STEM Careers in Healthcare Your Kids Should Know About
Why Kids Should Learn About STEM Careers in Healthcare Early
When most kids think of healthcare careers, they picture doctors, nurses, or maybe even veterinarians. But what about the hidden heroes in the imaging room or radiation suite?
Introducing children to STEM careers in healthcare—especially those behind the scenes—expands their imagination, boosts their confidence in science, and opens doors to careers they may have never heard of. These roles are perfect for curious kids who love technology, puzzles, and helping others.
1. Radiologic Technologist: The X-ray Hero Kids Should Meet
Radiologic technologists take X-rays of the body to help doctors see what’s going on inside—whether it’s a broken bone or something deeper. But they do more than just “snap pictures.” They comfort patients, use high-tech machines, and play a key role in diagnosing illnesses.
📘 Looking for a fun way to explain this role to a child?
Check out Rachel the Radiographer—a colorful, engaging children’s book that makes radiology fun and understandable. Perfect for future techs in training!
🔗 Related Link: Shop the Book
🔗 Related Blog Post: How a Children’s Book Sparked a Radiology Scholarship
2. MRI Technologist: Exploring the Brain and Body with Magnets
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technologists use powerful magnets—not radiation—to create detailed images of the body. They often scan the brain, spine, and joints to help doctors understand what’s happening inside without making a single cut.
For tech-loving kids who enjoy science fiction or machines that look like they’re from the future, MRI might be the most exciting modality in medical imaging.
🧲 STEM tie-in: Physics, magnetism, anatomy, and technology.
🔗 Related Link: About the Author – Chaun’s MRI Journey
3. Medical Dosimetrist: The Math Whiz Behind Cancer Care
You probably haven’t heard of a medical dosimetrist—but they play a major role in cancer treatment. These STEM superheroes work behind the scenes to calculate the safest, most effective dose of radiation therapy for cancer patients.
Dosimetrists combine anatomy, physics, and advanced math to design personalized treatment plans. If your child loves numbers, problem-solving, or spreadsheets (yes, those kids exist!), this is a career to explore.
🎯 STEM tie-in: Medical physics, algebra, human biology, 3D imaging software.
4. Radiation Therapist: Delivering Healing Energy
Radiation therapists are the ones who actually deliver the cancer-fighting radiation prescribed by a doctor and calculated by the dosimetrist. They build relationships with patients and walk with them through their cancer treatment journey.
This role combines empathy with technology—and it’s one of the most rewarding careers in the imaging world. If your child is compassionate, patient, and detail-oriented, they may be drawn to this path.
💡 Did you know? Radiation therapists often use CT scans to help guide treatment, blending imaging with therapeutic care.
5. Sonographers & Ultrasound Techs: Picture-Takers for Inside the Body
Sonographers are the imaging pros who use sound waves instead of radiation to look inside the body. Most people know them from baby ultrasounds, but they also check organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive way to help doctors diagnose problems. It’s perfect for kids who love puzzles, live-action feedback, and hands-on technology.
🔗 Related Link: Scholarship for Imaging Students
Why Books Matter When Teaching Kids About STEM and Healthcare
Books are a powerful tool for introducing kids to careers they might not otherwise hear about. That’s why Rachel the Radiographer was created—to give children a window into radiologic technology and other imaging careers early on.
Not only does it simplify complex topics for little learners, but it helps diversify representation in STEM fields. Every time a child sees themselves in a book, they believe it’s possible for them, too.
✨ Bonus: A portion of every book sale supports a scholarship for radiologic technology students, helping real students finish school just like author Chaun once needed help to do.
How to Spark STEM Interest at Home
✅ Read STEM Books for Kids – Choose ones that highlight real-life healthcare workers (like Rachel!).
✅ Watch Kid-Friendly Career Videos – Visuals help bring these roles to life.
✅ Play with Tech-Based Toys – Magnets, anatomy kits, coding games… they’re all great foundations for imaging careers.
✅ Talk About What Happens at Appointments – Use everyday visits as learning moments to explain what different technologists do.
Final Thoughts
STEM careers in healthcare are diverse, meaningful, and perfect for kids who love science and helping others. Whether it’s an MRI tech scanning a brain or a dosimetrist crafting a cancer treatment plan, these roles need the next generation of compassionate problem-solvers.
Want to give your child a head start?
Introduce them to the world of imaging with Rachel the Radiographer, and help spark a lifelong interest in STEM.