Why Pursue an Online Degree in Medical Diagnostics?

Medical diagnostic careers fall under a wide umbrella of job specialities. With training in medical diagnostics, you could pursue a career as an emergency medical technician, an athletic trainer, a medical sonographer or much more. The common thread is that medical diagnostic professionals have a passion for health care and close working relationships.

The responsibilities of a medical diagnostics professional are typically varied and depend a lot on the career you pursue. However, many medical diagnostic professionals are the first people on the scene of an accident or the first people to see a patient seeking care. That being said, professionals in medical diagnostics may be required to operate under pressure and perform well in emergency scenarios. To help handle any critical situation that comes your way, you may want to receive specialized training online.

A glimpse into the realm of medical diagnostics

Obtaining training in this field may allow students to pursue certification for more specialized sectors of medical diagnostics. Moreover, certification and formal training is necessary in this field because it involves treating patients. While a certification program may properly equip you for a particular career in medical diagnostics, certain occupations require a greater amount of training and greater education. Students in this field must learn how to use specialized equipment to treat people at the scene of an injury or within an office. For example, medical sonographers need to know how to operate advanced imaging technology to capture images and conduct tests that will be supplied to physicians and used to help diagnose and assess medical issues.

Individuals considering a profession in medical diagnostics should think carefully about where they would like to work. Education could help prepare you for a very broad realm of various professions, and it's important to evaluate whether you will enjoy being in a time sensitive environment like the scene of an injury or in an office.

Possible salaries for a career in medical diagnostics

Professionals with an education in medical diagnostics may earn varying amounts of money based on their particular profession and obtained certifications, among other factors. Consider the following careers, with data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012.

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists: 2012 Median annual salary of $60,350 (39 percent projected growth through 2022)[i]
  • EMTs and Paramedics: 2012 Median annual salary of $31,020 (23 percent projected growth through 2022)[ii]
  • Athletic Trainers and Exercise Physiologists: 2012 Median annual salary of $42,690 (19 percent projected growth through 2022)[iii]

Additional skills required for a career in medical diagnostics

While particular medical diagnostic professionals may operate within an emergency scenario, most medical diagnostic professionals perform tests and procedures that can largely affect the quality of care a patient receives and their overall outcome. Medical diagnostic professionals should be able to notice this important facet of the occupation while not letting it affect their psyche or their ability to work. Being able to deliver the best quality care in all settings is crucial.


[I] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/athletic-trainers-and-exercise-physiologists.htm