Radiology professionals analyze and create medical images
The medical field of radiology has four main subspecialties: diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. Each field employs specialists, such as physicians, radiologists, nurses, pharmacists and technologists; each trained to perform necessary tasks. To succeed in their career, all of the radiology professionals must complete minimum educational and training requirements to develop their skills, in addition to acquiring and maintaining required credentials when applicable.
Medical Knowledge
According to the Radiological Society of North America, radiology involves using numerous imaging techniques to help diagnose and treat both diseases and injuries. The imaging methods employed include computed tomography or CT scans, fusion imaging, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, positron emission tomography or PET, radiographs, ultrasound and x-rays. Operating the related equipment and interpreting the produced images requires sufficient medical and procedural knowledge. Although radiologic nurses need only general nursing training from an accredited school, physicians, assistants, technologists and other radiology specialists develop proficiency in numerous imaging techniques through extensive coursework. Subjects include imaging principles, radiation physics, radiation safety and radiobiology, as well as standard medical and science courses, such as anatomy, chemistry, medical ethics, pathology, physiology and physics.
Practical Competence
Radiology professionals must have effective communication skills because they spend significant time interacting with patients while taking images of their bodies and providing guidance and treatment for diagnosed medical problems. The equipment used to create the images is highly advanced and requires manual dexterity, mechanical ability and direct experience performing procedures. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, physicians who specialize in radiology gain competence working with patients and imaging equipment while completing an internship and residency, which may last up to eight years. Other radiology professionals, such as radiation therapists and radiologic technicians, acquire practical experience during formal academic programs with clinical components and/or on-the-job training provided after they obtain their position.
Radiation Safety
The equipment used in radiology takes images with different methods. For instance, ultrasound relies on sound waves as a medium and MRIs are based on the body's magnetism. Other techniques, such as CT scans and radiographs, employ x-rays, which incorporate radiation and, therefore, expose people to the associated risks. Consequently, all radiology professionals must have proficiency protecting patients and themselves from radiation hazards. Certified and licensed radiology professionals have to demonstrate mastery of radiation safety procedures as part of the credential process, while nurses and other radiology department employees without professional credentials learn safety protocols on the job. The procedures include maintaining equipment properly, measuring doses of radiation medication accurately, positioning patients correctly before operating equipment and verifying pregnancy to make sound decisions about the safest imaging technique to use.
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