Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York is a prominent radiologist specialist. In this article, Dr. Hamid Alam explores the diverse career opportunities available to radiologists, highlighting the different subspecialties, areas of expertise, and innovative advancements that collectively contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of this vital medical profession.
Even with an unpredictable economy and job market, the medical field typically remains a safe bet.
There will always be a need for specialized care and the medical professionals who are behind it. One subfield that has been seeing consistent growth is medical imaging, which uses techniques and technologies such as sonography, X-rays, radiology, and CT scans to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from broken bones to cancer.
It’s also an adaptable specialty. Jobs utilizing medical imagery can be found in small and large hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the number of medical imaging jobs is expected to rise 6% by 2031. Around 16,000 MRI technologist and radiologic jobs are expected to become available through the next decade.
Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York notes that there is an incredibly wide range of career paths that can be taken within the medical imaging field. Here are just a few of the popular options:
Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York Says to First Consider a Program
Those who enter the medical imaging field often decide to pursue a specialization, whether through continuing education, certificate programs, or another form of advanced training.
For example, certificate programs on everything from MRIs to mammography and vascular imaging are offered through such organizations as the Medical Technology Management Institute.
Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York explains that requirements for medical imaging certifications will slightly vary depending on the state, but be sure to look for programs that are accredited and change if a state requires a license as well. Certification exams are usually administered by the state or an organization, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Some specialties only require an associate’s degree, but others demand a four-year bachelor’s degree.
MRI Technician or Radiologist
Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York says that perhaps the two most common medical imaging-related fields — each is growing even faster than the general field itself — professionals taking these paths perform scans using some form of diagnostic imaging.
Magnetic resonance imaging yields 3-D, high-definition images of one’s entire body while computer tomography and X-rays are used by radiologists to provide images that are focused on specific areas, such as tissues and organs.
Nuclear Imaging and Nuclear Medicine
Considered a cutting-edge medical imaging field, nuclear medicine uses imaging and radiopharmaceuticals to gather data on the body’s physiologic, molecular, pathologic, and metabolic conditions for medical treatment and research.
Nuclear radiology, which uses small amounts of radioactive materials to create images, is a growing subfield of the diagnostic radiology subspecialty, reports Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Through advanced ultrasound imaging tools, medical sonographers specialize in developing images based on high-frequency soundwaves that can go a long way in diagnosing and treating conditions.
Most institutions with diagnostic medical sonographers provide on-the-job training, but certificates are also available through the American Registry of diagnostic medical sonographers. The need for such specialists is expected to increase by 17% through 2026.
Cardiovascular Technician
Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York explains that heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. In the United States, an average of one person every 33 seconds dies from some form of heart disease.
Cardiovascular technicians are essential to the fight against heart disease and the 695,000 Americans who die annually from it. These technologists test a patient’s cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to obtain health and treatment data through such means as cardiac catheterizations and electrocardiograms.
Radiation Therapist
Commonly partnering up with radiographers, radiation therapists are in charge of the administration of radiation therapy, which is used to treat many forms of cancer. Radiation therapy is a good option if someone with experience in caregiving is looking for a collaborative atmosphere or team dynamics within healthcare.
It also happens to be one of the medical imaging careers that comes with the highest pay.
Special Procedure Technologist
Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York notes that as medicine becomes more personalized and refined through technological breakthroughs, doctors are increasingly relying on specialized procedure technologists to offer well-rounded diagnostic and treatment plans.
Special procedure technologists typically use advanced X-rays that can focus on the body’s blood vessels and help healthcare professionals with medical procedures to widen blood vessels that are too narrow.
Hamid Alam MD of Jericho, New York explains that this pathway is for those especially adept with modern technology, including health monitoring equipment, computers, and image processors. Radiographers can explore the subfield by earning a certificate program that lasts between three months and a year.
