The medical field attracts many because of the range of opportunities. You can make good money and help people at the same time. However, these jobs cause a lot of stress, have a poor work/life balance, and in some cases, excruciating long hours. Those that get into the radiologic technician and nuclear medicine technician career find themselves burnt out quickly. You may see patients at their worst and it affects your mental health. You often have to travel much of your day if you work for a health network. Some have to work more than 40 hours per week. Luckily, there are different types of radiology careers you can transition into. The same goes for nuclear medicine technicians! We found a list of non clinical jobs for radiographers and medical ones. Don’t worry, the medical ones require much less from you than your current job in terms of hours and stress. Plus, the pay isn’t bad either!
1. Neurodiagnostic Technologist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $23,000. Median annual salary $70,942. Top 10% earn $166,500 as of September 2021
Job Growth: 8% % by 2030 (much faster than average)
A neurodiagnostic technologist uses specialized equipment to monitor and assess how a patient’s nervous system functions. They may conduct studies on the nerves or brain. They will answer patient questions, reassure them, and explain all testing procedures. Some tests require biomedical equipment to record the data as the test is conducted. Knowledge and experience with these are crucial to the job. A degree or certificate isn’t required for the job but will help. Those that want to assist or run their own tests should prepare themselves to take a professional exam.
Transferable Skills:
- Knowledge of biomedical equipment like EEGs and EPs.
- Strong critical thinking and analytic skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Patience and empathy for patients
- Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal)
2. Endoscopy Technician
Salary Range: Bottom 20% earn $23,800. Median annual salary $38,500. Top 10% earn $58,500 as September 2021
Job Growth: %-7% (faster than average)
Endoscopy Technician uses endoscopes to diagnose gastrointestinal problems. These technicians interact with patients and correspond with doctors and nurses to prepare for an endoscopy. You may sterilize equipment before and after use, assist in the procedure, or repair any broken equipment. You might have other duties like assist in patient intake, monitor vital signs with equipment, or collect specimens during the procedure. This technician job doesn’t require any degrees and uses your past work history in a related field. However, it’s preferred you have prior education and experience.
Transferable Skills:
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Meticulous and detail-oriented.
- Excellent record-keeping
- Listening skills
- Prior medical experience required
3. X-Ray Technologist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% $26,000. Median annual salary $47,585. Top 10% earn $75,500 as of September 2021
Job Growth: 9% by 2030 (as fast as average)
You may have heard these techs and radiologic techs are the same thing. However, they are different. X-ray technicians aren’t legally allowed to perform any diagnostic imaging the same way a radiologic technician can. X-ray techs are limited to certain areas of the body depending on the state they reside in. These techs often work for clinics, imaging centers, and doctor’s offices. Radiologic techs work in hospitals. As an x-ray tech, you will perform necessary x-rays where required like the hand, foot, chest, or wrist. You’ll also prepare exam rooms, document information, monitor patients undergoing exams, and correspond with patients. You can specialize in areas like the chest, abdomen, skull, and podiatry. Unlike a standard x-ray tech, you will already have the licensure and freedom to perform any imaging test and work where you wish.
Transferable Skills:
- Expert knowledge of x-ray imaging equipment
- Effective communication and written skills
- Good documentation and organizational skills
- Patience and listening skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Stamina to stand for extended periods
4. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $54,000. Median annual salary $69,000. Top 10% earn $88,000 as of August 2021
Job Growth: 14% by 2030 (much faster as average)
A sonographer uses imaging equipment and soundwaves to form images of the body. They’re trained to administer and analyze results from the images. These images are then sent to doctors with the findings for confirmation. For most patients, a sonogram is the first test they receive. As a sonographer, you will be required to ensure the image is clear and readable for diagnosis. You’ll prepare patients for the exam and inform them of the test procedure. You may also have to view medical history and coordinate care with other departments in the hospital or clinic.
Transferable Skills:
- Listening skills
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Effective oral and written communication
- Excellent documentation skills
- Up-to-date knowledge on imaging equipment
5. Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist
Salary Range: Bottom 25% earn $38,500. Median annual salary $77,231. Top 10% earn $126,500 as of September
Job Growth: 9% by 2030 (as fast as average)
CT techs take an image similar to an x-ray. However, it has much more detail in the form of a 3D image that shows the internal organs. You’ll ensure the patients are in the proper position before the test and monitor them throughout. Some patients may have questions and concerns. Your job will be to address them and explain the procedure. You will also administer radionuclides to the patients through IV if necessary. Once you perform the exam, you’ll document and update patient charts/records.
