Radiology Specialties: Careers in Radiologic Technology

Careers in Radiologic Technology

Radiology is a great career choice these days, because within the general field there are so many exciting possibilities involving digital imaging technology. Another aspect of that diversity is the fact that a number of different levels of skill and education are needed to fill positions in the field.

Here are a few of the opportunities which await you if you are interested in a radiology career.

Radiologist

This is a high-end position in the field which requires that you complete special training related to interpreting digital images and performing radiological tests. As a licensed medical doctor, you would become an expert at interpreting images so as to diagnose infirmities or abnormalities in the body. There are some additional stringent requirements which you would be obliged to satisfy in order to become board-certified.

Radiology Assistant

A radiology assistant is someone trained in the use of radiology technology, and who has completed advanced studies and worked under the direct supervision of a qualified radiologist. The assistant is able to make preliminary interpretations of images, perform tests, and handle patients, while working with a trained radiologist.

Radiology Technician

To achieve the requisite skill level in operating radiology equipment, and embark on a radiology tech career, a candidate must generally attend a trade school for two years. This program will provide the needed education for performing digital imaging tests, operating radiology machinery, and positioning patients for imaging tests. During the 2-year program, a technician will acquire skills in the area of appropriate imaging techniques and proper operation of related equipment.

Radiology Nurse

A radiology nurse is a person who holds a Registered Nurse qualification, and has undergone training specific to managing patients who are undergoing radiological procedures. The radiology nurse is responsible for performing several duties in this area, including preparing patients for testing and ensuring their comfort during and after a procedure. A radiology nurse will have completed the normal body of education for obtaining a nursing degree, and must learn radiology specialties as well. To achieve this professional level, it will be necessary to pass the standard nurse’s exam in addition to the radiology nurse’s exam.

Radiologic Technologist

The duties performed by a radiologic technologist are closely related to the duties handled by a radiology technician. The primary difference between the two is in their level of education, since a technologist will typically be required to obtain a 4-year Bachelor Degree, whereas a technician will only be required to obtain a 2-year degree. This makes the technologist a candidate for any supervisory positions which might be available in a given work environment. Both technician and technologist will be adept at operating equipment involved with MRI’s, mammograms, and X-Rays.

Ultrasound Technician

Also called Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Ultrasound Technicians use soundwaves for more than just determining the sex of an unborn child. They also help scan organs for diagnosis and help with a wide variety of soft-tissue related procedures across many healthcare specialty areas including but not limited to gynecology, cardiology, neurosonography and more.

MRI Technicians

MRI Techs use magnetic waves from a magnetic resonance scanner to create 3 dimensional maps of soft tissue. They mostly assist physicians and other health care practitioners with diagnosing and treating pathologies.

Other Radiology Specialties & Careers

We will continue to update this page with more radiology specialties. The field is growing and new opportunities will continue to present themselves.

You can also do additional research on the following radiology career opportunities:

• Diagnostic Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Radiologic Technologist Salaries