When doctors need a closer look at a patient internally in order to properly diagnose an injury or illness, they often turn to highly advanced medical imaging devices for answers. In order to get images from these devices, they refer patients to specialized physicians called radiologists. Radiologists work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and imaging centers.
Description
Radiologists use different types of imaging devices such as x-ray machines, MRI scanners, ultrasound, and CAT scanners to get detailed internal images of the patient's body. They then review these images and discuss the results with the patient's doctor to ensure proper treatment. Sometimes radiologists use radiation treatments through injection or other means to help treat patients suffering from certain medical conditions such as cancer. Radiologists are also responsible for managing other trained radiology professionals to ensure proper care is given to each patient. Radiologists may often suggest other testing to get a conclusive diagnosis.
Types
Like other medical professionals, radiologists may choose to specialize.
Intervention radiology is a specialty where radiologists not only use imaging technology to diagnose patients but also to treat them.
Therapeutic radiologists treat diseases such as cancer with radiation, ensuring that the proper amount of radiation is administered and monitoring the patient's status.
Other specialties include pediatric radiology, emergency radiology, and nuclear medicine.
Education
In order to become a radiologist, you must first earn your high school diploma and an undergraduate degree from a four-year college. You will then need to complete four years of medical school and an additional four- to five-year radiology residency program. You will then need to take a written and oral exam administered by the American Board of Radiology in order to get your license to practice. Some states also require you to pass a separate state board exam in order to practice in that state.
Earnings
Earnings for radiologists vary depending on experience, location, and specialty. The average salary of a non-specialized radiologist is approximately $420,000 while a specialized radiologist generally averages about $463,000. Chief radiologists at the hospital can earn significantly more with an average annual salary exceeding $500,000.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for radiologists are expected to increase by over 15 percent in the next 10 years. Specialty radiologists are expected to be in even higher demand.
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