Careers in Diagnostic Radiology

Radiologist

Nearly all physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, diagnose illnesses, or prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. According to American Medical Association statistics, however, 1.2% of physicians specialize in radiology (compared with 16.7% who specialize in internal medicine). Generally, the radiologist is different from other physicians because he or she diagnoses diseases by obtaining and interpreting medical images. Some images are obtained by using x-rays or radioactive substances, others by means of sound waves or the body's natural magnetism. A radiologist correlates medical image findings with other examinations and tests, recommends further examinations or treatments, and confers with referring physicians (the doctors who send patients to the radiology department or clinic for testing). Radiologists also treat some diseases by means of radiation (radiation oncology) or minimally invasive, image-guided surgery (interventional radiology).

Like other physicians, the radiologist must have graduated from an accredited medical school, passed a licensing examination, and completed at least 4 years of graduate medical education (residency). Radiologists are usually board certified, that is, have taken and passed an examination and thus approved to practice in the field by either the American Board of Radiology (for a medical doctor) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (for an osteopathic doctor).

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Subspecialties

The radiologist, through extensive clinical work and related research, can also subspecialize. Subspecialties include:

Radiologist - Breast imaging.
The subspecialty within diagnostic radiology devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases and conditions unique to women.

Radiologist - Cardiovascular.
The subspecialty of radiology concerned with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the vascular (blood vessels) system.

Radiologist - Chest.
The subspecialty concerned with the diagnostic radiology of diseases of the thorax, especially the heart or lungs.

Radiologist - Computed Tomography (CT).
The subspecialty concerned with diagnostic radiology using computerized radiologic equipment that demonstrates both bone and soft tissues, including organs, muscles, and tumors.

Radiologist - Diagnostic Radiology.
The subspecialty concerned with or aiding in diagnosis using radiology.

Radiologist - Emergency.
The subspecialty concerned with the diagnostic imaging of emergency trauma or non-traumatic emergency conditions.

Radiologist - Gastrointestinal.
The subspecialty concerned with diagnostic radiology of the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen (the stomach and intestines).

Radiologist - Genitourinary.
The subspecialty relating to radiology of the organs of the reproductive and urinary tracts.

Radiologist - Head and Neck.
The subspecialty concerned with the diagnostic radiology of diseases of the head and neck.

Radiologist - Interventional.
The subspecialty that uses fluoroscopy, CT, and ultrasound to guide passage through the skin by needle puncture, including introduction of wires and catheters for performing procedures such as biopsies, draining fluids, inserting catheters, or dilating or stenting narrowed ducts or vessels.

Radiologist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
The subspecialty relating to a diagnostic radiological modality using nuclear magnetic resonance technology. MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues.

Radiologist - Musculoskeletal.
The subspecialty concerned with the diagnostic radiology of diseases of the muscles and the skeleton.

Radiologist - Neuroradiology.
The subspecialty concerned with the diagnostic radiology of diseases of the central nervous system, head, and neck.

Radiologist - Nuclear Medicine.
The subspecialty concerned with the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of radionuclides, excluding the therapeutic use of sealed radiation sources.

Radiologist - Pediatric Radiology.
The subspecialty concerned with the radiological manifestations of diseases of children.

Radiological Physicist.
The subspecialty relating to the therapeutic, diagnostic and safe use of applications of x-rays, gamma rays, electron and charged particle beams, neutrons and radiations from sealed radionuclide sources; relating to the equipment associated with their production, use, measurement and evaluation and instrumentation required to perform appropriate radiation surveys; relating to the quality of images resulting from their production and use; and relating to medical health physics.

Radiologist - Radiobiology.
The branch of radiology or pathology concerned with the effects of radiation on cells and tissues.

Radiologist - Ultrasound.
The subspecialty concerned with the use of high frequency sound waves and other techniques for medical diagnosis.

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Radiological Technologist

The radiologist usually receives assistance from a radiological technologist. Primarily, a technologist operates the radiographic equipment to produce images. This involves explaining procedures to reassure the patient and obtain cooperation, positioning the patient on the examining table, and adjusting immobilization devices to obtain optimum views of specific body areas. The technologist moves the imaging equipment into position and adjusts equipment controls to set exposure based on knowledge of the procedure and on established guidelines. To prevent unnecessary radiation exposure during some procedures, a technologist uses radiation protective devices, such as lead shields, and limits the size of the x-ray beam. The technologist may also operate mobile x-ray equipment to obtain images in the emergency room, operating room, or at the patient's bedside. Technologists assist radiologists in the use of plain radiology, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US).

Usually, a technologist has undergone 1-4 years of formal training, leading to a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree. With additional training, a technologist can specialize and work almost exclusively with specialized radiographic equipment. Radiographic Technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.   

More information about a career as a Radiological Technologist can be found in the Recruitment Tool Kit at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Web site.

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Radiological Nurse

The larger medical centers may employ a radiological nurse who provides for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the patient who is undergoing tests or treatment in a radiology department. The radiological nurse usually develops and manages a care plan to help patients understand procedures and, later, recuperate from the procedures. This may also include working with a patient's family.

The nurse can perform examinations or carry out preventive health measures within the prescribed guidelines and instructions of the radiologist. In addition, the nurse can record physician findings and discuss cases with either the radiologist or other health care professionals. Often, a radiological nurse will assist during examinations or therapy. Radiological nurses must have graduated from an accredited nursing school. Each nurse must also pass a national licensing examination.

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