Radiologists are in demand.
If you like science, medicine and working with cutting-edge technologies, a career in radiology could be for you. Many specialties and subspecialties are available to the potential radiology employee, including breast imaging, emergency radiology, neuroradiology and pediatric radiology. Radiology workers are in demand: According to Maryland Health Careers, "With the advent of computers and the increased use of technology in the health care setting, the profession is growing faster than healthcare facilities can recruit staff."
Radiologist
A radiologist is a medical doctor that specializes in diagnostic techniques that use medical technologies such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays. After completing an undergraduate degree, medical school and a residency, a radiologist must become board-certified, meaning she must pass a national test recognized by the American Board of Radiology. A career in radiology can be quite lucrative, with a median salary of $278,543 per year.
Radiologist Assistant
The radiologist assistant (RA) is an advanced position similar to a physician's assistant. An RA assists the radiologist in preliminary diagnosis and treatment and in conducting invasive procedures. A radiologist must supervise an RA. Final diagnostic reports can't be written by an RA---these must be done by a radiologist. There are only 10 academic programs in the United States that train radiology assistants, six of which offer master's degrees. After completion of these degrees, the RA must complete a radiologist-supervised internship; he must then be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Radiologic Technologist
The radiologic technologist (RT) controls the diagnostic equipment to make the images for the radiologist to use in her diagnoses. An associate's degree in radiologic sciences is the minimum education needed to enter the profession. Additional training may be needed in different specialties offered by the hospital in which the RT is employed. The four major types of technologies the RT specializes in are: ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An RT must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The median annual salary for an RT is $52,210.
Radiology Management
With a Bachelor of Science degree, an RT can attain management status. In this capacity, the radiology manager supervises other RTs and assumes more responsibilities regarding a patient's procedures. The ARRT estimates that an RT manager makes up to 30 percent more money than an RT.
Radiologic Nurse
A radiologic nurse is employed in hospitals. She can assist the patient in understanding the radiologic procedures, educate the patient's family or help maneuver the patient into positions that will make him more comfortable and relaxed during certain procedures. A radiologic nurse records the radiologist's comments, as well as communicates with other hospital staff on behalf of the patient. A radiologic nurse must be a graduate of an accredited nursing school. The average annual salary for a radiologic nurse is $58,240.
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