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Showing posts with label Radiologist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Radiologist. Show all posts

How to Become a Radiologist


Radiologists are physicians who use cutting-edge imaging technology to examine organs and tissues inside the body in gentle, noninvasive ways. Their expertise in physics, anatomy and the disease process allow them to diagnose injuries and illnesses so treatment can begin. A growing subset of these specialists called interventional radiologists performs surgical procedures under imaging guidance in order to minimize damage to healthy tissue.
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While early radiologists had only film X-rays to work with, modern professionals have a variety of tools at their disposal, including:
  • X-ray radiography
  • Ultrasound
  • Computerized tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)
  • Nuclear imaging
Radiologists generally work behind the scenes analyzing studies, making diagnoses and consulting with physicians. In some cases, they get involved in the procedure in order to help prepare the patient or outline further instructions to the technician.
Interventional radiologists take imaging technology a step further by using it to treat certain diseases and conditions. These professionals create electronic maps to guide their instruments as they insert catheters, remove malignant tissue and perform other delicate procedures. This gentle approach allows patients to recover faster and with fewer complications.
Physicians who thrive on intellectual stimulation find radiology an especially rewarding area of practice. Because the field advances so rapidly, there is always something new and exciting to learn. These specialists are among the first to pilot cutting-edge imaging technologies and procedures developed in research laboratories. Radiologists also enjoy the challenge of interpreting complex studies and putting together medical clues to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Radiologist Work Environment

Though most radiologists still work in hospitals and outpatient diagnostic centers, advances in digital technology now allow imaging studies to be transmitted electronically. This practice, which is known as telemedicine, means radiologists can now practice in any location equipped with a computer, high-resolution monitor and Internet connectivity. Telemedicine helps emergency departments and intensive care units obtain emergency consultations after hours and also promotes consultation among experts around the globe.
Unlike most other physicians, radiologists have limited patient contact. In fact, some go weeks without a face-to-face consultation. Instead, these specialists spend their time analyzing image results and formulating diagnoses.
Radiologists who work in the hospital work long, irregular shifts that include nights, weekends and holidays. Those employed by outpatient centers are more likely to work regular business hours.


Radiologist Education Requirements

Education
The first step in becoming a radiologist is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Pre-medicine students may major in any subject but need to meet prerequisites in math, biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics and the humanities. Students can strengthen their medical school application by earning academic honors, volunteering, conducting scientific research and achieving high scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Many four-year colleges and universities have pre-med advisors who assist students in planning an appropriate program of study. 
Next, aspiring radiologists move on to medical school. Because radiology is an extremely competitive specialty, candidates must excel academically in order to compete for available residencies. They will also benefit from top scores on Steps I and II of theUnited States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). 
Training
During the final year of medical school, students should apply for a four-year diagnostic radiology residency through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Residents work an average of 60 hours per week and spend some nights on call. Upon completion, some candidates pursue a 1-3 year fellowship in a subspecialty such as neuroradiology or interventional radiology. 
Licensing and/or Certification
State licensure is mandatory for all practicing physicians, including radiologists. Most employers require radiology candidates to hold board certification. Effective 2013, this will require passage of a two-part examination covering medicine, anatomy, imaging modalities and physics.
Necessary Skills and Qualities
Because competition for radiology residencies is fierce, students seeking to enter this field must be top academic performers with excellent test scores. More so than other medical specialties, radiology requires a strong interest in and knowledge of physics and math. 
Opportunities for Advancement
Radiologists earn excellent salaries throughout their careers. As they advance, many choose a more comfortable lifestyle over pay increases. This usually takes the form of fewer nighttime, weekend and holiday shifts.
Other radiologists advance their careers by gaining new skills and expertise. It is not uncommon for an interventional radiologist to be the only professional in the region performing certain cutting-edge procedures. This allows the person to command a higher income and may present opportunities for leadership, research and community outreach.
Experienced radiologists sometimes leave the clinical setting to pursue research opportunities, take teaching positions or move into health care administration.
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Radiologist Salary

The salaries of radiology residents range from $42,000 to $58,000 per year. Earnings increase with experience and vary across regions. 
Newly certified diagnostic radiologists can expect to earn about $275,000 per year. Starting salaries at academic centers are usually slightly lower than those in private practice. The median annual salary for all diagnostic radiologists regardless of experience is $380,000 a year, and interventional radiologists make closer to $500,000.

