Career: Radiologists
Since the invention of the x-ray more than one hundred years ago, the ability to see inside the human body has enabled doctors to understand how our bodies work -- and how they don’t.
But we’ve come a long way in the last century. Health professionals now use a combination of techniques involving computers, sound waves, magnetism, and more. They can scan our bones, muscles, and organs with remarkable accuracy and diagnose diseases and injuries as never before.
Radiologists are doctors trained to use their knowledge of medicine and technology to diagnose disease and injury with the use of internal imaging devices such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners.
Did You Know?
- Teleradiology -- the transmission of digital images thousands of miles away for diagnosis -- is increasingly popular, especially in rural communities.
Are You Ready To...?
- Improve and save lives
- Use x-rays, ultrasound, MRIs, CAT scans, and other imaging technology
- Work closely with technicians, other doctors, and specialists
- Spend years studying and training
- Keep up with advances in medicine and technology
- Balance heavy workloads with your personal life
It Helps to Be...
A curious, focused communicator who is interested in technology. You must be eager to learn about the machines that will be a part of your everyday environment, but you’ll also need excellent people skills.
Make High School Count
- Take plenty of challenging math and science courses, including AP® courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus.
- Enhance your communication skills through English composition, speech, and drama classes.
- Sign up for psychology to learn about human nature and explore the mind-body connection.
- Volunteer at a health clinic, a hospital, a women’s clinic, or an eldercare facility.
- Explore summer study programs like the University of Massachusetts’ High School Health Careers Program or the Health Careers Opportunity Program at the University of Montana.
Did You Know?
- Some radiologists take on extra training to develop specialties like pediatric radiology.
Outlook
Government economists expect job growth for doctors, including radiologists, to be faster than the average for all careers through 2016.
A growing and aging population means that more people will need medical services. However, changes in health care coverage and advances in technology could potentially limit some demand for doctors.
Compensation
Merritt, Hawkins & Associates, a physician-recruiting firm, reported the average incomes offered to physicians by the employers they represented from April 2004 to April 2005. Radiologists were offered an average yearly income of $355,000.
