Exploring Radiology Careers: What to Expect in this High-Tech Field

Technology is an amazing resource in terms of human health. We have been learning about the human body for millennia, and each century reveals new information about how to properly care for our bodies more effectively. 

Now technology advances seem to occur every year, each of them substantial enough to change the way we look at health. For many years, the study of radiology has become one of the most important fields in the medical field. It is a science that uses X-rays and other forms of radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. 

Within the field of radiology, there are many career options that are viable for aspiring job-seekers. Although most of these careers require years of schooling to grasp and prepare for a job, they can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, they are vital to maintaining the health of millions across the country. Let’s take a look at some radiology careers and what they entail for aspiring professionals. 

Sonographer

A sonographer is a radiologist who specializes in the use of ultrasonic technology to generate images of the human body. Ultrasounds combine imaging equipment and soundwaves to create images of different parts of the human body. Most people associate ultrasounds with images of a growing baby in a mother’s womb. However, it is used in many other scenarios as well. Sonographers are mostly concerned with the diagnostic side of patient care rather than treatment. 

MRI Technologist

As far as radiology physician jobs go, MRI technologists or technicians are probably some of the most well-known. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is a method used to create 2D or 3D renderings of the inside of a person’s body. MRIs are operated by an MRI technician who runs the machine, informs the patient of what to do, and creates the image renderings that will be analyzed by a doctor. 

Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapy is a method used most frequently in cancer treatment. It involves ionizing radiation attacking the cancer cells in the hope of eliminating them from the body. This process is overseen by a radiation therapist who specializes in operating the equipment and targeting the affected areas of the body. These professionals interact closely with nurses, doctors, and others in the oncology department, so having strong internal communication practices is crucial in your role. 

Radiologist

Some physicians and surgeons will use imaging technology for diagnostic purposes with their patients, and these doctors are known as radiologists. It can also encompass certain treatment methods that use radiation to address patient health problems. Usually, radiologists are supported by other parties such as radiologic technologists. There are many different fields that fall under the radiologist umbrella, such as breast imaging, cardiovascular radiology, and neuroradiology. Radiologists have many responsibilities, from patient data protection to diagnostics to treatment plans. 

Radiologic Technologist

In this role, you would be responsible for creating the images generated from radiation and imaging technologies. It is your purpose to provide the images that will help doctors and other care professionals determine what is wrong with the patient so that they can be diagnosed. A radiologic technologist could specialize in MRIs, ultrasonic, X-rays, or another type of imaging method. 

X-Ray Technician

X-ray technicians are sometimes called limited-scope technicians or radiologic technicians. They work exclusively with X-ray imaging equipment and tend to operate in doctors’ offices or urgent care centers. A career as an X-ray technician does not require as much schooling as many other radiology options.

Educational Requirements

The amount of schooling needed for each of these careers varies. Some careers that require a little less schooling include X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists. A bachelor’s degree may be enough to find a role in one of those fields. However, other roles take much longer to get into. For example, a radiologist who is a physician or surgeon could spend up to thirteen years in a higher education environment, including undergraduate, master’s, internships, and residency programs. The salaries for radiology jobs also vary widely. In general, the greater the educational requirements for a radiology position, the higher the potential salary you can earn. 

What to Expect in a Radiology Career

At the end of the day, your job is to help people who are facing questions about their health. Whether you are involved in the diagnostic side of imaging technology or the treatment side, the goal is to help provide high-quality care to patients with diseases or injuries. It can be a fulfilling career, but it also involves a lot of education and a lot of hard work. However, the result can be the chance to save lives and help people when they need it the most.