As a healthcare technician or technologist, you’ve already built a strong clinical foundation. But what happens when your interests evolve or you’re ready for more variety, higher pay, or new challenges?
You’re not alone. Many healthcare professionals successfully pivot into new specialties—whether it’s moving from general radiology to MRI, lab work to histology, or from the OR to endoscopy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights how allied health professionals like technologists consistently benefit from expanding and evolving roles, with many specialties projected to grow significantly over the next decade.
Switching specialties is not only possible—it can breathe new life into your career. We’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you make the leap.
Step 1: Get curious and explore your options
One thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of healthcare tech specialties to choose from. Before making a move, take time to explore what’s out there. Talk to coworkers, shadow someone in a different department, or tap your network to learn what a day-in-the-life really looks like in a certain specialty.
Start by asking yourself:
- What clinical areas are you drawn to?
- Do you want more patient interaction or more lab-focused tasks?
- Are you seeking a schedule change (e.g., weekends off, fewer on-call hours)?
- What advancement opportunities exist in your desired specialty?
This is also a great opportunity to expand your network in the specialty of your choosing. Connect with other professionals who’ve made similar moves so you can learn from their experience.
Step 2: Check your credentials
Not all specialties require advanced schooling, but many do require specific certifications. For example, a radiologic technologist may need ARRT post-primary certification to move into MRI, or a surgical technologist may need additional ASE-accredited training to specialize in cardiac surgery.
Here’s what to do:
- Look up state licensure requirements and certification pathways for your target specialty.
- Contact the relevant professional association (e.g., ARRT, ASCP, NBSTSA) for guidance.
- Ask your HR department or supervisor if your current employer supports cross-training or offers tuition reimbursement for certifications.
Need help staying organized? Signing up for Incredible Health gives you access to a career advocate who can guide you step-by-step through certification and training pathways—all for free.
Step 3: Fill the training or experience gap
Once you know what’s required, it’s time to build the skills you’ll need to succeed in your new specialty. This doesn’t always mean going back to school—sometimes, on-the-job training or a certificate program is all you need.
Options include:
- Enrolling in a short-term training program at a local college or online platform
- Asking for a rotation or shadowing opportunity in your target department
- Attending workshops, webinars, or skill labs
- Completing continuing education units in your desired specialty
The key is to stay proactive and intentional—employers love candidates who show initiative and a willingness to learn.
Step 4: Refresh your resume and online profile
Even if you’re pivoting to a new specialty, you probably already have lots of transferable skills. Whether it’s patient communication, safety protocols, or familiarity with EMR systems, highlight how your background prepares you for this new role.
Here’s how to tailor your resume:
- Emphasize cross-functional experience or exposure to the target specialty
- List any certifications, licenses, and CEUs related to the new field
- Adjust your summary to highlight your interest in transitioning
- Include soft skills that apply to any patient care or technical setting
Pro tip: Utilize our healthcare tech resume guide for tips and tricks to help you craft a job-winning resume.
Step 5: Create a free profile on Incredible Health
Your next move starts here. Incredible Health is a career marketplace that matches healthcare professionals—including technicians and technologists—with permanent jobs based on their experience, goals, and specialty preferences.
Here’s how it helps streamline your transition:
- Set your preferred specialties so you’re matched with relevant roles
- Receive interview requests from top hospitals and health systems
- Use Direct Connect to request interviews with employers you’re interested in
- Connect with a career advocate for resume tips, interview prep, and more
The best part? It’s completely free for healthcare professionals. Incredible Health lets you stay in control of your job search—and hundreds of employers are already looking for professionals with your skill set.
Step 6: Apply for new roles (and be transparent in your interviews)
Once you’ve set your sights on a new specialty, it’s time to hit the ground running. When applying or interviewing for jobs, be upfront about your motivation and what you’re doing to close any skill gaps. Hiring managers appreciate honesty and ambition, especially when it’s paired with a strong work ethic.
Some ways to frame your career pivot:
- “I’m passionate about growing my skills and excited to bring my experience in [your current specialty] to a new environment.”
- “I’ve completed training in [target specialty] and am actively pursuing additional CEUs to strengthen my background in this area.”
- “I work well under pressure and adapt quickly, which makes me confident that I’ll thrive in this role.”
Plus, our healthcare tech interview guide outlines common questions you’re likely to hear in interviews, as well as the best tips for showing up with confidence.
Step 7: Keep growing after the switch
Once you land a job in your new specialty, continue learning and building confidence. Just because you’ve made the switch doesn’t mean the growth stops there.
Maintain and grow your new skill set by:
- Linking up with a mentor on your team
- Staying active in professional associations in your new field
- Earning CEUs that deepen your expertise
- Checking in regularly with your career advocate at Incredible Health for guidance
Every specialty comes with a learning curve—but your willingness to grow is what will help you stand out.
It’s never too late to explore a new path
Changing your specialty as a healthcare technician or technologist can feel daunting—but it’s also an exciting opportunity to align your career with your evolving interests. By taking small, intentional steps and using tools like Incredible Health to support the journey, you can successfully pivot into a new area and build a career you love.
Start your transition by joining Incredible Health today—and let employers come to you with permanent job offers in the specialty you’re most passionate about.
