Interested in becoming a medical imaging assistant? The medical imaging sector is growing steadily in Australia, offering strong employment prospects. Industry revenue is expected to rise at an annual rate of 3.0% during the period 2019 to 2024, giving qualified professionals a greater choice of job opportunities. This increased demand has been caused by a range of factors, including Australia’s aging population, advancements in imaging technology and a growing need for more medical research.
Earning a medical imaging qualification will give you the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment. As a medical imaging assistant, you’ll work with medical imaging technicians and diagnostic radiographers to assist with the production of medical images.
If you’re aiming to get qualified, this article covers essential information about medical imaging assistant courses and the qualities you’ll need to successfully kickstart your career.
Top Traits of a Medical Imaging Assistant
Attention to Detail
Medical imaging assistants must be able to pick up on small details to accurately assess patients. To meet expectations in this role you’ll need to pay careful attention to the condition of the patient during the imaging process and call out any irregularities to help the radiographer provide an accurate diagnosis.
Excellent Interpersonal Skills
Some patients may experience anxiety during the imaging process, particularly if the scan needs to be undertaken in a confined space (some patients experience claustrophobia during CT and MRI scans). Explaining imaging procedures to patients and putting them at ease is one of the most important responsibilities you’ll have as a medical imaging assistant.
Good at Working Collaboratively
Medical imaging assistants often work with a range of health professionals, including radiographers, doctors and nurses. Being able to work collaboratively as part of a team while providing vital support to other medical imaging professionals will improve the standard of care being delivered to the patient, allowing you to achieve optimal outcomes.
Getting Qualified
You’ll need to complete a training course before qualifying for employment as a medical imaging assistant. Earning a qualification will give you the ability to safely operate medical imaging technology for diagnostic purposes.
If you’re looking for a course that equips you with a broad understanding of allied health applications in a medical imaging role, our HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance will teach you how to assist with allied health programming, interpret basic medical terminology, and comply with infection prevention and control policies.
This course provides a gateway to rewarding allied health assistance roles, opening doors to a variety of job opportunities. To learn more about how to enrol in one of our medical imaging assistant courses, please get in touch with the Foundation Education team today.
If you’re ready for a career change, discover Why a Career in Healthcare Might Be Right for You.