Pediatric radiologists perform x-rays and other medical diagnostic imaging processes.
Pediatric radiologists perform x-rays and other medical diagnostic imaging processes on children. Most pediatric radiologists are found working in family medical practice centers, community clinics and major hospitals. While some individuals will specialize in working solely with children, many pediatric radiologists will perform imaging procedures on adults when necessary.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Pediatric radiologists use complex imaging and photographic equipment to produce x-ray and other types of images that are used to aid in medical diagnoses and procedures. Before surgery and diagnosis begins, doctors and surgeons need to get a view of the child's body part of concern. X-ray imaging allows doctors to view beyond the skin and get a comprehensive view of muscle, tissues and bones inside the child's body for diagnoses. Pediatric radiologists operate and position x-ray shields and protection devices to protect a patient's body from harmful exposure during the x-ray process. They must be trained extensively in the proper and safe usage of x-ray equipment. Pediatric radiologists may take measurements and other information on a patient's body and condition. Pediatric radiologists may administer other imaging procedures other than x-rays, such as CT scans, MRIs and mammograms.
Education Requirements
Most states require licensure to become a pediatric radiologist. Check with your state's specific requirements before applying for a job as a pediatric radiologist. Most pediatric radiologists can begin working after receiving a certificate or an associate's degree from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. These programs usually last 21 to 24 months. Some states require a bachelor's degree to practice as an pediatric radiologist. As of 2009, The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology has accredited 213 programs resulting in a certificate, 397 programs resulting in an associate's degree, and 35 resulting in a bachelor's degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, students interested in radiologic technology should take high school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.
Other Preferable Skills
Pediatric radiologists work with children, so you should enjoy being around and dealing with children if you are going to enter into this field. A thorough understanding of computer systems and a general ability to work with technical equipment is preferred for those entering into this field.
Job Outlook
According to the BLS, employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations in the nation. In 2008, according to the BLS, 214,700 people held jobs as a radiologic technologist.
Job Salary
According to the BLS, the median annual wage of radiologic technologists was $52,210 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,710 and $63,010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,970.
Tags: Pediatric radiologists, pediatric radiologist, percent earned, with children, associate degree
