High demand for medical imaging technologists

Are you a great communicator who likes helping people, is good with technology and has an eye for detail? You might enjoy a job as a medical imaging technologist. In this job you may work with x-rays or more advanced equipment such as MRI scanners.

Medical imaging technologists are in demand in Aotearoa New Zealand, because:

• as our population gets older, people need more health checks and treatment 
• not enough people train for this role.

Sonographers, who specialise in ultrasound, are on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list – the Government is encouraging sonographers from overseas to work here.

Medical imaging technologists use equipment such as x-rays to take images of people’s injuries or diseases, so doctors can diagnose these correctly.

Some medical imaging technologists also provide radiotherapy treatment to patients.

As a medical imaging technologist, you could work in a hospital or nursing home. You might also work in a medical or dental service.

If you worked as a medical imaging technologist you could specialise in :

• magnetic resonance imaging – using an MRI scanner
• mammography – using special scanners to take images of breasts
• nuclear medicine – using radioactive materials and gamma cameras
• sonography – using ultrasound scanners.

To become a medical imaging technologist you need a Bachelor’s degree in medical imaging.

To specialise, you’ll need a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from the University of Auckland.

• Medical imaging technologist job information

• New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technologists website – medical imaging technologist careers

• New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board website – careers and training

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