Exploring Exciting Careers in Radiology and Imaging

If you are interested in a career in the medical field, one exciting career choice to consider is a career in radiology and imaging. There are a variety of different careers in these fields to choose from and exciting benefits that come along with these jobs as well. Of course if you are wanting to get involved in radiology and imaging as a career, then no doubt you will want to learn as much as possible about the field, the education you'll need, the various job positions available, the pay, and even some great companies to consider working for. So, the following is some helpful information that will help you explore the exciting careers in the radiology and imaging field.

Education Needed

The education that you will need to start a career in radiology and imaging will depend, based upon the specific job you are going for. There are radiology technicians, radiology technologists, and even radiologists. Each one has different specifications for training. Usually most professions in this field will require between 1-4 years of training, although to be an actual radiologist, you have to go through at least 8 years of training and must be certified as a MD. There are some one year certificate programs, quite a few two year associate degree programs, and there are also bachelor's degree programs as well. Also, for those who want to teach or supervise in this field, usually a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, with preference for a master's degree in some area of the field.

Job Positions within the Field

There are a variety of excellent job positions within the radiology and imaging field. There are jobs to be found in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and in special radiology labs. You may find yourself taking x-rays, administering special medications for the procedure, and instructing patients in what they need to do to prepare themselves for the x-ray. Some radiographers may also work with CT scanners as well or even MRI machines. Flouroscopies and ultra sounds are also done by people in the radiology and imaging field, so you may find yourself working in this area as well. If you decide to become an actual radiologist, then you will be the one who is actually reading the results of the tests and making diagnoses from them.

What to Expect for Pay

So, more than likely you are also wondering what you can expect to earn when you are working in this field. Well, on the low side, you could earn as little as $30,000 a year; however, most technicians and technologists in this field earn more than $40,000 dollars a year. The highest paid technicians usually work in the diagnostic laboratories, while the lower paid ones usually work in doctors' offices. However, those who become radiologists will earn more money since they have more schooling and they actually read the results of these tests. Most radiologists will definitely earn more than $100,000 a year, and even more as they develop more experience in the field.

Great Companies to Consider

It is also important that you know and understand what types of companies to consider if you pursue a career in radiology and imaging. There are many great doctors' offices, radiology laboratories, and hospitals that are going to want to hire you, but where are some of the best places for you to work? Well, there are a variety of excellent companies to consider working for in both the United States and Canada; wherever you prefer. A few great companies that you may want to consider in the United States include Hahnemann University Hospital, located in Philadelphia, PA, Georgetown University Hospital, in Washington, DC, and Brockton Hospital, in Brockton, MA. All of these opportunities come with great benefits and some even come with a sign-on bonus as well. If you are looking for jobs in the radiology and imaging field in Canada, then a few companies to consider include Prairie North Regional health Authority in Saskatchewan, Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Ontario, and Fraser Health Authority in British Columbia.