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Description of Work Tasks, Settings
and Tools
RADIOLOGISTS are physicians who diagnose and treat
diseases of the human body, using x-ray and radioactive substances.
They diagnose 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.
Radiologists correlate medical image findings with other examinations
and tests, recommend further examinations or treatments, and confer
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). Radiologists treat benign and malignant internal and
external growths by exposure to radiation from x-rays, high-energy
sources, and natural and manmade radioisotopes directed at or implanted
in the affected areas of the body. Radiologists administer radiopaque
substances by injection, orally, or as enemas to make internal structures
and organs visible on x-ray films or fluoroscopic screens. They
may sub-specialize in diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology,
nuclear medicine, neuroradiology, radiobiology, and ultrasound,
to name a few. Radiologists may diagnose and treat diseases of the
body using radioactive substances and be certified in nuclear radiology
or nuclear medicine.
RADIOLOGISTS work for:
• office-based practices including clinics and HMO's
• hospitals
• outpatient care centers
• the federal, state, and local government
• themselves, in private practice
•
RADIOLOGISTS work with:
• patients and their records
• test results from laboratories and imaging equipment
• x-ray and radioactive substances
• natural and man-made radioisotopes
• radiopaque substances
• x-ray films and fluoroscopic screens
Training, Related Majors
and Advancement
All states and the District of Columbia require
physicians to be licensed. Like other physicians, RADIOLOGISTS must
have graduated from an accredited medical school, passed a licensing
examination, and completed at least four 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).
Radiologists, through extensive clinical work and related research,
can also sub-specialize. Sub-specialties include nuclear medicine,
pediatric radiology, radiation oncology, radiobiology, neuroradiology,
diagnostic radiology, and many others.
The following majors could help you prepare for this occupation:
• Biology, General
• Chemistry
• Medicine (Pre-Medicine)
• Medicine Clinical/Graduate Studies
• Physiology, Pathology & Related Science
Advancement for RADIOLOGISTS is usually in the form of a larger
practice with more patients.
Desirable Personal
Qualities
Helpful qualities for RADIOLOGISTS include:
• a desire to serve patients
• self-motivation
• an ability to survive the pressures and long hours of medical
education and practice
• a good bedside manner
• emotional stability
• an ability to make decisions in emergencies
• a willingness to study throughout their career to keep up
with medical advances
• good communication skills
• an ability to adapt the changing demands of a rapidly evolving
health care system.
Estimated Salary
- Economic Research Institute (survey of salaries
in 2005):
| |
National |
Kansas |
| Per
year |
Per
hour |
Per
year |
Per
hour |
| Starting Salary |
$189,500 |
$91.00 |
$190,000 |
$91.25 |
| Average salary |
$284,500 |
$136.75 |
$286,000 |
$137.50 |
| Salary with experience |
$357,000 |
$171.75 |
$359,000 |
$172.75 |
National average for all occupations included
in this survey: $44,000/year or $21.25/hour
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (survey of salaries
in 2004):
| |
National |
Kansas |
| Per
year |
Per
hour |
Per
year |
Per
hour |
| Average salary |
$136,000 |
$65.50 |
NA |
NA |
National average for all occupations included
in this survey: $35,000/year or $16.75/hour
Physicians, including RADIOLOGISTS, have among the
highest earnings of any occupation. Self-employed physicians, those
who own or are part owners of their medical practice, generally
have higher earnings than salaried physicians. Earnings vary according
to number of years in practice, geographic region, hours worked,
and skill and professional reputation.
*Information taken from DISCOVER.
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