This area is concerned about radiology jobs, qualifications and specializations.
What is Radiology
Radiology, also called Radiologic Technology is a professional position in the field of healthcare. It is a branch of medicine that deals with radiation through diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The people who work with deal with these applications are called Radiologists, they apply their knowledge in the field of science and medicine with the use of advanced technology and latest medical imaging techniques to create medical images that assist doctors diagnose and treat injuries.
An example of job opportunities in radiology is in the form of the Radiologist technologist, they use the science of radiography in creating the shadow images commonly known as x-rays. The action of Ionization radiation produces the images on a photographic emulsion with the image being the result with differential attenuation of the radiation. Before discovery of the x-ray, the only way to see inside a human body was through surgery. However radiation today is used is producing internal images of the human body as well as in treatment of various diseases.
Typically, the word “radiology” is associated with radiation, which is most commonly used for diagnosis, although it can also be used therapeutically as treatment. The most common career in radiology is that of a technologist, the person that generates pieces of film (x-rays), which are then analyzed by trained doctors, known as Radiologists.
Areas in Radiology
In Radiology “diagnostic radiology” is concerned with diagnosis using radiology and “radiation therapy” concerning treatment of diseases including cancer. Beneath are some of the various areas radiologists focus on in diagnostic radiology and radiation therapy:
Diagnostic Radiology
Some of these areas include:
Radiology in breast imaging involves the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases and conditions.
Radiology Interventional uses fluoroscopy, CT, and ultrasound can be used for procedures including inserting catheters, biopsies as well as draining fluid.
Radiology in performing MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses nuclear magnetic resonance technology by using radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays for clearer and detailed pictures of tissues and organs.
Radiology with Nuclear Medicine includes the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of radionuclides.
Radiology (Genitourinary) including the reproductive organs and urinary tracts.
Other areas include:
Radiology for Musculoskeletal system
Radiology in Cardiovascular system
Radiology in Computed Tomography (CT).
Radiology for Gastrointestinal
Neuroradiology
Pediatric Radiology
Radiobiology
Radiation Therapy
Radiation oncologists are doctors who oversee the care of cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment including identifying and treat any possible side effects of the radiation therapy.
Dosemetrists have expertise to measure and generate radiation dose distributions and calculations.
The radiation oncology team consists of the radiation oncologist, dosemetrist as well as others including
Radiation Physicist
Radiation Nurse
Qualifications in Radiology
Students studying Radiology and interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry are required to meet specific criteria as standards and regulations vary country to country, however people find studying this field find they have many career opportunities not just limited to the field radiology but to the scientific field in general.
While studying their course students will be given a chance to learn through a hands-on approach about x-ray procedures, ways to operate various types of radiography equipment, and radiation safety. Some of the subjects studied in university include:
Biology
Biomedical Instrumentation
Calculus
Chemistry
Clinical Studies (several)
Digital Imaging
Human Anatomy
Introduction to Radiologic Technology
Physics
Physiology
Probability and Statistics
Radiologic Pathophysiology
Once the appropriate degree(s) have been earned, the doors of opportunity will begin to open. With an overall shortness of healthcare professionals, a career in Radiology will allow you to pave your way to many outstanding opportunities. Since Radiology is a segment of the healthcare industry, career positions would typically be in hospitals or doctor offices, although they might also include the military.
In addition to the services provided to patients, many radiologists will also get involved with research, especially in areas such as cancer. Individuals choosing healthcare generally work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals, as well as attend workshops and conferences, develop treatment plans for patients, and learn how to operate new equipment.
Radiology jobs opportunities
Radiography and radiology services and opportunities are offered in various environments including:
Hospitals
health care facilities
mobile imaging companies
industrial plants
research centers
government agencies
Universities
Organizations in Radiology
There are many organizations that are involved in the field of radiology some of these include:
RSNA (Radiological Society of North America)http://www.rsna.org/REG/learnres/medstudent/
ABR (American Board of Radiology) - http://www.theabr.org/
ACR (American College of Radiology) - http://www.acr.org/
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