subsequent management of disease or injury.

Medical imaging technologists who are employed in hospitals may work in the radiology department, use mobile X-ray units at patients' bedsides or work in an operating theatre.

They work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, medical staff and nursing staff.

Hours of work may involve weekend or shiftwork. Participation in an on-call roster for after-hours emergencies may also be required.

Experienced medical imaging technologists may be able to develop further skills in image interpretation.

TASKS

Medical imaging technologists may perform the following tasks:

receive and interpret requests from medical practitioners for X-ray examinations to be performed on patients
determine the appropriate imaging techniques to provide doctors with diagnostic information
calculate details of procedures (such as length and intensity of exposure to radiation) and settings of recording equipment
explain procedures to patients and address any concerns they have about radiation processes
ensure patients undergo the correct preparation for the procedure
correctly position the patient and imaging equipment to obtain the best image of the area being examined
ensure the patient's welfare during the examination, particularly their exposure to radiation
develop the X-ray films
inspect images to determine if any further views are necessary
operate special equipment such as fluoroscopy equipment (which gives a moving image of the part being examined), angiography equipment (which gives images of blood vessels) and computed tomography (CT) equipment (which gives cross-sectional images of the body)

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

aptitude for science
able to work accurately
able to work as part of a team
eye for detail
enjoy helping people

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Sonographer - operates ultrasound machines and related equipment to produce images for medical diagnostic purposes.

MRI Radiographer - operates MRI scanners and ensures patient safety during the procedure to produce detailed images.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a medical imaging technologist you usually have to complete a degree in medical radiation science or medical imaging at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. You may be required to attend an interview.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Depending on the length of the university course, some graduates are required to complete a year of clinical practice in an accredited radiology department. Those completing a 4-year degree with the necessary clinical component are not required to undertake this additional year. Before undertaking clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia before practising as a medical imaging technologist in any state or territory of Australia. For full details, see the board's website.

You must also obtain a licence to operate radiation equipment from the appropriate state or territory authority. In the ACT, licences are issued by the Health Protection Service Radiation Council (ACT). In NSW, licences are issued by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of NSW. Contact the relevant body for more information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Medical imaging technologists are employed in public and private hospitals, as well as private radiology practices in metropolitan and rural locations.

Demand for medical imaging technologists has grown over the past few years. This has mainly been due to new and expanding techniques such as MRI and ultrasound, which aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions.