Radiologic Sciences
Radiologist
Radiologists are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging, radiology, procedures, exams and tests, such as X-rays, computed tomography, CT, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography, PET, and ultrasound.
Radiologists complete at least 13 years of training, including medical school, a four-year residency, and most often, an additional one- or two-year fellowship of very specialized training, such as radiation oncology, pediatric radiology, or interventional radiology. They are certified by the American Board of Radiology, and they have exacting requirements for continuing medical education throughout their practicing years.
American College of RadiologyDiagnostic Medical Physicist
A diagnostic medical physicist is a qualified medical physicist who works with radiologists and other physicians on image modalities such as CT, computed tomography, x-rays, radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound and MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.
As an integral part of the imaging team, the diagnostic medical physicist develops and directs quality control programs that ensure imaging equipment and procedures are safe, comply with various regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, and provide images of the highest quality. Diagnostic medical physicists perform radiation dose calculations and often consult on patient or personnel radiation dose and associated risks. They also act as a resource for physicians and technologists, helping them better understand the technical aspects of imaging methods so that they can use them most effectively.
Radiology InformationRadiologist Assistants
Radiologist assistants are experienced, registered radiographers who have obtained additional education and certification that qualifies them to serve as radiology extenders. They work under the supervision of a radiologist to provide patient care in the diagnostic imaging environment. Specifically, an RA takes a leading role in patient management and assessment. In addition, an RA performs selected radiology examinations and procedures under the supervision of a radiologist. The RA also may be responsible for evaluating image quality, making initial image observations and forwarding those observations to the supervising radiologist.
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations and perform radiation therapy treatments. Radiologic technologists who perform medical imaging examinations work closely with radiologists and are responsible for accurately positioning patients and ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced. Radiologic technologists work directly with patients and are responsible for explaining procedures, positioning patients on the examining table and adjusting immobilization devices to obtain optimum views of specific body areas. The technologist moves the imaging equipment into position and adjusts equipment controls based on his or her knowledge of the procedure.
Radiologic Nurse
The larger medical centers may employ a radiologic nurse who provides for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the radiology department patient undergoing tests or treatment. The radiologic nurse usually develops and manages a care plan to help patients understand and, later, recuperate from the procedures. This may also include working with a patient’s family.