Alabama's advanced medical centers, including UAB in Birmingham and Huntsville Hospital, consistently seek skilled diagnostic professionals in medical imaging, laboratory analysis, and clinical assessment. This pathway prepares students for careers as radiologic technologists, medical laboratory technicians, and diagnostic ultrasound technicians. Students develop technical skills in operating diagnostic equipment, collecting specimens, performing analyses, and communicating results to healthcare providers.
The curriculum covers health science foundations, diagnostic equipment operation, specimen collection and analysis, quality assurance, and safety protocols. Students study anatomy and physiology relevant to diagnostic procedures, learn sterilization and safety procedures, and develop skills in diagnostic technology. Laboratory and imaging simulation experiences prepare students for clinical practice.
Graduates pursue careers as radiologic technologists, medical laboratory technicians, and diagnostic ultrasound technicians, with entry-level salaries ranging from $32,000-$38,000. Licensed diagnostic professionals with experience earn $45,000-$58,000+. The pathway provides excellent preparation for pursuing degrees in diagnostic medicine or related healthcare professions.
Diagnostic Services at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Alabama's Diagnostic Services pathway standards align with standards established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. The curriculum prepares students for employment in clinical diagnostic settings and professional certification examinations.
Students completing this pathway develop technical competencies in diagnostic procedures, equipment operation, and laboratory analysis that meet Alabama state standards and prepare them for entry-level diagnostic positions and advanced education in diagnostic professions.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Health Science Foundations |
| Diagnostic Services I |
| Diagnostic Services II |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Radiologic Technologist
Entry LevelSalary range: $49,000 - $66,680
Adjusted for cost of living: $54,463
Medical Laboratory Technician
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $36,679
Ultrasound Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $32,900 - $59,800
Adjusted for cost of living: $48,060
Diagnostic Services Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $74,720 - $162,780
Adjusted for cost of living: $118,184
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Clinical internships in diagnostic departments at UAB, Grandview, Brookwood, Huntsville Hospital, and community medical facilities provide direct diagnostic equipment experience.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Alabama CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Alabama Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Alabama's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Alabama standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Alabama
Health Informatics
Alabama's major medical centers increasingly rely on electronic health records, health information management, and health data analysis systems. This pathway prepares students for careers in health information management, medical coding, health records analysis, and healthcare IT support. Students develop expertise in medical documentation, health information systems, data security, and compliance with healthcare regulations. The curriculum covers health science foundations, health information systems, medical coding and classification, health records management, and healthcare privacy and security. Students learn electronic health record (EHR) systems, HIPAA compliance, medical terminology, and data analysis. They work with health information systems used in Alabama's healthcare facilities and develop proficiency in healthcare documentation standards. Graduates pursue careers as medical coders, health information specialists, health records technicians, and healthcare IT support roles, with entry-level salaries ranging from $30,000-$36,000. Experienced health information professionals with certifications earn $42,000-$54,000+. The pathway provides strong preparation for pursuing degrees in health informatics or healthcare administration.
Health ScienceTherapeutic Services
Alabama's growing healthcare sector, anchored by medical centers in Birmingham (UAB, Grandview, Brookwood) and Huntsville, creates expanding career opportunities in therapeutic services. This pathway prepares students for careers as physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, respiratory therapists, and other clinical support professionals. Students develop clinical skills, patient communication techniques, and understanding of therapeutic interventions that improve patient outcomes. The curriculum covers health science foundations, therapeutic principles and techniques, patient communication, infection control, and therapeutic documentation. Students learn anatomy and physiology relevant to therapeutic interventions, assist with patient assessment, and develop therapeutic treatment skills. Hands-on practicum experiences in clinical settings provide direct patient care experience. Graduates pursue careers as physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, and clinical support specialists, with entry-level salaries ranging from $30,000-$36,000. Licensed therapeutic professionals with experience earn $40,000-$52,000+. The pathway provides strong preparation for pursuing degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other therapeutic professions.
Health ScienceReady to Build Diagnostic Services Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Diagnostic Services in Alabama.