Radiologists use X-rays and other diagnostic images to assist physicians.
Careers in radiology can be very rewarding. Radiologists perform an important service for physicians by providing them with diagnostic images that they can use to diagnose and treat disease. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, the number of jobs in the field should increase at a faster-than-average rate through 2018. As the nation's second-most-populous state, Texas offers significant opportunity for careers in health care.
Interventional Radiologic Nurse Practitioner
Interventional radiologic nurse practitioners work alongside physicians who perform interventional procedures to eliminate disease. Interventional radiology uses procedures that are considered "minimally invasive." The role of this kind of nurse is to work with patients throughout the surgical process, preparing them for surgery, assisting the surgeon during surgery and providing post-surgical care. A perusal of several of the Internet job boards reveals that radiology nurses in Texas work in a variety of settings, both urban and rural. Major metropolitan areas, like Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, offer the most opportunities. A bachelor's degree in nursing can lead to employment in the field, but a master's degree with a specialization in radiologic nursing is an even better credential for a job. As of August 2010, the estimated median annual salary for Texas radiology nurses was $52,000, according to iHireRadiology.com.
Radiographer
Radiographers or radiologic technicians help physicians to diagnose disease or injuries by producing X-ray images. They must be able to explain procedures to patients so that they understand the process; radiographers also must be able to properly position patients to obtain the best image possible.
A quick search of the Internet job boards reveals that there are numerous opportunities for radiographers in the major Texas cities. Positions are available at hospitals like St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, or at independent surgical centers like those operated by United Surgical Partners in Arlington.
Radiographers usually are trained in community college programs or in hospital programs. Graduates receive either an associate's degree or a certificate, depending upon where the training takes place. Many Texas employers prefer one to two years of experience, so it may be good to pursue an internship program. According to salary.com, radiographers in the Houston area made between $41,365 and $58,119 as an average salary (as of August 2010).
Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technologists are similar to radiographers, except they perform more complex procedures than radiographers do. Some of these procedures may include fluoroscopies, which allow the technologist and physician to observe the soft tissues of the body by having the patient drink a medicine that has low levels of radiation that illumine the tissues. Other technologists may use computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to create three-dimensional images by taking cross-sectional pictures of various parts of the body. Radiologic technologists work in many of the same Texas venues as radiographers. Job board postings reveal that facilities like W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic in Dallas and St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital employ both radiographers and radiologic technologists. Indeed.com notes that the average salary for radiologic technologists in Texas was $59,000 as of August 2010.
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