Radiologist Job Outlook

Newly certified radiologists have plenty of job openings from which to choose. There is currently a shortage of these specialists in the United States and residency programs are not graduating enough candidates to meet the current demand. In addition, many diagnostic radiologists are leaving the field to seek more lucrative careers in interventional radiology.
At present, radiologists are especially scarce in rural areas. However, the emergence of telemedicine may ease some of this demand.



Radiologist Related Career

Become a Ultrasound Technologist

Ultrasound technologists have the privilege and responsibility of administering ultrasound, a technology that creates detailed and dynamic images of the body’s internal organs using high frequency sound waves. By bouncing these sound waves off of the body’s tissues, technologists create images of organs that would otherwise be virtually impossible to detect and document. Because ultrasound is non-invasive and uses no radiation or dyes, it is safe enough to use with everyone, including children, the elderly and even expectant mothers. Physicians rely on the images captured by these skilled professionals to diagnose and treat patients as well as to track their pregnancies.


To perform an ultrasound, a technologist transmits high frequency sound waves via a handheld device called a transducer and views the live images it produces on a display screen. This professional uses his detailed knowledge of anatomy to discern the most appropriate and representative images to record for review by a physician. A tech may perform a variety of ultrasounds depending upon the examination's purpose, from visualizing the direction and flow of blood through a vessel to determining a baby’s gender. 
Ultrasound’s applications are already vast, and continuing to expand still further; soon techs will use transducers attached to smart phones in remote or undeveloped areas of the world. Ultrasound technologists are at the forefront of this increasingly effective modality that will continue to transform the practice of medicine.

Ultrasound Technologist Work Environment

Hospitals employ the majority of these professionals but ultrasound techs also work in outpatient diagnostic clinics and physicians’ offices. Low lighting is required for most ultrasound procedures, so technologists often work in dim rooms. Most ultrasound procedures are prescheduled during regular business hours, but a technologist’s expertise is sometimes needed for an emergency during off hours, weekends or holidays.

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Ultrasound Technologist Education Requirements

Education
Ultrasound technologists must complete an accredited training program. Depending on the program, it can take anywhere from one to four years to complete. Accredited ultrasound programs can be found at community colleges (a two-year associate’s degree) or four-year institutions (a bachelor’s degree). One-year certificates are also available for people who have previous healthcare experience. Accredited programs are listed at the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs.
Training
An ultrasound technology educational program includes training in interpreting ultrasound images, but most training is conducted on the job by an experienced ultrasound tech or physician. Training may last a few weeks or a few months depending on the technologist’s experience. 
Licensing/Certification
Certification is an industry standard for employment. Technologists may obtain their certification during their educational program, or through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography or another professional organization. An ultrasound tech can be certified in more than one specialty.
Necessary Skills and Qualities
Being alert for tiny abnormalities in an image may mean the difference between an accurate diagnosis and an inaccurate one. Ultrasound technologists must be able to focus on subtle details despite working on their feet for hours at a time. Along with proficient technical skills, they must have good interpersonal skills as they work intimately with patients, many of whom may be anxious or in discomfort. They are not permitted to inform patients of a suspected diagnosis or abnormality, so they must maintain a neutral yet friendly demeanor while performing procedures.
Opportunities for Advancement
With their educational background and experience, ultrasound technologists have the opportunity to transition into other medical imaging specialties or into direct patient care jobs (with additional education and training). Some choose to go the administrative route and take on managerial or supervisory roles. Others share their experience with aspiring ultrasound technologists by becoming educators.
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Ultrasound Technologist Salary


