Employers

Special procedures technologists are employed in a variety of health care settings. Hospitals are the most likely source for employment, especially for technologists who perform CT and MRI scanning, which require costly equipment. Health maintenance organizations and other health care clinics and centers also hire personnel trained to carry out the variety of testing procedures needed for medical care. Diagnostic imaging centers that are specifically dedicated to performing special imaging procedures are also likely employers. Also, the U.S. government employs radiologic and other imaging personnel, usually through the Department of Veterans Affairs or as members of the armed forces.

Starting Out

Most special procedures technologists begin their careers as radiology technicians or assistants and then receive additional training in their special procedure. Many new graduates find employment through their schools career services office. Some trade journals and area newspapers also list job opportunities. Applying directly to health care and imaging facilities may also produce results.

Advancement in special procedures fields is generally limited as these specialties already represent advanced areas of radiology. With experience, however, a special procedures technologist may advance to greater responsibilities and to supervisory positions. Some people advance in this field by completing a bachelors degree in radiology and moving into administrative or teaching positions. In addition, special procedures work may be a valuable bridge to a more advanced medical career, such as a doctor. Skills of a special procedures technologist are in demand in the United States and other countries as well, so there is a possibility of travel to, or employment in, other countries that recognize U.S. training and certification.

Visit https://www.healthecareers.com/search-jobs and https://careers.sdms.org/jobs for job listings. 

Join the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and other professional associations to access member-only career advice, scholarships, publications, discounts on conferences, and other resources.

The ASRT offers detailed information on career paths at https://www.asrt.org/main/careers/careers-in-radiologic-technology.