Radiologists

Career summary

Medical imaging allows doctors to diagnose problems more quickly and accurately using less invasive treatments. Radiologists use a variety of techniques for diagnosing diseases and injuries, including:

• X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Position emission tomography (PET)
• Ultrasound

Radiologists supervise radiologic technicians who take the images requested by a patient's doctor or health care provider. Radiologists make sure images are of high quality and that all safety procedures are followed. After the images and tests are complete, they interpret the images.

Radiologists do not usually talk with patients. Instead they confer with the doctor who ordered the tests and images. Based on their findings, radiologists may recommend further exams or treatments to the doctor.

Radiologists may specialize in one area of medical imaging, such as:

• Cardiovascular (heart and lungs)
• Musculoskeletal (muscle and bone)
• Body imaging
• Brain imaging
• Pediatric radiology

With two years of additional training, radiologists can also specialize in interventional radiology which uses radiation or minimally invasive procedures to treat diseases. This area also includes image-guided surgery. In this area, radiologists work directly with patients.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Family and General Practitioners
• Internists
• MRI Technologists
• Radiologic Technologists

Military careers

• Physicians and Surgeons

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to radiologists.

• Obtain patient histories from records, interviews, and physicians.
• Prepare comprehensive reports of findings.
• Interpret the results of procedures including MRIs and mammograms.
• Review or transmit images and information.
• Communicate test results to physicians, patients, and families.
• Determine patients' risk factors, such as allergies, to make decisions about the best procedures.
• Perform procedures, such as biopsies and catheter placement.
• Explain processes, risks, benefits, or alternative treatments to patients.
• May administer sedation during and after procedures.
• Confer with medical professionals regarding diagnoses.
• Document all procedures performed.
• Coordinate radiological services with other medical activities.
• Recognize and treat complications during and after procedures.
• Participate in continuing education activities to keep skills up to date.

Common work activities

Radiologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Assist and care for others
• Analyze data or information
• Use computers
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Teach others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Perform for or work with the public
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Schedule work and activities
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop and build teams
• Coach others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Monitor and control resources
• Control machines and processes
• Think creatively
• Develop goals and strategies

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, radiologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a great amount of responsibility for the health and safety of others.
• Have a medium to high degree of social interaction. They talk with patients and medical staff throughout the day but also spend some time alone running tests.
• Communicate via telephone, face-to-face discussions, and e-mail on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are exposed to radiation on a daily basis. To protect themselves they wear special aprons and other safety gear.
• Are exposed to the diseases and infections of patients on a daily basis.
• May share work space with other radiologists and technicians.

Work performance

• Must be extremely exact and accurate when performing the job. Errors can impact the health of patients.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Sometimes must match pace with the speed of equipment.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They consult doctors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for the day without consulting with a supervisor.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere. Their days are structured around patient appointments.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a set schedule.
• Usually work at least 40 hours a week.
• May work weekends and nights.
• Work in a stressful environment where they must meet strict daily deadlines.

Physical demands

Radiologists frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for radiologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for radiologists to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Skills and abilities

Radiologists need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Medicine
• Osteopathic Medicine

Other programs of study to consider

• Biomedical Sciences, General
• Biopsychology
• Cancer and Oncology Biology
• Emergency Medical Care
• Gerontology
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Neuroscience
• Pre-Medicine
• Public and Community Health
• Radiation Therapy

Training

To work as a radiologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a bachelor's degree;
• graduate from a medical school;
• complete an internship;
• pass a state licensing exam;
• complete a residency program in radiology;
• pass additional exams to become board certified; and
• complete an optional specialization fellowship.

Education after high school

To become a radiologist, you need to complete medical school. Medical schools grant a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DOM) degree. You spend the first two years of medical school in classrooms and labs studying anatomy, biochemistry, advanced physics, and medicines. You also learn how to take medical history, examine patients, and make a diagnosis. During the next two years, you work in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of experienced physicians.

You need a bachelor's degree to get into medical school. While you do not need to be a pre-medicine or science major, these programs are good preparation. If you earn a liberal arts degree, be sure to take courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and writing.

On-the-job training

While in medical school, you spend two years working as an intern in a hospital or clinic. As an intern, you rotate through different medical specialties. These include internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics, oncology, and other hospital departments.

After medical school, you complete a residency program in radiology that lasts four to five years. Residents usually work in hospitals. The first year of your residence is a preliminary year, and remaining years will be focused on radiology. During this time you'll become familiar with different types of imaging and radiology, interact with patients, and learn how to diagnose and treat all types of diseases. After your residency, you'll take additional exams to become board certified. If you want to specialize in a specific type of radiology, you'll need an additional fellowship after residency. This takes one to two years.

Military training

The military provides advanced training for doctors. However, it does not provide the initial training to become a doctor. Scholarships for advanced medical training are available in return for a required period of military service.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Algebra
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Applications
• Introduction to Health Care
• Nursing
• Physics
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many radiologists begin work in a group practice or clinic. Some go to work for the hospital where they complete their residency.

