Radiology is a great career prospect for people looking to enter the field of healthcare. Educational requirements are variable, with a two-year degree being the most common entry-level requirement. People enter this field because it offers a chance to enter the medical field quickly, offers plentiful opportunities for advancement, and practitioners in radiology can even specialize in which area of radiology best suits their preferences. If you have always had a heart for helping others and have a deep fascination with the sciences, the field of radiology might be something worth looking into.
Common Career Options
There are several ways to enter this exciting field. From two-year degrees to advanced educational opportunities available for radiologists, whichever path you choose to take, you will find enjoyment in being a member of an interdisciplinary team where what you do matters.
Radiology Technologists
-Can enter the field with either an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree.
-Advancement opportunities to CT tech, MRI tech.
-The median annual salary is $60,510.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
-Can enter the field with an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree.
-Median annual salary is $57,710.
MRI Technologist
– Must have an Associate’s degree in radiology.
– Offers three-month to one-year diploma programs for advancement to MRI.
– Median annual salary is $74,410.
Nuclear Medical Technologist
– Must have an Associates or Bachelor’s degree.
– Median annual salary of $77,950.
Radiologist
– Must earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
– Average median salary of $416,000.
Here are some reasons why it makes sense to pursue a career field in radiology.
Job Opportunities
Imaging services are an essential part of the healthcare field as a whole. Doctors rely on radiology professionals to assist them with diagnosing diseases that are hidden deep in the body as well as to confirm and locate broken bones. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists will experience a 9% growth from 2018 to 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare field.
Career Advancement
There are a ton of chances to advance in radiology. Radiology technologists can advance into further careers in the radiology field, such as CT technology, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Additionally, other disciplines may advance into management positions or continue their education and become a radiologist.
Flexibility
Because medicine never sleeps, the availability in schedules can be quite flexible. Hours available can be a morning shift, afternoon shift, or overnights. Additionally, radiology departments are open 24/7, so those wanting to work weekends only have the option to do so.
Salaries
As covered above, the salaries in this field can be amazingly high. The educational requirements for entry-level positions are not bad, with some requiring only an Associate’s degree for qualification. Joining this field, you will expect to make anywhere from $50,000 to over $400,000 annually.
Ongoing Education
Each day you work in the radiology field brings a whole new adventure. No two days are alike. Additionally, you will have to keep up with any further changes in technology for the imaging field through yearly continuing education credits. This is great for those of us who love learning and don’t want to remain stagnant.
Helping People
This is probably the biggest reason that people decide to pursue a career in radiology. To be able to help people diagnose and catch cancer before it has spread throughout their body, or being able to look into the body and see what kind of a fracture a kid has after falling has got to be one the most amazing things. Yes, you may deliver some bad news to your patients, but with this bad news comes the ability to educate your patients and let them know what their diagnosis is or when they can expect their broken bones to heal.
Radiology is an exciting career field that offers people a chance to connect with others and help them while earning a decent salary and being a member of a respected profession in the healthcare field.