Twizel Area School
Medical Imaging Technologist Kairahurahu Whakaahua Whakaora
Medical imaging technologists use x-ray and other imaging equipment to take images of injuries and diseases.
Medical imaging technologists need to be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board and have a current Annual Practising Certificate.
Medical imaging technologists may do some or all of the following:
- provide information to patients about what will happen during their examinations
- prepare patients and equipment for examinations
- produce diagnostic images for diagnosis of injuries or possible diseases
- prepare and administer radioactive materials (tracers) or x-ray dye to patients
- check the quality of images taken
- write reports
- perform quality assurance testing on equipment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
To become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologist you must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) at the University of Auckland.
Mammography specialist
To become a mammography specialist you must complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (Mammography) from the University of Auckland.
Nuclear medicine technologist
To become a nuclear medicine technologist you must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences in Medical Imaging (Nuclear Medicine Pathway) at the University of Auckland.
Sonographer
To become a sonographer you must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Ultrasound) at the University of Auckland.
Physical Requirements
Medical imaging technologists need to be reasonably strong so they can move patients. They also need good hand-eye co-ordination for laboratory work and injections.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for medical imaging technologists includes:
- any work in the health sector
- photography
- technical work
- laboratory work
- any jobs involving contact with people.
Personal Qualities
Medical imaging technologists need to be:
- mature, responsible and patient
- accurate, with an eye for detail
- able to work well under pressure
- able to work independently and as part of a team
- able to follow instructions
- excellent communicators so they can relate well to patients and other staff
- good decision-makers
- competent with technology.
Medical imaging technologists must not be squeamish, as they may have to deal with people who have severe injuries.
Skills
Medical imaging technologists need to have knowledge of:
- human anatomy, physiology and pathology
- positioning and imaging techniques, and how to use x-ray equipment
- safety issues for the use of radiation equipment and radioactive materials.
Conditions
Medical imaging technologists:
- usually do shift work, which may include weekends and evenings
- may be on call, particularly in public hospitals
- work in hospitals, medical laboratories, private practices, and clinics.
Subject Recommendations
NCEA Level 3 is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include biology, chemistry, English, health education, maths and physics.
Medical Imaging Technologists can earn around $63K-$84K per year.
Chances of getting a job as a Medical Imaging Technologist are good due to a shortage of people interested in this type of work.
Medical imaging technologists pay
Pay for medical imaging technologists varies depending on experience and how many hours a week they work.
- Medical imaging technologists with one to six years' experience usually earn between $63,000 and $84,000 a year for a 40-hour week.
- Medical imaging technologists with more than six years' experience can earn between $87,000 and $118,000 a year.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists and nuclear medicine technologists pay
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists and nuclear medicine technologists are specialist roles requiring extra training. Pay varies depending on experience and how many hours a week they work.
- Trainee magnetic resonance imaging technologists and trainee nuclear medicine technologists usually earn between $73,000 and $79,000 a year for a 40-hour week.
- Magnetic resonance imaging technologists and nuclear medicine technologists with one to six years' experience usually earn between $92,000 and $107,000 a year.
- Magnetic resonance imaging technologists and nuclear medicine technologists with more than six years' experience can earn between $110,000 and $120,000 a year.
Source: APEX and Te Whatu Ora Health NZ, 'Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) Collective Agreement 1 September 2022 - 30 June 2024', 2023.
Medical imaging technologists can progress into managerial roles. With further training, they may become academics. They may also move between areas of radiography if they are registered and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate covering that area.
Medical imaging technologists can specialise in a number of roles, including:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (MRI)
- Magnetic resonance imagers use MRI scanners, radio frequency waves, and magnetic fields to diagnose injuries and possible diseases.
- Mammography Specialist
- Mammography specialists use mammography scanners to take images of the breasts.
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Nuclear medicine technologists use radioactive materials (tracers) and gamma cameras to diagnose and occasionally treat diseases.
- Sonographer
- Sonographers use ultrasound scanners and sound waves to take images of internal parts of the body.
Years Of Training
3-5 years of training usually required.To become a medical imaging technologist you need to have one of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Medical Imaging
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging).
You also need to be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board and hold an Annual Practising Certificate.
You may need to pass health and police checks, and attend an interview and an observation day to get into these courses.
- Ara website - information about the Bachelor of Medical Imaging
- UCOL website - information about the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology)
- Unitec website - information about the Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging)
The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 means that if you have certain serious convictions, you can’t be employed in a role where you are responsible for, or work alone with, children.
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