Anyone considering a career in health care should explore the field of diagnostics, as it offers numerous jobs in hospitals and medical clinics. Diagnosing a patient’s condition is the first step toward helping them overcome an illness or injury. In some cases, an individual working in diagnostic medical care must provide emergency services, while in other situations a patient is scheduled for an evaluation with the diagnostic services technician.

Radiologic Technician
Radiologic technicians earn an average of over $60,000 a year while working in urgent care and imaging centers after attending a community college or university program for two to four years. Earning a Radiology bachelor's degree can be the first step towards a career in imaging. This medical professional must have the ability to lift and move patients, along with the ability to remain standing for long amounts of time. Patients undergoing radiologic imaging are often frightened and require compassionate and expert care, so the technician’s bedside manner is important.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist
A nuclear medicine technologist has an average yearly salary of over $80,000 a year with jobs available in outpatient imaging centers and research facilities. Programs to become certified in this career are offered in hospitals, community colleges and universities. Students must study for two to four years and have a high aptitude in computer technology and various science specialties.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers frequently work in obstetrician’s offices where they examine pregnant women with specialized equipment to determine if fetuses are healthy. Anyone working in this career must enjoy learning new information and using technology. After a student completes a degree in two to four years, they will earn an average of nearly $80,000 a year while working full-time.

Cardiovascular Technician
The average salary for a cardiovascular technician is close to $50,000, a year with jobs available in physician’s offices and ambulatory surgical centers. An individual can study for this career at a community college or university to earn a degree in two to four years. It is important to have strong math skills along with the ability to follow detailed instructions in this job despite working with clients who are in pain.

There is a Shortage of Diagnostic Health Care Experts
There is currently a shortage of diagnostic experts with projections that many more trained individuals are needed in the next 10 to 30 years. While some health care jobs require a long-term educational commitment, diagnostic service degrees may only take two years to complete. These career paths offer more than experience—most are full-time positions with benefits. For the student or professional who desires a career in healthcare, look no further than the field of diagnostic services.

Author's Bio: 

Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She graduated from the University of California-Sacramento with a degree in Journalism. She interviews with small businesses and educational institutions regularly to learn new career building strategies.