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Medical Imaging Technology

Overview

Medical imaging technology programs prepare people, under the supervision of physicians, to take x-ray and other kinds of images of patients.

Medical imaging technology programs include topics such as:

Practicum

Most medical imaging technology programs require students to complete a practicum at a clinic under the supervision of experienced technologists.

Schools

Many career and technical schools as well as most community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in medical imaging technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in medical imaging technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

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Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Some programs require the previous completion of a radiologic technology program. These programs might also consider health care experience that involved direct patient care as an acceptable alternative.

Other requirements may include:

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

Medical imaging programs are typically split into two parts: pre-professional and professional. During the first half (about two years) of the program, you usually take general education courses and basic health science courses. These generally include courses in the following subjects:

You take your professional courses during the last two years of your program. The specific courses depend on the specialty that you choose. However, they may include some general courses that introduce the different technologies to you. The following are examples of some courses you may take:

All programs include a clinical externship or practicum in their curriculum. Under the supervision of a physician or a registered medical imaging technologist, you can apply your knowledge and skills in real-life clinical settings. This also gives you the chance to work within the specialty that interests you.

Things to Know

You are expected to pay for your own uniforms, shoes, name badge, and transportation during your clinical training.

Students who complete this program may qualify to take a national certification exam.

Schools

East Side Area

Wenatchee Valley College

King-Snohomish Area

Bellevue College

Everett Community College

Pima Medical Institute-Seattle

Seattle University

Spokane Area

Carrington College

Spokane Community College

Tacoma Area

Tacoma Community College

Tri-Cities Area

Columbia Basin College

West Side Area

Bellingham Technical College

Yakima Area

Yakima Valley College