Radiologists

What the job really is

Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasounds. May perform minimally invasive medical procedures and tests.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1224
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
• Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.
• Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.
• Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
• Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.
• Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.
• Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses.
• Recognize or treat complications during and after procedures, including blood pressure problems, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.
• Develop or monitor procedures to ensure adequate quality control of images.
• Provide counseling to radiologic patients to explain the processes, risks, benefits, or alternative treatments.
• Establish or enforce standards for protection of patients or personnel.
• Coordinate radiological services with other medical activities.

Tools and technology

Epic Systems, MEDITECH software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, eClinicalWorks EHR software, ACOM Solutions RAPID EMR, Advanced Data Systems MedicsRis, Allscripts PM, Allscripts Professional EHR, Alteer Office, Automated blood pressure cuffs, Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cardiologists
• Pediatric Surgeons
• Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
• Physicians, Pathologists
• Radiation Therapists
• General Internal Medicine Physicians
• Emergency Medicine Physicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Radiologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.