Ultrasound Technologist Job Outlook

Location: United States
Overview
MRI technicians use cutting-edge technology to create high-definition, three-dimensional pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. These images are among the most powerful diagnostic tools available and are particularly useful for studying the brain, heart and muscles as well as certain kinds of cancers. A skillful MRI tech produces high resolution images that allow physicians to diagnose with pinpoint accuracy.
MRI scanners create powerful magnetic fields that line up certain atomic nuclei within the body. When stimulated by radio waves, these nuclei produce rotating magnetic fields that can be converted into images. Technicians have a nuanced understanding of the physics behind this process that allows them to create pictures with excellent contrast and clarity. They also rely on their expertise in human anatomy to position the patient and target the body structures to be studied.
Unlike X-ray radiography, MRI does not produce ionizing radiation nor damage vulnerable DNA and cells. However, since an MRI scanner is essentially a giant high-powered magnet, technicians must adhere to strict safety procedures when working with their scanner and perform routine maintenance to keep it in peak condition.
In addition to providing scientific and technical expertise, these professionals work closely with patients. While open MRI machines are becoming more common, most models still require patients to lie in a narrow tube for up to 40 minutes, which leads to anxiety, claustrophobia or even panic for some patients. The support of a calm and caring technician makes all the difference in the patient's experience. Techs also ensure that patients follow safety procedures and may administer contrast agents by mouth or injection to enhance the quality of the images.
Once a study is complete, the technician consults with a radiologist to examine the images, answer questions and plan additional studies as needed. The radiologist makes the diagnosis and communicates it to the patient's physician. As vital players on the health care team, MRI techs take great pride in producing the high-quality images physicians need to diagnose and treat with confidence and accuracy.
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MRI Technician Education Requirements

Education
At minimum, becoming an MRI tech requires completion of an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field, followed by 1-2 years of additional study in an MRI technology certificate program. When enrolling, be sure to choose an institution accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or theCommission on Accreditation of the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.
Training
MRI certificate programs include extensive hands-on training in a variety of clinical settings. Newly hired technicians complete a period of on-the-job training during which they shadow an experienced mentor.
Licensing and/or Certification
Most states mandate licensure of MRI techs. Requirements vary, but usually include graduation from an accredited program and passage of a knowledge exam.
National certification is available through the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. MRI techs must engage in regular continuing education in order to maintain their credentials.
Necessary Skills and Qualities
MRI tech jobs involve substantial physical activity and require good health and stamina. These professionals may need to lift or assist patients who are moving from gurneys and wheelchairs onto the scanner table or position body parts or pieces of equipment. Techs spend many hours on their feet each shift.
Attention to detail is also an asset. MRI technicians need to follow physician instructions meticulously in order to obtain clear, useful images. Empathy and communication skills help these professionals gain the cooperation of patients who are in pain or experiencing claustrophobia. 
Opportunities for Advancement
Skilled MRI techs may have opportunities to specialize in an area of interest such as pediatrics, cardiac, neurological or intraoperative imaging. Some go back to school to train as nurses or nuclear medicine technologists. Supervisory or managerial roles are also options for experienced MRI professionals.
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MRI Technician Salary

According to the US Department of Labor, radiologic technologists (including MRI technicians) earned a median annual wage of $54,340 in 2010. The middle 80% of techs surveyed earned between $36,510 and $76,850. Salaries tend to be highest in large metropolitan areas.

MRI Technician Job Outlook

Hospitals and diagnostic centers are expected to remain the largest employers of MRI techs. However, as technology advances and smaller, more portable scanners become commercially available, opportunities may increase at physicians' offices. Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow by 28% between 2010 and 2020, due largely to the aging population’s increased need for health care services.

MRI Technician Related Career

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