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Medical Imaging Technologist

Kairahurahu Whakaahua Whakaora

Medical imaging technologists use x-ray and other imaging equipment to take images of injuries and diseases. 

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Secondary education

NCEA Level 3 is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include biology, chemistry, English, health education, maths and physics.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Bachelor's degree

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.

What you will do

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.

Skills and knowledge

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.
Pay

Medical imaging technologists with one to six years’ experience usually earn

$63K-$84K

per year

Medical imaging technologists with more than six years’ experience usually earn

$87K-$118K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a medical imaging technologist are good due to a shortage of workers and increasing demand for their services.
Length of training
3-5
years of training usually required.

Industry

Health

Medical imaging technologists use x-ray and other imaging equipment to take images of injuries and diseases. 

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

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.

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. 

Chances of getting a job

Strong demand for medical imaging technologists

Chances of getting a job as a medical imaging technologist are good because:

  • an ageing population increases demand for more health checks and scans for age-related diseases
  • a relatively low number of people train to do this job.

Medical imaging technologist, medical resonance imaging technologist, nuclear medicine technologist and sonographer appear on Immigration New Zealand's Green List. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled workers in those roles from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 1,797 medical imaging technologists and sonographers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Most medical imaging technologists are employed in:

  • hospitals and nursing homes 
  • medical and dental services 
  • health clinics.

Find out more about training

New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology (NZIMRT)
(06) 752 7040 - nzimrt@nzimrt.co.nz - www.nzimrt.co.nz
New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB)
(04) 801 6250 - mrt@medsci.co.nz - www.mrtboard.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

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.

Working 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.

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 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.

Industry

Health

Medical imaging technologists use x-ray and other imaging equipment to take images of injuries and diseases. 

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