Employers look for applicants who are inquisitive, compassionate, and patient. It is important to have good communication skills and be an effective decision-maker. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also important. In addition, radiologists spend a lot of time talking with patients, nurses, and other doctors, so good communication skills are important.

Costs to workers

Radiologists who join professional associations may pay membership fees and annual dues. They may also attend courses, seminars, and workshops to update their knowledge and keep up to date on changes in their field.

Radiologists who have borrowed money to pay school expenses have large debt payments for the first few years after graduation. The average debt for medical students who graduated in 2018 was $196,520 with 83% percent owing at least $100,000. Malpractice insurance is expensive. To enter private practice, practitioners must invest in equipment, office space, and staffing costs. Estimated costs range from $75,000 to $100,000 or more.

#data from Carol added 3/20/14 lh. Updated from pdf LH found  https://www.aamc.org/download/152968/data/debtfactcard.pdf, 3/24/15 cj. updated 3/16 lh

#Updated debt info from AAMC First 2016 debt card linked to from this page https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid/ 1/10/17 cj. Updated debt from Oct 2018 AAMC Fact card 3/19/19 cj.

Licensing/certification

You must be licensed by the Washington State Board of Medical Examiners as either a medical or osteopathic physician. You also need to take specific tests from the American Board of Radiology or the American Osteopathic College of Radiology. State licensing requirements include:

• a good moral character;
• physical and mental capability to safely perform the duties of a physician;
• completion of a four-year doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine program at an approved medical school;
• one year (osteopathic physician) or two years (medical physician) approved post-graduate training;
• completion of four- (medical physician) or seven- (osteopathic physician) clock hours AIDS education; and
• passing a national written exam.

For more information on the US Medical Licensing Exam, call 215.590.9500 or go to the National Board of Medical Examiners  website.

Osteopathic doctors must complete 150 hours of continuing education every three years and medical doctors must complete 200 hours of continuing education every four years.

Licensing fees vary ranging from $491 (medical physicians) to $391 (osteopathic physicians) for the application. The annual renewal fee for osteopathic physicians is $441 and the biannual renewal fee for medical physicians is $657. The combined fee for an application and state exam for osteopathic practitioners is $516. The licensing and the renewal fees generally include an access fee for health-related online library journals and publications and a Washington physician health program surcharge.

For more information on medical doctors, contact:

Washington Medical Commission 
PO Box 47866
Olympia, WA 98504-7866
360.236.2750

For information on osteopathic doctors, contact:

Washington State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
360.236.4700

#Checked licensing info, added CTW content, no changes to licensing fees, 3/8/11, cj updated fees 3/20/12 lh. No change from what is in tag insert file, 4/24/13, 3/24/15, 1/10/17 cj 3.14.18 lh, 3/19/19 cj.

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for radiologists. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other physicians and surgeons."

Wages vary by employer, years of experience, and hours worked. The doctor's skill, personality, and professional reputation also affect wages. Self-employed radiologists generally earn more than those who are not self-employed.

Radiologists usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Radiologists who are self-employed must provide their own insurance and retirement plan.

National wage information is not available specifically for radiologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other physicians and surgeons."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Currently, there is no specific statewide outlook information available for radiologists. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other physicians and surgeons."

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Doctors' offices
• Hospitals
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand will grow significantly for radiologists. Much of the demand for radiologists will be the result of a growing population. As the population grows, the number of people in need of care from radiologists will increase. In addition, an aging population will increase the number of people with conditions that require treatment from radiologists. New federal health care laws mean that more people will have access to medical treatment.

Job prospects are best for those who are board certified.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for radiologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other physicians and surgeons."

Other resources

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine 
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301.968.4100

American College of Radiology 
1891 Preston White Drive
Reston, VA 20191
703.648.8900

American Medical Association 

American Medical Association - Medical Student Section 

American Osteopathic Association 
142 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
800.621.1773
312.202.8000

American Osteopathic College of Radiology 
119 East Second Street
Milan, MO 63556
660.265.4011

American Society for Radiology Oncology 
251 - 18th Street South, 8th Floor
Arlington, VA 22202
703.502.1550

Aspiring Docs Website from the American Association of Medical Colleges 

Nuclear Medicine Physicists 

Radiological Society of North America 
820 Jorie Boulevard
Oak Brook, IL 60523
800.381.6660
630.571.2670

The American Board of Radiology 
5441 East Williams Circle
Tucson, AZ 85711
520.790.2900

The Student Doctor Network 

Washington Osteopathic Medical Association 
PO Box 1187
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
425.677.3930

Washington State Medical Association 
2001 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2700
Seattle, WA 98121
800.552.0612
206.441.9762

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Radiologists (29-1069.10) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupation

• Radiologist (070.101-090) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Physician

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Science Professional
• Service Professional