Radiologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a radiologist. Feel free to use our radiologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a radiologist.
Who is a Radiologist?
Radiology is the application of radiation to various types of “imaging,” such as X-rays. Imaging is a term that refers to the process of creating an image of the internal configuration of a dense object, such as a part of the human body, using radiant energy. Radiology is also known as radioscopy or clinical radiology, the latter of which refers to the numerous applications of imaging techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of injury or disease. X-rays, radiant dye, ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, are all types of imaging.
Radiology is a subspecialty of medicine. A radiologist reads or interprets an image to determine the location or severity of an injury to aid in the detection of abnormalities such as tumors. This is why, even if the primary caregiver has reviewed the X-ray or other image, patients frequently have to wait for the “official” results. To achieve an accurate diagnosis, a radiology specialist must also interpret the results and consult with the physician or provide a report of his or her findings. Clinics and medical facilities without an on-site radiologist must send the image to an external radiologist for interpretation and wait for the results.
Because radiology is a critical component of diagnosis and treatment, the radiologist bears a great deal of responsibility for obtaining clear, distinct images and carefully reviewing them. Faulty images or interpretations can result in things being missed or even in a patient’s condition being misdiagnosed. Due to the difficulty of obtaining high-quality images through radiology when a patient is in pain or ill, a radiologist or imaging tech must have an excellent bedside manner.
Additionally, the radiologist must be able to console the patient, maintain his or her calm, and clearly explain radiology procedures to alleviate the patient’s anxiety. He or she must also carefully review the patient’s medical records and ask pertinent questions to ensure that X-rays or other imaging techniques are not particularly risky for a particular patient, such as a pregnant or potentially pregnant woman. Because radiology techniques require the use of radiation, a radiologist must also protect himself or herself and the patient from potential radiation hazards.
Radiologists frequently employ CT scanners to obtain cross-sectional X-rays of the body. Radiologists are classified into three subspecialties: diagnostic radiologists, interventional radiologists, and radiation oncologists.
- Diagnostic Radiology
Diagnostic radiologists use imaging procedures to make diagnoses and treat illnesses, injuries, and conditions in patients. Additionally, they communicate with the patient’s physician, make treatment recommendations, and instruct radiologist technicians during imaging procedures. Diagnostic radiologists may also specialize in a variety of subspecialties, including chest radiology, musculoskeletal radiology, pediatric radiology, and cardiovascular radiology.
- Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiologists diagnose injuries and illnesses using image-guided, minimally invasive procedures. They’ll recommend a treatment plan for conditions such as cancer or strokes based on their findings. As an interventional radiologist, you will specialize in one of the following subspecialties: nuclear radiology, pain medicine, or neuroradiology.
- Radiation Oncologist
Oncologists are radiologists who specialize in cancer treatment. Additionally, they ensure that the patient’s treatment plan is effective and that they are not experiencing any unusual side effects. Radiologists who specialize in oncology may also pursue subspecialties in hospice and palliative care or pain medicine.
Radiologist Job Description
Below are the radiologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a radiologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a radiologist include the following:
- Reviewing and interpreting the results of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, mammograms, and ultrasounds
- Recommending testing to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient
- Conducting imaging procedures to detect and track the progression of diseases such as cancer and to monitor patient progress during treatment
- Sustaining oversight of imaging technicians who may have questions or require assistance and guidance during imaging tests.
- Conducting medication reviews and prescriptions, as well as interventional procedures such as ultrasound-guided biopsy and angioplasty
- Considering the medical history of a patient.
- Requesting imaging procedures for medical purposes
- Executing diagnostic imaging procedures or techniques
- Analyzing the imaging data
- Recognizing and treating patient illnesses or conditions
- Making treatment recommendations based on the results of imaging studies.
- Treating patient illnesses, injuries, and conditions using a variety of techniques, including radiation.
- Operating direct equipment
- Preparing patients by explaining the procedures and requesting that they remove any jewelry or clothing that contains metal before testing.
- Examining patient histories, charts, and physician reports
- Calibration of machines and positioning of patients to ensure the production of accurate images
- Adhering to safety protocols and utilizing shielding devices to avoid radiation exposure to themselves, patients, or coworkers
- Maintaining patient records, organizing images, verifying image clarity, and relaying images to the physician
- Sterilizing and storing imaging equipment in the proper manner
- Maintaining current knowledge of radiation safety precautions and protection devices
- Adherence to government regulations
Qualifications
Several prerequisites must be met to obtain a position as a radiologist. They include the following:
Education
Radiologists, as a highly specialized branch of medicine, must complete medical school and clinical rotations. A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or another closely related science discipline is preferred for admission to medical school. Whatever bachelor’s degree a student chooses, they must complete prerequisite courses such as two years of chemistry, one year of physics, one year of English, and one year of biology. Students spend the first two years of medical school studying microbiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, and anatomy. Typically, the final two years are spent completing clinical rotations in various areas of radiology. Mammography, emergency radiology, nuclear medicine, musculoskeletal radiology, and interventional radiology are just a few of the specializations available to students.
Training
Radiologists receive formal education to prepare them for their roles. After four years of medical school, aspiring radiologists enter a four-year residency program in diagnostic radiology. Along with rotations, students frequently participate in faculty-supervised research. These programs have varying admission requirements. Certain programs require students to complete an internship before admission.
