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Blog Summary
The reason why many doctors with an MBBS qualification want to become radiologists is that it puts the power in their hands. Their diagnosis is final. They are the actual doctors who can see them happening in the human body at the closest possible. Their observation is critical and it requires a sharp mind to become a successful radiologist. One of the greatest advantages of the radiology profession is it gives professionals the much-required opportunity to interact with almost all other known medical specialist professionals. Another reason to pursue a radiologist’s profession is the extensive opportunities that are open to professionals with a radiology specialisation qualification. Once you have passed a PG course or you have obtained a fellowship in radiology recognised internationally, you can apply for a job in India or abroad. If you want to become an entrepreneur and start a diagnostic centre, you can do that too. There is a vast demand and you will find a lot of patients thronging your place. Corporate hospitals in the private sector and government hospitals are also major venues that can provide well-paying jobs. There are also specialist radiographers too and you can specialise for getting better financial rewards. Working as a radiologist in your diagnostic centre can be very satisfying and you will find it easier to follow a lifestyle of your liking.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for the effective treatment of diseases. In this respect, a medical discipline that is growing in stature is radiology. In an era of tremendous medical advancements, this technology-driven field is much sought after by medical aspirants. Suppose you are a medical professional with your sights set on radiology. Why radiology as a career? This article will walk you through a promising career with enormous growth prospects and several areas of specialization.
Radiology-Career Description
Radiologists are medical doctors who assist in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases using medical imaging procedures and tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound.
Radiologists receive training to employ CT imaging and X-rays to determine the nature of the disease. Also called radiographers, these specialists use sound waves, X-rays, and other imaging procedures to develop images of internal tissues, bones, and organs. They operate with advanced medical equipment to capture images and diagnose illnesses. However, some focus on specialized areas like mammography or MRI.
A Good Career Choice
Here are some top reasons why becoming a radiologist will open avenues for building an exciting and rewarding career.
A two-year degree program is all that you need.
Instead of a 4-year course, a 2-year associate degree is the most common way to qualify to become a licensed radiology technician. The two-year degree or fellowship in radiology has many specialization options, including pathology, patient care, anatomy, image assessment, and radiation physics. A necessary specialization that is related to radiology is a medical imaging technique, MRI. MRI specialists often began their careers as radiology technicians before specializing.
The education program combines clinical and classroom training, enabling students to fulfill academic needs and gain experience. You can have a lucrative career without spending thousands of dollars or acquiring a considerable student loan, or spending 8 years to achieve a goal.
Handsome Pay
The pay for radiology technicians is higher than the average. In 2020, median pay stood at $63,710 per annum for radiologists and $74,690 for MRI technologists. It is much higher than the national average, and with additional courses, you can quickly increase your base salary.
If you are keen to specialize in medical dosimetry, you can earn up to $110,523. Even if you are looking to work as an assistant radiologist, still the pay wage is generous.
Job Growth and Security
Another pivotal point to consider is the job growth in radiology. As the world currently needs more medical assistants amidst this pandemic, the demand for radiology technicians is soaring. The employment rate for radiology technicians is estimated to increase by 21% by 2022. It translates into more than 50,000 job openings. This field looks promising for future radiologists as the demand is higher than the supply.
Easy to Find a Job
The job outlook for radiologists is optimistic, and strengthening your skills in this field will boost your profile in various places. Medical facilities have had trouble filling new posts since the coronavirus outbreak. With the demand for radiology specialists rising, hospitals are wasting no time recruiting staff.
Option to Move to Other Medical Fields
Although radiology career options are pretty promising, moving onto different specializations is also a way to grow. Many specialization courses help you don various roles as nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, and CV technicians. These careers involve operating multiple imaging equipment that helps in the accurate diagnosis of ailments.
Development in Imaging Technology
With new technologies, radiology has advanced a lot in the past years — improved scanning apparatus, and purpose-specified tools like Brachytherapy. Radiology has become a specialty space where patients receive a myriad of prognoses and diagnoses. The scientific and research community widely recognizes this medical domain. New-age medicines have also become reliant on modern imaging technologies to offer an adequate representation of diseases.
Radiology plays an essential role in diagnosing complex illnesses like cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This medical domain is redefining research and medicine, paving the way for efficient and personalized treatment of patients. Thus, choosing a radiology career path would position you in the hot seat, operating and utilizing such groundbreaking advanced equipment to help patients effectively.
High Demand and Workload
Radiologists are sought-after specialists nowadays. Their intervention is needed to diagnose every type of ailment. As mentioned earlier, radiologists can employ a wide range of radiological procedures like magnetic resonance imaging, X-rays, CT scan, and ultrasound to get insights into a patient’s current health. So, radiologists are in high demand and have their hands full.
Some radiologists also offer their services through online health applications and receive reasonable pay for their work. It is crucial to note that the radiologist’s career description has proclaimed a higher demand but is understaffed in recent times.
Work with Specialists
As a radiologist, your realm extends over human anatomy and its functioning. Their assistance is vital for other specialists and makes a significant impact on the medical domain. Plus, radiologists also collaborate with interventionists offering diagnostic images and assisting general physicians in determining the best treatment for patients.
Radiology Technologist and Benefits
Free of the ‘9 to 5’ work schedule
Some people love their corporate work schedule, while others don’t like to spend their entire day inside a cubicle. You can set yourself free from the rigid corporate work schedule and joining the medical field as a radiology technician. Working in the medical industry offers various benefits like trading button-up shirts with comfortable scrubs during working hours, no constant office rivalry to get a promotion, and more. Plus, medical facilities are open 24/7 and throughout holidays and weekends, so working out a flexible schedule of your preference is possible.
Chance to Help People
Do you wish to give back to society? The medical field is one of the best choices. As a radiologist, you will deal with patients who need your guidance and encouragement to deal with their illness in the right way. Patients will rely on your suggestion for further treatment and will take your advice seriously.
A Profession for Introverts
Radiologists help doctors with arriving at the proper diagnosis and determine suitable treatment or intervention. A career in radiology will suit introverts who wish to stay away from intense interaction with patients and their loved ones, yet can provide reassurance to patients in their ‘quiet ways’ and contribute to achieving high-quality medical care and management of patients.
Conclusion
Radiology as a career in India is an excellent choice. If you wish to give back to humanity, one of the better ways is to become an accomplished radiologist. Regardless of where radiologists work, their prime responsibility is to care for patients. Radiology, therefore, is undoubtedly one of the most happening professions to be in.
So, a degree in radiology opens up several career opportunities that ensure financial freedom while still enjoying an exciting and humane role that involves life-saving.
