Radiology is the use of radiation for different types of imaging which include x-rays Imaging simply means creating an image of the inner body of a dense object, such as part of the human body (arm, leg, chest, foot, etc.), with the use of radiant energy. Radiology is also known as radioscopy or Clinical Radiology, the latter due to the many uses of imaging techniques for diagnosis as well as treatment of injury or disease. Imaging includes X-rays, radiant dye, ultrasound, CT scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A radiology technician is an allied health professional who uses X-ray machines to generate images of patients that can be used in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Training at a technical school is required. Technician programs can last around 18 months, while technologists may need to attend a four-year program The technician works under the supervision of doctors who provide very detailed directions about the images they need. In addition to taking X-rays, a radiology technician may also keep records. Technicians can be responsible for maintaining the X-ray facility, supervising use of the X-ray machine, and monitoring personnel for X-ray exposure.

A Radiology nurse provides care for patients in radiology departments of a hospital or in another medical setting. Give medications, assists in examination, helps develop a patient care plan, collects data, does record keeping, checks intravenous fluids (IVs), helps in sedating patients, and monitors patients' vital signs. Often works with medical equipment used to make diagnoses. Is typically trained to help provide nursing care within the following specialties: ultrasound, nuclear medicine, angiography, sonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MRI), and fluoroscopy. Must be able to analyze and make quick but accurate decisions.

The radiologist performs many procedures as part of the interventional radiology doctrine. Examples include stopping a bleed by blocking the vessel that is bleeding, extracting urinary stones and unclogging the urinary system, and treating aneurysms in the brain. The radiologist also plays a major role in the diagnosis and follow up of various cancers. For example, radiologists use chest xrays and chest CTs to check for presence or progression of lung cancer. A radiologist also performs routine mammograms on women to check if there is development of cancer

· 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

Physical therapist assistants work in clean, pleasant places. Their patients may sometimes be depressed by their disabilities which can be hard on workers. Assistants can help patients by being cheerful and encouraging. Assistants should also be healthy and able to work well with their hands. Most assistants work forty hours per week, but some work part time. Radiologists are mostly employed full-time and work five days a week. Hours are usually 40 to 50 hours per week. This number will depends on experience and where the location is. Radiologists who work in hospitals may need to work evenings and weekend shifts in order to meet the needs of patients and may have to cover other doctors.

Job opportunities for radiologists are available and expected to grow up to 14 percent throughout There will be more employment opportunities in low income and in different areas where medical practitioners are needed the most. “About 633,000 individuals held jobs as physicians in hospitals, clinics and private practices in the United States in 2006.”

Radiologists must receive training from an accredited medical school, pass licensing exams, complete four years of residency and complete a year of internship. The American Board of Radiology, offers two main radiology specialties, diagnostic radiology and oncology. Radiologists work with physicians to determine an illness and recommend a treatment with a primary doctor. Radiologists perform many of the same duties as general practitioners: Obtain medical histories Examine patients Diagnose illnesses Administer and prescribe treatment

“ A cardiovascular radiologist diagnoses diseases of the blood system, such as the heart, veins, and arteries. Cardiovascular radiologists most often use radiation to diagnose and treat patients with heart disease. Cardiovascular radiology often picks up problems in the blood system before symptoms even begin.” “A chest radiologist examines the body for illnesses in the chest and thorax area. They also examine the area for heart and lung disease. Chest radiology studies all of the bones and hard tissue, and identifies any abnormalities that would not be discovered without x-ray.” “A breast radiologist focuses on breast health. Breast radiology is used as both a preventative method and a diagnostic method for breast cancer.” “A gastrointestinal radiologist focuses mainly on the stomach area. This specialty checks for gastrointestinal health, and also is used to diagnose abnormalities in the gastrointestinal track and stomach.”

Average Radiologist Salary:$398,571 Average Radiologist Salary- Male:$407,695 Average Radiologist Salary- Female:$346,188 Average Radiologist Salary- less than 5 years of experience:$332,400 Average Radiologist Salary- 6 to 10 years of experience:$412,632 Average Radiologist Salary- After 10 years of experience: $400,017

Associate's Degree Programs in Radiologic Technology: During the decade from , job growth for radiologic technologists is expected to increase at a faster than average rate Bachelor's Degree Programs in Radiation Therapy: There have been predictions for job growth of 24% during the period from Much of this job growth is due to the increase in use of radiation therapy for cancer and other medical treatment. Mean salaries were $75,450 annually Doctoral Degree Programs in Radiology: According to the BLS, employment for all physicians is expected to grow at a rate of 21.8%.With a growing elderly population providing an increased demand for radiology treatments. Median annual wages for radiologists were $166,400 as of 2008.

All radiation therapists need good communication skills because their work involves a great deal of interaction with patients. Individuals interested in becoming radiation therapists should be psychologically capable of working with cancer patients. They should be caring and empathetic because they work with patients who are ill and under stress. They should be able to keep accurate, detailed records. They also should be physically fit because they work on their feet for long periods and lift patients if they need help or cannot move themselves

Radiology can be hard work and needs dedication and hard work. A radiologist can save lives and identify cancer in the early stages and could help save a life. This job is interesting and takes a lot of hard work. There are so many different types of radiology, which makes it a very interesting career. I cant wait to go to college and begin my future career as a Radiologist

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