At one time, there were only two ways to receive training for this field. One was to learn it in the military, and the other was On-The-Job training (OJT) from the manufacturer. But since the 1980's several independent training centers have been started. One such school is RSTI.

There are different means of employment in this occupation. Working for the manufacturer's field service department (OEM), working for a hospital (In-house), and working for an independent (Outside, or Independent provider). The best positions are with the OEM or hospital, as you can remain current through on-going training, and the two have good working relationships.

An independent is typically someone who has left an OEM, and started their own service business. There's nothing wrong with being independent, but getting training on new equipment is difficult or expensive, and the OEM is usually reluctant to work with you. Often the OEM will give the hospital, or clinic, a cut in price on equipment purchases if they retain some form of OEM service, thereby making it more difficult for the independent.

The OEM Service Engineer can expect to spend a lot of time driving from one site to another during the work day, and working non-standard hours. They will install, remove, diagnose, repair, calibrate, perform preventive maintenance, and interface equipment all while ensuring good customer relations. You may also be required to do yearly testing of the radiation sources for compliance.

The In-house person will work in the hospital, or with larger medical care organizations, travel between the hospitals, to perform preventative maintenance, repairs, and calibration. You may also be required to do yearly testing of the radiation sources for compliance. The OEM or independent will provide installation of purchased equipment.

The Independent may install refurbished equipment, or remove equipment. They will repair, calibrate, and perform preventative maintenance. Because many of the tasks associated with imaging service require expensive, specialized equipment, there is a financial limit to what the independent can do. Typical equipment used routinely are a Storage Oscilloscope and multimeter (if servicing old vacuum tube equipment, a VOM would help). Additional equipment: Keithley Dosimeter, mAs meter, Biddle contact tachometer, Light to radiation template, etc.