How To Become A Manager Of Imaging: What It Is and Career Path

What is a manager of imaging and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Diagnostic imaging is the process of imaging the interior of the body for diagnosis, analysis, and intervention. A manager of imaging is the head of the diagnostic imaging department, serving as the overseer of all services offered at the healthcare facility. Their duties include reviewing, analyzing, and approving imaging reports before they are sent to patients or other healthcare professionals.

Moreover, a manager of imaging may also prepare budgets of the imaging department, manage staff and create schedules, as well as handle procedural elements to ensure the department's compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.

To become a manager of imaging, most employers require candidates to have a bachelor's degree in radio technology, a certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and adequate experience for a leadership role. The ideal candidate should also be good leaders and communicators to keep the imaging department running like a well-oiled machine.

Since this is a management role, a manager of imaging can expect a grand salary of $108,000 a year, on average.

ScoreManager Of ImagingUS Average

Salary

7.6

Avg. Salary $101,390

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.1

Growth rate 28%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%

Asian 7.94%

Black or African American 10.78%

Hispanic or Latino 14.28%

Unknown 4.26%

White 62.03%

Gender

female 44.70%

male 55.30%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a manager of imaging

Explore manager of imaging education requirements

Most common manager of imaging degrees

Bachelor's

54.4 %

Associate

24.2 %

Master's

14.0 %

Start to develop specific manager of imaging skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	14.39%
Radiology	10.12%
Healthcare	9.94%
Patient Care	8.40%
Ultrasound	7.12%

Complete relevant manager of imaging training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New managers of imaging learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a manager of imaging based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manager of imaging resumes.

Research manager of imaging duties and responsibilities

Attain satisfactory compliance to JCAHO, FDA/MQSA, ACR, and state standards.
Manage a staff of 61 FTE's, a 165 bed facility, including 15 pediatric beds.
Manage 36 staff and oversee operations of radiology and cardiology services.
Participate in the radiology information system selection, project management, and education

Apply for manager of imaging jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a manager of imaging job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

What is a manager of imaging and how to become one

Manager of imaging career paths