This paper provides an overview of careers in radiology, a medical field that underpins accurate diagnosis across virtually every clinical specialty. It introduces the four main professional roles — radiologist, radiological nurse, radiologist assistant, and radiological technologist — and surveys the science foundations that make radiology unique among medical fields. The paper also outlines more than a dozen sub-specialties, from breast imaging and cardiovascular radiology to neurological and pediatric radiology. Finally, it describes the Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology degree program, highlighting the combination of rigorous academic coursework and hands-on clinical experience that prepares graduates for a high-demand career.
Modern medicine is capable of treating a tremendous range of human diseases and injuries, but the usefulness of all medical specialties depends on accurate diagnosis. Virtually every conceivable medical specialty relies on radiological technologies to provide formal diagnoses, making radiology one of the most important of all medical specialties. Radiologists enjoy some of the best working conditions in modern medicine and typically experience very positive employment outcomes. Consequently, their services are generally in very high demand, with many starting out with six-figure annual incomes immediately after completing their professional training.
Radiology is one of the few so-called "physical-science"-based fields of medicine, making it a challenging and rewarding application of an academic interest in science. It combines advanced knowledge of human physiology with principles of atomic physics and nuclear decay, electricity and magnetism, and both organic and inorganic chemistry. At the same time, radiology is directly responsible for enabling many specific treatments available in modern medicine and provides significant opportunity to work directly with patients across many clinical environments. The field is also varied enough to offer opportunities for those who prefer working primarily in a private office setting — focusing on technological equipment and diagnostic testing results rather than direct patient care. As one radiology instructor has noted, "Radiology can take you anywhere; it can be used as a starting block or stepping stone."
Within the field of radiology, there are four primary career roles. First, radiologists are physicians who specialize in interpreting diagnostic images in connection with diagnosing illnesses and injuries and monitoring medical conditions across many areas of clinical medicine. Second, radiological nurses specialize in providing nursing services exclusively in connection with radiological medicine. Third, radiologist assistants serve as the first line of support for radiological physicians, performing many of the procedures and tests ordered by radiologists. Fourth, radiological technologists operate and maintain sophisticated medical imaging systems and tools, working side by side with radiologist assistants and radiologists in conducting diagnostic tests on patients.
Because of its tremendously wide applications within modern medicine, radiology offers more than a dozen distinct areas of deeper specialization. Some specialty areas involve direct medical intervention — such as radiation oncology and interventional radiology. Others focus more on diagnostics rather than direct medical treatment.
Breast imaging, for example, involves diagnosing diseases of the breast through mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and tissue biopsies. Cardiovascular radiology uses X-rays, computed axial tomography (CAT scans), MRIs, and ultrasound to diagnose problems with the heart and circulatory system. Chest radiology employs many of the same technologies to diagnose and treat conditions of the heart and lungs. Other specialty practice areas include gastrointestinal radiology, emergency radiology, head and neck radiology, musculoskeletal radiology, and reproductive radiology. Finally, radiology specialties can also intersect with other clinical areas of interest, including neurological, pediatric, and geriatric radiology.
"Two-year degree program structure and certification"
For me, the radiologic technologist program has been tremendously rewarding. It is a challenging academic curriculum that allows much more hands-on experience working with scientific equipment than most medical support degree programs. Completing the program will enable me to work across a wide range of clinical specialties in an area of medicine that will always be in very high demand in the job market after graduation.
You’re 74% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 1 section.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.