- Transferable Skills:
- Excellent documentation and organizational skills
- Strong listening skills
- Prior experience with medical imaging software required
- Strong written and verbal skills
6. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $30,140. Median annual salary $59,100. Top 10% earn $96,790 as of August 2021
Job Growth: 5-7% by 2030 (faster than average)
A cardiovascular technologist uses imaging software to diagnose problems. Unlike other imaging technicians, you’re specially trained in heart function and anatomy. You’ll take the images in different views to detect any abnormalities or issues. Many patients that you will encounter suspect they have a heart problem. Some patients you’ll see have heart conditions in their families. You may assist with angioplasties, prepare patients for catheterization, or electrophysiology.
Transferable Skills:
- Strong listening and verbal skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Strong knowledge of cardiovascular medical equipment
- Meticulous and detail-oriented
7. PET Technologists
Salary Range: Bottom 25% earn $23,500. Median annual salary $43,426. Top 25% earn $78,000 as of September 2021
Job Growth: 9% by 2030 (as fast as average)
PET technologists use PET scans to check a patient’s organs and see how they function, or if there’s an issue. They administer radioactive drugs to determine how the drugs absorb into the body. This allows the technologists to examine where and how quickly they absorb. If a drug is too slow or too quickly absorbing the drug, it could indicate an abnormality. As a PET technologist, you have to speak with patients about their questions or concerns. You also need to explain the procedure to them. As with any imaging technician, you must ensure the image is of good quality.
Transferable Skills:
- Must exercise caution and knowledge when using radioactive substances
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Meticulous and analytical skills
- Strong decision-making skills
- Knowledge of biomedical equipment and maintenance
8. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $39,000. Median annual salary $51,045. Top 10% earn $65,000 as of September 2021
Job Growth: 11% by 2030 (much faster than average)
Medical and clinical laboratory techs discover if diseases exist, and the data helps doctors create the proper treatment plan for the patient. You won’t have any interaction with patients. These techs examine samples of body tissue, fluids, and cells. They test a patient’s blood for drug levels to measure if it will work for a patient. Once they get test results, they will evaluate and interpret them for doctors. As a lab tech, you will focus more on the side of assisting the scientists, collecting specimens, and maintaining instruments.
Transferable Skills:
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Exceptional organizational and documentation skills
- Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures
- Teamwork skills
- Attention to detail
- Hand-eye coordination
9. Specimen Collector
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $24,500. Median annual salary $27,608. Top 10% earn $33,500 as of August 2021
Job Growth: The BLS doesn’t report data on this specific job.
Specimen collectors collect specimens from patients like blood, tissue, or urine. In addition to the collection, you will perform basic tasks. You’ll have to get samples for testing, processing, and transport. You’ll perform data entry. Depending on your work experience, you may draw blood, or prepare tissues for analysis. This job is a true entry-level job in which it requires no experience or degree, however, it’s preferred.
Transferable Skills:
- Strong customer service skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Extensive knowledge of laws and regulations
- Strong Organizational and documentation skills
- Knowledge of HIPPA
10. Radiology Tutor
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $22,110. Median annual salary $40,590. Top 10% earn $91,630 as of September 2021
Job Growth: 9% by 2030 (as fast as average)
When you get your degree or certification, you will be required to pass exams to get licensure. One way to make money and utilize your degree without directly being in the field is to become a tutor. Tutors for the ARRT or ASRT (licensure test) are highly sought after. As a tutor, you will teach students what they will need to know for the licensure test. You might make lesson plans, create study guides, or offer mock tests.
Transferable Skills:
- Excellent social and presentation skills
- Strong public speaking skills
- Patience and flexibility to student needs
- Good organizational and record-keeping skills
- Basic IT skills
11. EKG Technician
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $24,000. Median annual salary $41,388. Top 10% earn $68,000 as of September 2021
Job Growth: 14% by 2030 (much faster than average)
EKG techs administer exams on the cardiovascular system. You may test to diagnose a problem, for therapies, or for scientific research purposes. Before you begin the exam, you will take a detailed patient medical history for your records and update it in the records. You will prepare a patient for the exam first with a set of instructions and attaching them to the equipment, or placement. A patient may have questions or concerns you’ll answer. As a former radiologic tech, you will be familiar with operating the equipment and analyzing the results. You’ll ensure the imaging results are clear for doctors.
