If you’re thinking of becoming a CT scan tech, all you really have to do to understand the job prospects is look at the facts, figures, and headlines.
You can start by considering that the big brains with the United States government expect employment opportunities for radiologic and MRI technologists (which include CT scan techs) to grow by 9 percent between now and 2024 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). That's faster than the average of all occupations.
You can look at the data from the United States Census Bureau, which shows that the number of people aged 65 and older will grow by tens of millions over the next few decades.
And then you can read the news articles about how the healthcare industry is growing at impressive rates.
After you've taken a look at all the facts, figures and headlines, it will likely become clear to you that the job outlook for CT scan techs is as bright as the rising sun. In fact, it can be summed up in two words: in demand. Here's why.
CT Scans are Powerful and Popular Tools
Technology is wonderful—especially when it comes to healthcare. Gone are the days when a doctor had to rely on relatively simple X-ray images to help diagnose problems inside the body. Today, doctors have the power of computerized tomography (CT) scans.
CT scans use a series of X-ray images and powerful computer processing to create cross-sectional images of blood vessels, tissue, and bone inside of the body. These images are obviously more detailed than simple X-rays—and they are more popular. They help doctors more accurately diagnose internal problems and trauma. And then provide effective treatment.
As more doctors turn to CT scans—and more patients request them—the need for CT scan techs has increased. Doctors and healthcare providers are increasingly investing in CT scan equipment, and they need highly trained people to operate the equipment. That's good news for people who are interested in careers as CT scan techs.
The Aging Population Means More People will Seek Healthcare
It's no secret: the country's population is growing older. Older people tend to seek and need more healthcare services—including CT scans. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the use of CT scans (as well as other scans) is up significantly over the past 15 years. In fact, their use has nearly doubled.
Experts point to many factors when explaining why CT scans are being used more and more, but perhaps the biggest factor is the country's aging population.
Older people tend to fall more, suffer more internal injuries, and be involved in more accidents than younger people. As a result, they tend to need more imaging. So one reason the job outlook for CT scan techs is bright is the aging population.
Healthcare is Big Business
A few years ago, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which is commonly called Obamacare.
This law significantly expanded the number of Americans covered by health insurance—and people who have health insurance are much more likely to visit the doctor and seek treatment for illnesses and injuries than people who don't have health insurance.
The result is that clinics, hospitals, and outpatient centers have expanded to accommodate all of the people who can now afford to be treated. It's a beautiful thing—for people in need of healthcare services as well as people who want to become CT scan techs.
It's a pretty simple equation: the more people seeking CT scans, the more people needed to operate the equipment and ensure that doctors get clear and accurate pictures.
Want to Become a CT Scan Tech?
The facts, figures, and information do not lie. The job outlook for CT scan techs is good and shows no sign of slowing down! If you like working as part of a team, want a job that helps people live better lives and are interested in a career in a growing profession that offers an array of job opportunities, you just might be ready to pursue a career as a CT scan tech.
Connect with ECPI University today to talk about earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography and find out how you can start your career in fewer than two years. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
Sign up for school tomorrow at ecpi! Super excited
— Kayleigh (@kaybaee10) July 18, 2015
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