Details Report for:
29-1069.10 - Radiologists
Examine and diagnose disorders and diseases using x-rays and radioactive materials. May treat patients.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- 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.
- Perform interventional procedures such as image-guided biopsy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, transhepatic biliary drainage, and nephrostomy catheter placement.
- Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
- Coordinate radiological services with other medical activities.
- Provide counseling to radiologic patients to explain the processes, risks, benefits, or alternative treatments.
- Develop or monitor procedures to ensure adequate quality control of images.
- Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.
- Evaluate medical information to determine patients' risk factors, such as allergies to contrast agents, or to make decisions regarding the appropriateness of procedures.
- Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses.
- Instruct radiologic staff in desired techniques, positions, or projections.
- Conduct physical examinations to inform decisions about appropriate procedures.
- Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.
- Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
- Recognize or treat complications during and after procedures, including blood pressure problems, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.
- Interpret images using computer-aided detection or diagnosis systems.
- Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.
- Administer or maintain conscious sedation during and after procedures.
- Administer radiopaque substances by injection, orally, or as enemas to render internal structures and organs visible on x-ray films or fluoroscopic screens.
- Establish or enforce standards for protection of patients or personnel.
- Develop treatment plans for radiology patients.
- Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and develop expertise.
- Schedule examinations and assign radiologic personnel.
- Supervise and teach residents or medical students.
- Participate in quality improvement activities including discussions of areas where risk of error is high.
- Participate in research projects involving radiology.
- Provide advice on types or quantities of radiology equipment needed to maintain facilities.
- Serve as an offsite teleradiologist for facilities that do not have on-site radiologists.
- Treat malignant internal or external growths by exposure to radiation from radiographs (x-rays), high energy sources, or natural or synthetic radioisotopes.
- Implement protocols in areas such as drugs, resuscitation, emergencies, power failures, and infection control.
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
95   |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 83 |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 61 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
| 33 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 11 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 0 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 78 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 72 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 72 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 72 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 67 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
| 67 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Employment data collected from Physicians and Surgeons.
Industry data collected from Physicians and Surgeons.
| Employment (2008) | 661,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Much faster than average (20% or higher)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 260,500 |
| Top industries (2008) | Health Care and Social Assistance (78% employed in this sector)
Self-Employed (12%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Physicians and surgeons
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.