Radiologist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Radiologist, or Radiographer, is responsible for using specialized medical imaging equipment to determine a patient’s internal injuries or illnesses. Their duties include meeting with patients and talking with them about the types of tests they’ll complete like MRIs or CT scans, operating medical imaging equipment and communicating with Physicians about their findings to determine patient needs.d

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Radiologist duties and responsibilities

Radiologists are specialists who use medical imaging techniques to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. They are responsible for the following day-to-day duties:

  • Reviewing and interpreting medical images to determine patient status and future medical care
  • Determining the exact images required for diagnosis and delivering orders to Radiological Technicians
  • Administering trace amounts of radioactive substances to create and enhance diagnostic images
  • Performing minimally invasive surgical techniques such as embolization, angioplasty and ablation with image guidance 
  • Working with Primary Care Doctors, Nurses and Radiology Technicians to administer treatment and manage pain
  • Monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary
  • Creating a radiation treatment plan for patients with cancer
  • Managing radiation side effects in cancer patients
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Radiologist Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Radiologist Assistant

JOB Decription

Summary/Objective

A radiologist assistant is an advanced-level radiologic technologist who works under the supervision of a radiologist to enhance patient care by assisting the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment. The radiologist assistant is an ARRT-certified radiographer who has successfully completed an advanced academic program. This position performs daily fluoroscopy procedures and approves final reports of studies performed.

Essential Functions
  • Performs fluoroscopy procedures, including, but not limited to: Upper GI, Small Bowel Follow Through, Barium/Gastrografin Enemas, T Tube Cholangiogram, Cystograms, Bariatric procedures.
  • Prepare final reports and reviews films with Radiologist for final approval.
  • Computer and medical equipment proficiency
  • Monitoring next-day workloads to assure procedure assignments.
  • Coordinating with scheduling coordinator to maintain proper flow of procedures.
  • Support Interventional Radiology clinic with patient follow up and chart documentation.
  • Support Interventional Radiology team with creation and maintenance of statistics.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Competencies

    Excellent oral and written communication skills

    Excellent interpersonal skills and work effectively and efficiently with general public and healthcare professionals both in and out of the hospital environment

    Ability to identify and work to solve problems as they arise

    Self-starter who can work independently; however capable and willing to take direction as appropriate

    Maintain a high degree of confidentiality

    Superb organizational skills

    Supervisory Responsibilities

    This position has no supervisory responsibilities, but requires the individual to have strong team collaborative skills.

    Work Environment

    This job operates in a professional medical environment. This role routinely uses standard radiologic equipment.

    Physical Demands

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit and perform repetitive motions. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

    Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

    This position will be scheduled for 40-hour workweeks; however, schedule may vary depending on patient needs*.*

    Travel

    Travel is primarily local during the business day.

    Required Education and Experience

    Bachelor’s Degree as a radiology technologist and 5+ years experience interpreting images. Certification for Radiology Assistant with ARRT, licensure from the Ohio State Medical Board, and Certified Bord of Radiology Practitioner Assistant (CBRPA).

    Preferred Education and Experience

    Master’s Degree as a radiology technologist and 7+ years experience interpreting images, as well as certifications noted above.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $85,000.00 - $106,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Free parking
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid time off
    Medical Specialty:
  • Radiology
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Akron, OH 44304: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • BLS Certification (Preferred)
  • ARRT Certification Location: One location
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    Example 2

    Title: Abdominal Radiologist Assistant

    Upper East Side

    Org Unit: Body Imaging

    Position Summary

    With radiologist supervision, the radiologist assistant will be expected to appropriately review the medical record and perform all services related to gastrointestinal fluoroscopy in the outpatient and inpatient settings including Upper GI/ esophagrams, assessment of pelvic floor, enemas, cytograms, fistulo-/loopo-grams and modified barium swallow exams in conjunction with speech pathology services. In-depth, comprehensive training will be provided to the successful candidate by supervising radiologists in conjunction with our excellent radiologist-assistant (4+ years experience at Cornell). No interventional procedures are performed by our group.

    Job Responsibilities
  • Respond to consultation requests from referring physicians. Perform outreach and arrange for participation in selected clinical services or clinics and inpatient units to assist in real-time delivery of care in multi-disciplinary settings.
  • Collect, organize and summarize clinical data and supporting materials and presents to sub-specialty radiologist. Work closely with radiologist to develop imaging plan. Document and assist in communicating plan to referring physician and to the patient.
  • Schedule and coordinate consultation between patients and radiologists. Assist in scheduling complex imaging cases which require the presence of the Radiologist during exam.
  • Monitors imaging cases which may require direct supervision by Radiologist Assistant to ensure A) optimal imaging outcome; and B) to allow for targeted imaging during the exam.
  • Responsible for arranging with inpatient and clinic care teams Radiology Consultation Service participation in selected clinics, inpatient units, etc. and assists in real-time delivery of care in these settings.
  • Works closely with radiologists and assists in tracking of critical results and imaging follow-up recommendations.

    Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in related field

    Experience

    Some related experience preferred.

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to work efficiently, quickly, and carefully in a busy environment.
  • Professional and friendly manner with patients.
  • Clinical understanding of IRB and manuscript writing.