Certifications
Numerous certifications are available to radiologists, including the following:
- American Board of Radiology (ABR) Certification
Through examinations, this optional certification verifies a candidate’s abilities. Radiologists who obtain this certification must also maintain it through participation in the Maintenance of Certification program (MOC). Participation in MOC demonstrates a radiologist’s commitment to professional development, self-assessment, and providing high-quality patient care.
- American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR) Certification
Diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology are the primary certifications. Additionally, candidates may pursue certification in vascular and interventional radiology, neuroradiology, or pediatric radiology. To be eligible for subspecialty board certification, candidates must first hold a primary certification and complete a one-year fellowship approved by the American Optometric Association in their subspecialty (AOA).
Essential Skills
- Personality traits
These abilities, colloquially referred to as “people skills,” include communication and teamwork. Radiologists must be able to communicate effectively with patients and explain complex diagnoses and treatments in a way that mentally stressed individuals can comprehend. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with other physicians to determine the optimal course of treatment and collaborate effectively with other medical professionals and support staff to ensure the highest possible quality of care.
- Detail-oriented
Radiologists must have a keen eye for detail to read patient charts accurately and take note of pertinent imaging information. This ability is also critical as they review scans to ensure nothing is missed.
- Mathematics abilities
Radiologists must have strong math skills to calculate the chemical doses required for imaging.
- Physical stamina
Physical stamina is the capacity to maintain physical strength and endurance over an extended time. Radiologists must be able to maintain their energy levels throughout lengthy shifts that require constant movement. Additionally, they may be required to lift and move patients to position them for scans.
- Technical abilities
These are the abilities and knowledge that radiologists must possess to operate sophisticated medical equipment such as X-ray machines and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies.
- Scientific knowledge
Having the necessary scientific knowledge about radiation and how it interacts with matter is a critical skill for a radiology job. Understanding how to use radiological technology properly and the associated risks can help you and your patients stay safe. Additionally, it can assist you in performing your duties to the best of your ability.
- Medical understanding
Understanding how radiation can benefit or harm patients is another critical skill for anyone working in radiology. It can assist you in diagnosing your patients more accurately and also in treating and preventing a wide variety of diseases.
How to Become a Radiologist
- Begin your educational journey
To begin, you must earn a bachelor’s degree. While a bachelor’s degree can be earned in any subject, a pre-med or science major will best prepare you for medical school. If you choose to pursue a liberal arts degree rather than a medical degree, consider taking courses in biology, anatomy, or other sciences to prepare for medical school.
During your undergraduate years, you will be required to take and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This exam is typically administered during your third year of undergraduate studies, and you must pass it to be admitted to medical school.
Additionally, it’s critical to keep in mind that medical schools have stringent admissions requirements. Along with performing well on the MCATs, you should strive for high grades, which should be supplemented by relevant work and volunteer experience.
- Enroll in medical school
Most medical schools begin their application process in June for the following year’s medical class. You can submit a primary application to various medical schools by completing one on the Association for American Medical Colleges’ website. The application period begins in the first week of May, which gives you approximately one month to complete your application before submitting it.
Additionally, you will need to complete a secondary application for each school. You’ll explain why you’re interested in that school and what you have to offer in this application. Fees apply to both primary and secondary applications.
Following the application process, the majority of medical schools will request an interview with you. The nature of the interview will vary by school. Your interview may take place on or off-campus, with a single person or with a group of committee members. The interview is used to further evaluate you and to add pertinent information to your application.
If everything goes according to plan, you will be accepted into a medical school. At medical school, you’ll face a rigorous four-year curriculum focused on biomedical sciences for the first two years. You will learn everything that a graduating physician is expected to know during medical school.
Following your second year of medical school, you must sit for and pass the first two parts of the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). This three-part examination is required to obtain your medical license and will assess your knowledge of fundamental subjects such as anatomy, genetics, and immunology.
After your fourth year, you’ll take the second section of this exam. This section is multiple choice and includes a practical exam in which actors portray various ailments for the testee to diagnose.
- Complete a residency
A residency is essentially an internship during which you will receive hands-on training in a hospital setting. Radiologists will spend their first year of residency practicing general medicine and surgery before concentrating on radiology for the remainder of their years.
Typically, a residency will last between four and five years. Following the first year, you will take the third and final section of the USMLE, which will include both multiple-choice questions and computer simulations.
The residency program is designed to provide new physicians with extensive experience before obtaining full-time employment. You will gain experience counseling patients, interpreting imaging results, collaborating with other clinicians, and performing a variety of image-guided procedures.
- Become a fellow in a fellowship program
The majority of graduating residents will then pursue fellowship opportunities. These programs last approximately one or two years and will teach you about a particular subspecialty of radiology. Among the numerous subspecialties are musculoskeletal radiology, neuroradiology, and interventional radiology. The fellowship is intended to provide you with some final training in radiology, during which you will learn advanced techniques and procedures.
- Obtain licensure and board certification
At this point, you should be prepared to put what you’ve learned into practice and establish yourself as an independent radiologist. To do so, you must first obtain a license from your state. Licensing requirements vary by state, so you should check what your state’s requirements are.
Additionally, the majority of employers will prefer someone who is board certified. This requires passing an additional exam covering topics such as medicine and imaging modalities. After meeting all of these requirements, you are prepared to apply for radiologist jobs.
Where to Work as a Radiologist
Radiologists are typically employed in hospitals, but some work in physician offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient centers. Additionally, they may be required to work evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts due to radiologists’ critical role in emergency care.
Radiologist Salary Scale
The average salary a Radiologist earn in the United States is $59,374 per year.