According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for qualified radiologic technologists and radiologists is expected to grow as the use of medical imaging increases. Career opportunities in radiology are available for professionals who are trained to use and maintain radiology equipment and for doctors who are trained to analyze medical images.
The Facts
Radiologists and radiologic technologists work with medical images and radiology equipment. Radiologists are physicians who specialize in interpreting medical images such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. Most of them work in radiology departments in hospitals or clinics. They review medical images and work with other doctors to diagnose patients and determine the best treatment. Radiologists must complete medical school and specialized training. They are required to be board certified.
Radiologic technologists assist radiologists by taking X-rays, maintaining radiology equipment and assisting patients. They work in hospitals, private practices and diagnostic imaging centers. Most radiologic technologists complete their training by obtaining an associate degree. National certification is available through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Types
Radiologists can work in breast imaging, cardiovascular radiology, emergency radiology and nuclear radiology among others. To specialize in any of these areas, a radiologist must complete a fellowship program which consists of advanced training, mentoring and working under the supervision of experienced radiologists.
Radiologic technologists also have the opportunity to specialize in different areas including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and mammography. A radiologic technologist must obtain additional training by completing a certificate program to specialize in any of these areas.
Geography
Each state requires radiologists to obtain their license to practice medicine in addition to obtaining their board certification from the American Board of Radiology or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology.
A radiologic technologist can obtain her national certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) by passing an exam and meeting training requirements. She also is required to obtain a state license which authorizes her to perform radiology exams. State licensing requirements vary, but most states require radiologic technologists to pass an exam and take continuing courses to renew their license every few years.
Medical facilities that are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) also require radiologists and radiologic technologists to be certified.
Warning
Radiologists and technologists should be trained on safety procedures, handling emergencies and using shielding devices to avoid overexposing themselves and others to radiation. State licensing requirements also ensure that technologists are able to monitor and use radiology equipment properly.
Time Frame
It can take up to four years of postgraduate residency for a physician to complete the training required to become a radiologist. If a radiologist chooses to continue his training in a radiology sub-specialty such as pediatric radiology, he will need to complete a fellowship which can take up to two years to complete.
To qualify for employment, radiologic technologists can complete a four-year bachelor's degree program, an associate degree or a yearlong certificate program.
Tags: radiologic technologists, medical images, radiology equipment, American Registry, American Registry Radiologic, associate degree