Special Procedures Technologists

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many industries, and in particular, the medical field. New protocols have been put into place, including limiting staff and alternating staff schedules, to ensure social distancing and protect people's health. As a result, job growth in various radiology technologist professions may be slow from 2020 into 2021. As the pandemic comes to an end, however, demand for special procedures technologists is expected to surge. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following employment outlooks through 2028 by specialty: cardiovascular technologists and technicians (job growth of 7 percent), diagnostic medical sonographers (+19 percent), magnetic resonance imaging technologists (+11 percent), and radiologic technologists (+9 percent). Those job candidates who are skilled in multiple specialization areas, such as MRI and CT, will have the best chances of finding jobs. Employers like to hire candidates who can handle a variety of procedures, as this keeps their costs down and streamlines their staffs.

As the population ages and heart disease and cancer continue to be among the primary health concerns in the United States, there will continue to be a high demand for skilled technologists who can assist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these and other conditions. Also, as more and more sophisticated testing and imaging procedures are developed, and as new techniques become available, the demand for skilled special procedures technologists to operate, perform, and assist in these procedures will continue to grow.