Radiologic technologists, radiology technicians, and radiologists are all career options in the field of radiology. In this article, we will look at additional career options for radiology majors, as well as salaries, radiologic technology schools and radiologist job description.
What is Radiology?
Radiology is the study and practise of diagnosing and treating diseases using radiological equipment and treatment. To pursue a career in radiology, you must first obtain an associates, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, depending on the type of radiology profession you wish to pursue.
What is a Radiologist?
Radiologists are physicians who specialize in taking and analysing medical images in order to diagnose and treat illnesses. Radiologists examine diagnostic imaging such as ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT).
Radiologist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
A radiologist, also known as a radiographer, is in charge of determining a patient’s internal injuries or illnesses using specialised medical imaging equipment. Their responsibilities include meeting with patients and discussing the types of tests they will perform, such as MRIs or CT scans, operating medical imaging equipment, and communicating with physicians about their findings in order to determine patient needs.
Radiologist Job Description
Radiologists are medical imaging specialists who use imaging techniques to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. They are in charge of the following tasks on a daily basis:
- Reviewing and interpreting medical images in order to determine the patient’s status and future medical care
- Identifying the precise images needed for diagnosis and delivering orders to Radiological Technicians
- Using trace amounts of radioactive substances to generate and improve diagnostic images
- Using trace amounts of radioactive substances to generate and improve diagnostic images
- Working with Primary Care Doctors, Nurses, and Radiology Technicians to provide treatment and manage pain
- Monitoring patient progress and making necessary adjustments to treatment plans
- Creating a radiation treatment plan for cancer patients
- Managing the Side Effects of Radiation in Cancer Patients
- Using computer tomography (CT) scanners and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines
- Compiling written reports of results and diagnoses
- Implements protocols in areas such as drugs, resuscitation, emergencies, power outages, and infection control
Radiologist skills and qualifications
Radiologists must have a strong set of skills in order to excel on the job position and handle the necessary daily responsibilities. These skills include the following:
- Expert medical and anatomical knowledge
- Understanding of general surgery procedures
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication abilities
- Strong motor skills and manual dexterity are required
- Ability to work long and irregular hours
- Analytical abilities and attention to detail are required
- In stressful situations, the ability to remain calm and focused is required
- Organizational and time management abilities
Other responsibilities
Aside from their typical day, radiologists participate in quality improvement activities such as discussions of areas with a high risk of error. They may also take part in continuing education activities to maintain and develop their knowledge.
Radiologists perform interventional procedures such as image-guided biopsy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, transhepatic biliary drainage, and nephrostomy catheter placement on a weekly to monthly basis. They may also plan examinations and assign radiologic personnel.
Furthermore, they identify and treat complications during and after procedures, such as blood pressure issues, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.
Although their specific responsibilities may differ, many of them supervise and teach residents or medical students.
It is also the responsibility of some radiologists to participate in radiology-related research projects.
Radiologist salary expectations
In the United States, the average radiologist salary is $227,818 per year. This salary is subject to change based on a candidate’s years of experience, board certification, completion of specialty fellowships, and educational background.
Education Requirements
Because radiologists are fully licenced medical doctors, they must complete an 11-year education programme that begins with a bachelor’s degree that is heavily weighted toward biology and physics requirements, such as a premedical degree.
Prospective radiologists must complete four years of medical school in an accredited medical programme after passing the Medical College Admission Test. During this time, a prospective radiologist must take two National Board of Medical Examiners United States Medical Licensing Examinations.
Prospective radiologists must pass a final medical licencing examination during the first year of their residency, or medical internship, after graduating from medical school. Most residencies last 3-5 years, after which radiologists take board certification exams.
A radiology specialist earns a Doctor of Medicine degree, then completes an internship and residency before passing a board review and examination. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth outlook for radiologists is as fast as the national average for all occupations, with median salaries in the high $200,000.
