Employers of Medical Technology majors in GA

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, also called diagnostic imaging workers, operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Most diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, work full time. Most diagnostic imaging workers were employed in hospitals in 2016, while most of the rest worked in physicians’ offices or medical and diagnostic laboratories. Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, need formal education, such as an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. Many employers also require professional certification. The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $55,270 in May 2017. The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $71,410 in May 2017. Overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 17 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population ages, the need to diagnose medical conditions—such as blood clots and heart disease—will likely increase. Imaging technology is a tool used in making these diagnoses.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff. The median annual wage for medical and clinical laboratory technologists was $61,070 in May 2017.

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests. Includes vascular technologists. The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $55,270 in May 2017.

Radiologic and MRI Technologists

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. Many MRI technologists start out as radiologic technologists and specialize later in their career. Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states. Few states license MRI technologists. Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it. The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $69,930 in May 2017. The median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $58,440 in May 2017. Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. As the population grows older, there will be an increase in medical conditions that require imaging as a tool for making diagnoses.

Radiologic Technologists

Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities. The median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $58,440 in May 2017.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry. The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $69,930 in May 2017.

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Orthotists and prosthetists design and fabricate medical supportive devices and measure and fit patients for them. These devices include artificial limbs (arms, hands, legs, and feet), braces, and other medical or surgical devices. Orthotists and prosthetists work in various industries, including manufacturing, health and personal care stores, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. Most work full time. Orthotists and prosthetists need a master’s degree and certification. Both orthotists and prosthetists must complete a residency before they can be certified. The median annual wage for orthotists and prosthetists was $66,240 in May 2017. Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The large baby-boom population is aging, and orthotists and prosthetists will be needed because both diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the two leading causes of limb loss, are more common among older people.

Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. Most surgical technologists work in hospitals. They spend much of their time on their feet. Surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary nondegree award or an associate’s degree. Certification can be beneficial in finding a job. A small number of states regulate surgical technologists. The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $46,310 in May 2017. Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.

Dental Laboratory Technicians

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances. The median annual wage for dental laboratory technicians was $38,670 in May 2017.