The healthcare sector in California is projected to grow significantly, with medical imaging careers being in high demand due to a rising population and aging workforce. Key roles include radiologic technologists, cardiovascular technologists, and diagnostic medical sonographers, with salaries averaging between $26.80 and $40.63 per hour. Educational programs range from 1-4 years, and practitioners benefit from acquiring multiple certifications and clinical experience to enhance job prospects.

1. Healthcare: Recession-Proof Jobs Medical Imaging Careers

2. Industry Background In California, there are over one million jobs in healthcare.

3. California’s population will increase by about 12 million people in the next 20 years - - many of whom will age and retire . As the population ages, and more health service workers retire, healthcare jobs will continue to be in high demand .

4. Medical Imaging Careers are a great choice !

5. Radiologic Technologists Take x-rays Do advanced imaging like MRIs, CT scans, and mammograms

6. Cardiovascular Technologists Perform tests of the heart May work in catheterization labs

7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Operate ultrasound equipment that creates images of internal organs using sound waves

8. Nuclear Medicine Technologists Create images of internal organs using specialized camera equipment AND radioactive injections into the body

9. Where are the jobs? Over half of medical imaging employees in L.A. and Orange Counties work in hospitals . Most of the rest work in doctor’s offices or diagnostic laboratories .

10. What are the salaries? Here are five careers in medical imaging that will grow from 15-23% in the next five years. Radiologic Technologists – $26.85 Cardiovascular Technologists - $26.80 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers – $30.15 Nuclear Medicine Technologists – $34.83 Radiation Therapists - $40.63 2007 Average Per Hour Earnings

11. What are the salaries? Medical Imaging Technologists make an average of $10/hr more than other allied health technicians in Los Angeles County!

12. What are the educational requirements? Radiologic Technologists - ARRT Certification Cardiovascular Technologists - One Year of Training Required; No License Diagnostic Medical Sonographers – No License Required Certification Preferred Nuclear Medicine Technologists – State Certification Radiation Therapists - State Certification

13. Where are the schools? Programs in medical imaging can run from 1-4 years . Pick the program that works best for you. It is important to go to these accredited schools so you can qualify for certification or licensure. Radiologic Technology Certificate and Degree Programs: El Camino/Compton College Center Cypress Community College Long Beach City College Los Angeles City College Mt. San Antonio College Orange Coast College Pasadena City College Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Programs: Cypress College Long Beach City College Orange Coast College Cardiovascular Technology Programs : Orange Coast College Radiation Therapy & Nuclear Medicine Programs (B.A. Degree): Charles Drew University of Medicine California State University- Long Beach

14. Tip #1 Learn Specialties: Employers want imaging technicians who can work in more than one of these jobs or who are trained in specialties like mammography, CT, or MRI! In many settings you will also earn more if you have multiple certifications .

15. Tip #2 Get Clinical Practice Make sure your educational program includes clinical practice at reputable hospitals or imaging facilities . Many employers will not hire you until you have experience . Your clinical placement may end up becoming your first job!

16. Tip #3 Move Up: Starting as a Cardiovascular Technician or Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with one year of training, you can go on to complete a longer program and become a licensed Radiologic Technician . From there you can advance by adding specialties like MRI, CT, Mammography . With added training, you can become a Registered Radiologic Assistant . Or, if you enjoy management you can become a lead, supervisor, or manager. Finally, if you want to earn a B.A. degree you can become a Radiation Therapist or a Nuclear Medicine Technologist .

17. Need More Information? ONET sites for Radiologic Technicians and Technologists http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2034.02 and http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2034.01 Radiation Therapists http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-1124.00 Nuclear Medicine Technologists http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2033.00 Cardiovascular Technicians and Technologists http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2031.00 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2032.00