Employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of MRI technologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.

As the population grows older, there will be an increase in medical conditions, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease, which require imaging as a tool for making diagnoses. Radiologic and MRI technologists will be needed to take the images. In addition, the number of individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform.

However, employment growth of radiologic and MRI technologists may be tempered, as many medical facilities and third-party payers encourage the use of less-costly, noninvasive imaging technologies, such as ultrasound.

Job Prospects

Technologists who graduate from accredited programs and those with multiple certifications will have the best job prospects.