Careers Diagnostic Services Information Provided By: Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC) PowerPoint

Careers Diagnostic Services

Information Provided By:Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index

PowerPoint Presentation By:Juliane Monko & Dr. Frank FlandersCTAE Resource Network, June 2009

Based On PowerPoint Ideas From:Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor

AH

EC

There are six centers in the Georgia AHEC Network, and each serves a multi-county region.

The AHEC mission is to meet the health needs of Georgia by improving the supply, distribution and quality of healthcare providers.

AHECs offer enrichment programs, camps, learning tools, student counseling, volunteer and mentoring activity coordination, and access to other educational resources.

Contact your regional AHEC for more information.

Objectives

Students will be able to describe health careers in the field of Diagnostic Services.

Students will be able to plan a healthcare career path in Diagnostic Services.

Careers in Diagnostic Services

Audiologist

Cardiovascular Technologist

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Radiologic Technologist

Audiologist

Audiologist

Audiologists specialize in preventing, identifying, assessing and treating disorders related to hearing.

These professionals perform tests and evaluate patients hearing difficulties to determine the range and degree of hearing loss.

They are then able to develop treatment programs so that individuals can adapt to their problems or have them corrected.

Audiologist

Audiologists might prescribe a hearing aid, teach a person strategies to communicate effectively, or make physician referrals for medical or surgical intervention.

Work Environment Salary

Colleges and universities Home health agencies Hospitals Physicians' offices Public health departments Rehabilitation centers Research centers Schools Self-employed Speech and hearing centers

Average Starting Salary $46,548 Figures according to 2006 data. To see

updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index

Audiologist

AudiologistAcademic Requirements

A Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree is considered the entry-level degree for this profession. Most audiologists enter doctoral programs after earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or one of the scientific disciplines.



Cardiovascular technologists perform examinations to determine how well the heart and blood vessels function.

Technologists report to a cardiologist (physician specializing in the heart) and supply data to diagnose heart disease.

They also prepare patients for examinations including taking medical histories, drawing blood samples, and explaining procedures.

Areas of Specialization: Invasive Cardiology Non-invasive Echocardiography Non-invasive Vascular Technology

Invasive cardiology, tests that actually go into the heart, includes tests like heart catheterization.

Non-invasive procedures may monitor the heart’s condition during exercise or use ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart’s chambers and valves.



Clinics Hospitals Medical centers Mobile units Physicians' offices




Cardiovascular TechnologistAcademic Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Programs require up to two years of study depending on the area of specialization chosen. Programs award either a certificate or an associate degree.



Diagnostic medical sonography, also referred to as ultrasound, is used to diagnose abnormalities in the body and examine fetal growth and development in expectant mothers.

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of body tissues.

Sonographers display these images on video screens.

They prepare patients for the exam, explain procedures, select equipment, operate the machine and obtain medical images used for diagnosis.

Their observations are interpreted by a physician.


Clinics Hospitals Mobile services Physicians' offices




Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Academic Requirements

A college preparatory diploma is required. Three types of programs are available: one-year certificate programs, two-year associate degree programs, and four-year bachelor's degree programs.



Nuclear medicine technology uses radioactive materials to see organ images, body functions and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Nuclear medicine technologists instruct patients prior to medical procedures.

Under the direction of a physician, they calculate dosages and administer appropriate radioactive drugs.

Technologists also document the use and disposal of radioactive materials.


Clinics Hospitals Imaging centers Outpatient facilities Research facilities




Nuclear Medicine TechnologistAcademic Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Aptitude in math, science, and computers is essential. Four programs are available: one- and two-year certificate programs, two-year associate degree programs, and four-year bachelor's degree programs. Graduation from an accredited two-year clinically-related allied health educational program or a bachelor's degree in a hard science is required to enter one-year certificate programs.



Radiologic technologists produce images for interpretation by a radiologist.

They use their knowledge of radiation, equipment, and anatomy to produce images with the correct radiographic density, detail and contrast.


They give patients chemical mixtures so that body organs will be visualized as well as evaluate images and educate patients on procedures.

Radiologic technologists understand the benefits and hazards of radiation and are experts in safeguarding their patients from excessive radiation exposure.


Clinics Colleges and universities Equipment sales Government facilities Hospitals Mobile facilities Physicians’ offices Public health departments Specialized imaging centers Urgent care centers




Radiologic TechnologistAcademic Requirements

Education in radiologic technology is available in two-year certificate programs, diploma programs, and associate degree programs, and four-year bachelor's degree programs. Registered radiologic technicians may take advanced level examinations in mammography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, quality management, sonography, vascular sonography, cardiac- interventional technology and bone densitometry.

Summary

There is a variety of careers available in Diagnostic Services. Educational requirements vary by career and career level. Students interested in these careers should use the information provided here as a basis for a career plan. The student should also research the career further to complete a career plan.

Career available in Diagnostic Services include:• Audiologist• Cardiovascular Technologist• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer• Nuclear Medical Technologist• Radiologic Technologist

Documents

Careers Diagnostic Services Information Provided By: Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC) PowerPoint