Transferable Skills:
- Exceptional documentation and organizational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Knowledge of the EKG equipment
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
12. MRI Technologist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $40,500. Median annual salary $75,550. Top 10% earn $106,500 as of August 2021
Job Growth:9% by 2030 (as fast as average)
MRI technologists operate MRI scanners. These scanners create images that provide a tool for doctors to diagnose abnormalities. As an MRI tech, you will maintain and operate the equipment. You’ll ensure that patients are safe, calm, and in the best position for the exam. You’ll work closely with doctors by taking a medical history of the patient, keep documentation, and adjust the scanner position when required.
Transferable Skills:
- Strong attention to detail and meticulous
- Good communication (written and verbal) skills
- Patience and empathy
- Excellent organizational skills
13. Radiology Administrator
Salary Range: Bottom 25% earn $41,500. Median annual salary $70,176. Top 25% earn $116,500 as of July 2021
Job Growth: 9% (as fast as average)
A radiology administrator will require you to use your degree and prior work experience. As a radiology administrator, you’ll plan, direct, and coordinate activities for the imaging departments. You may work for a network of doctors, clinics, imaging centers, or hospitals. You will oversee the staff adheres to guidelines or laws. You may create budgets or classes to train employees or students in clinical rotation.
Transferable Skills:
- Basic IT skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Project management skills
- Basic accounting math skills helpful
- Strong communication (oral and written)
- Exceptional documentation and organizational skills
14. Medical Researcher
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $50,500. Median annual salary $83,231. Top 10% earn $121,000 as of September 2021
Job Growth: 17% by 2030 (much faster than average)
Medical research typically requires at least a four-year degree (some related two-year degrees are acceptable). This job requires you to conduct experiments, analyze and collect data, collect survey or sample information, or present results. You may find yourself on the end of sterilizing equipment, setting up laboratory environments, or collecting the data for scientists to interpret. These researchers spend their time studying medical issues or medications.
Transferable Skills:
- Critical thinking skills
- Strong documentation and organizational skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Meticulous and analytical
15. Technical Writer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $53,500. Median annual salary $69,365. Top 10% earn $101,500 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 12% by 2030 (faster than average)
Technical writers can work on a contract basis or freelance. The degree they received helps them to write about their area of expertise. As a technical writer, you might write about your experience in the radiologic or nuclear medicine program. You might create blogs, guides, journal articles, or a manual on how to use radiologic equipment. Technical writers are skilled. They can write various subtract matters to a variety of audiences. In some cases, medical or technical jargon may have to be simplified for a reader.
Transferable Skills:
- Exceptional copywriting and editing skills
- Strong documentation skills
- Highly meticulous and organized
- Expert knowledge of the subject they have to write about
- Copywriting and editing skills
- Expert knowledge of the topic they’re writing about
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the second careers for retired radiologic technologists and nuclear medicine technologists?
Second careers for retirees can vary. Some take up teaching, writing, or entry-level jobs like x-ray technician for extra money. Some decide to become consultants if they have many years and higher education in the field.
What are the Side jobs for radiologic technologists and nuclear medicine technologists?
You may find yourself working a side job among your current one. Technical writing and tutoring make for great side jobs for this field. Medical careers demand many hours and these two are flexible enough where you can set your own schedule. You can look to other jobs like pharmaceutical rep or sales too.
What are Work from home jobs for Radiologic technologists and nuclear medicine technologists?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much work from home radiology jobs. Many of the jobs for a radiologic and nuclear medicine technologist will require you to be present at some form of workplace. You might get to work on a contract-to-contract basis but will have to see people face-to-face. Jobs like radiology administrator, technical writing, tutors, and consultants can be done remotely.
Final Thoughts
You might feel like you’re stuck in your career and there’s no way out. Fortunately, you don’t have to stay in a job you don’t love. There are many jobs available that transfer your degree, skills, and work experience. You won’t have to fear that you spent the time and money to get a degree you can’t use. At first, the search might seem scary and daunting. However, once you realize you fit many of the job requirements, you’ll begin to feel at ease. Make the transition from your career as a radiologic technician or nuclear medicine technologist to one of our options on the list today!
