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.
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