    Licenses and Certifications
  • Current, active, unrestricted New York State License in Radiographic Technology (RT) and Mammography
  • Current, active and unrestricted New York State License in Radiographic Technology (RT)

    Weill Cornell Medicine is a comprehensive academic medical center that's committed to excellence in patient care, scientific discovery, and the education of future physicians in New York City and around the world. Our doctors and scientists-faculty from Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and the Weill Cornell Physician Organization-are engaged in world-class clinical care and cutting-edge research that connect patients to the latest treatment innovations and prevention strategies. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side's scientific corridor, Weill Cornell Medicine's powerful network of collaborators extends to its parent university Cornell University; to Qatar, where an international campus offers a U.S. medical degree; and to programs in Tanzania, Haiti, Brazil, Austria and Turkey. Our medical practices serve communities throughout New York City, and our faculty provide comprehensive care at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital, and NewYorkPresbyterian/Queens. At Weill Cornell Medicine, we work together to treat each individual, not just their conditions or illnesses, as we strive to deliver the finest possible care for our patients - the center of everything we do. Weill Cornell Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Weill Cornell Medicine provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: From $80,227.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • New York, NY 10065: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • New York State License in Radiographic Technology (Required)

    Work One location
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    What does a Radiologist do?

    Radiologists typically work for hospitals, specialty care clinics and other healthcare facilities to assist other Medical Doctors in diagnosing patient conditions. They work closely with other radiology professionals and Equipment Technicians to complete x-rays in a timely manner. Their job is to calibrate medical imaging equipment, clean surfaces after each appointment, send images and videos to the patient’s Physician and make sure patients feel comfortable before and during x-rays. They may also be responsible for identifying mishaps with equipment and scheduling equipment repairs.

    Radiologist skills and qualifications

    In order to excel on the job and handle the necessary daily responsibilities, Radiologists should have a strong set of skills, including the following:

    • Advanced medical and anatomical skills
    • Knowledge of general surgery practices
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
    • Strong motor skills and manual dexterity
    • Ability to work long and irregular hours
    • Advanced analytical skills and attention to detail
    • Ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations
    • Organizational and time management skills

    Radiologist salary expectations

    The average Radiologist salary in the United States is $227,818 per year. This salary may vary based on a candidate’s years of experience, board certification, completion of specialty fellowships and educational background.

    Radiologist education and training requirements

    Radiologists must have a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine, biology or a related field and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DOM) degree from a four-year medical school. They must pass multiple licensing examinations and complete a residency in radiology to practice medicine in your specific state. Many employers also look for candidates who have taken examinations to become board certified in radiology by the American Board of Medical Specialists. Radiologists who practice radiology subspecialties such as nuclear medicine must also complete fellowships in their chosen subspecialties.

    Radiologist experience requirements

    Radiologists can be hired after earning their license to practice medicine and completing their residency programs. Many employers prefer that candidates have several years of work experience before they are hired, though some believe that the on-the-job experience they gained in their residency is enough. Applicants who have specialized in a certain area of radiology should have extensive training and experience in that subspecialty.

    Job description samples for similar positions

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    Frequently asked questions about Radiologists

     

    What is the difference between a Radiologist and a Sonographer?

    The difference between a Radiologist and a Sonographer is the methods they use to create images and the types of patients they see. For example, Radiologists use equipment and other technology that permeates electromagnetic radiation. The radiation helps reflect internal bodily structures that allow Radiologists to create medical images. In contrast, Sonographers use equipment that produces sound waves at high frequencies. The sound waves bounce off of internal structures, creating images without the need for radiation. 

    Both Radiologists and Sonographers can help diagnose or check on the progress of cancerous activities, fractures or other illnesses. However, Radiologists are more likely to examine head conditions and Sonographers are more likely to conduct ultrasounds for pregnant women.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Radiologist?

    On a typical day, a Radiologist starts by reviewing their appointment schedule. They turn on x-ray equipment and review Physician reports to learn more about each patient and their needs. Throughout the day, they greet patients and speak with them about what to expect during the x-ray. Radiologists conduct MRIs, CT scans and other procedures to produce a variety of images for further analysis. 

    After each appointment, Radiologists review images and write reports to highlight their recommended diagnoses. They then send these reports to the patient’s Physician and make themselves available to speak with them about the images in more detail.

     

    What qualities make a good Radiologist?

    A good Radiologist has a personable nature and empathy for others, allowing them to help patients feel relaxed and well cared for when getting x-rayed for unknown conditions. They value continued education and practice using equipment or new x-ray technologies to enhance their professional capabilities. Further, a good Radiologist has excellent attention to detail. This quality helps them identify hairline fractures, tumors, blood cots, concussions and other conditions that could harm a patient if left unnoticed. 

    A good Radiologist also has excellent written and verbal communication, enabling them to write comprehensive reports and engage in frequent communications with Physicians and other medical personnel.

     

    Who does a Radiologist report to?

    A Radiologist usually reports to one or more Physicians at their workplace. This is because they have to provide them with a written report and x-ray images to help them make decisions about their patients’ health. Physicians typically request a Radiologist to perform an x-ray or ultrasound for their patient. Radiologists can also report to the Chief Radiologist, or Senior Radiologist, to get their opinion on a patient’s x-ray results.

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