In today’s uncertain world, there’s one industry that’s growing rapidly: diagnostic testing jobs. As healthcare becomes more and more complex, diagnostic testing jobs give doctors and patients the information they need to go about their lives in a safe, healthy way.

Let’s take a look at five of the fastest-growing diagnostic testing jobs in 2020.

• Registered Diagnostic Sonographer – A diagnostic sonographer runs ultrasounds for pregnant women and people whose doctors have ordered ultrasonic testing to learn more about conditions in their bodies. This job can be exciting and is a great fit for people who enjoy providing direct patient care. Diagnostic sonographers may work in hospitals or may work in private doctor’s offices. Some diagnostic sonographers work in emergency medicine as well.
• Sleep Technologist – A sleep technologist is an important part of a patient’s sleep test. When a doctor orders a sleep test, they’re looking for specific information on how a patient’s sleep affects their health and quality of life. A sleep technologist runs sleep tests and provides data to medical professionals. People in these diagnostic testing jobs may work odd hours, due to the nature of sleep testing. Sleep technologists need to be experts at hooking patients up with electrodes for sleep tests, as well as helping them to feel comfortable as they prepare for the test.
• Emergency Medical Technician/ Paramedic – EMTs are first responders who provide immediate testing and direct patient care in emergencies. While this job can be stressful, it can also be incredibly rewarding. EMTs are experts in stabilizing patients, running tests, and making fast decisions about the best way to proceed with patient care. EMTs need to be excellent communicators and must be able to keep a level head in emotional and stressful situations.
• Medical Laboratory Technologist – A medical laboratory technologist performs testing on patients, then collects and analyzes the samples. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys both working directly with patients and working closely with doctors. Medical laboratory technologists may work in hospitals or may work for private laboratory testing facilities.
• Technical Assistant – Working as a technical assistant is a great way to break into the field of diagnostic testing, or to get an idea of what the field entails if you’re not sure whether diagnostic testing is a good career path for you. Technical assistants work with diagnostic professionals, such as lab technologists, to help them run tests and get the information they need. Often, technical assistants also help with administrative tasks in the lab, such as scheduling and ordering supplies.