Radiologist

Radiologist

Career Description: A radiologist is a doctor who obtains and inteprets data gathered from complex imaging devices such as X-rays, MRI's, CT scans, ultrasounds, and many more machines. A radiologist can read these images, diagnose problems, and help guide surgical procedures while monitering progress of a condition. These doctors also record and document the results based on their patients.

Skills Needed: The skills needed to be a good radiologist are an interest in the medical field, manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, good memory, responsibility, self-confidence, decisiveness, and the ability to work with a team.

Education/Certification/Requirements: A medical degree plus a one year internship, a four year residency in radiology, and a one year fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology minimum.

Salary Information: ( According to vocbiosonline.com ) About $80 an hour, $166,400 a year. This all depending on location, education, and experience.

Job Outlook: Very bright, hospitals need individuals who can operate these machines and interpret them. Although radiologists are on-call often and have to return to the hospital in the event of a crisis. This could lead to very long hours. Also, constant stress based on difficult patients and threats of malpractice can overwelm some. But the pay and prestigue should make it worth it.

Related Careers: X-ray Technician, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, and Neuroradiology.