Is Radiology the Right Career For You?
Radiologists are critical thinkers with vast knowledge of both medicine and complex radiology machinery. Before you choose to pursue this career, answer these questions to see if you possess the attributes shared by most successful radiologists.
| Do you like science? | Yes or No |
| Are you comfortable working collaboratively? | Yes or No |
| Are you in good physical health? | Yes or No |
| Do you enjoy finding solutions to problems? | Yes or No |
| Are you detail oriented? | Yes or No |
| Do you have strong communication skills? | Yes or No |
| Are you dedicated to education? | Yes or No |
| Do you enjoy working independently? | Yes or No |
| Are you interested in various medical specializations? | Yes or No |
| Do you have interpersonal skills? | Yes or No |
Why You Need to Consider These Questions
Do you like science?
Like most medical professionals, radiologists need extensive knowledge of advanced sciences, including physics, chemistry and anatomy.
Are you comfortable working collaboratively?
Although radiologists mainly work independently, their work also requires them to sometimes collaborate with other doctors to diagnose and develop treatments for patients.
Are you in good physical health?
Radiologists need to be in good health and strong enough to lift and position patients and equipment.
Do you enjoy finding solutions to problems?
Radiology is, essentially, the practice of analyzing tests, identifying medical problems, and developing proper treatment solutions.
Are you detail oriented?
Because the health of a patient relies upon a radiologist's accuracy, attention to detail is a requirement for those in this field. Radiologists need to carefully scrutinize images for indicators of illnesses and be meticulous in properly mixing x-ray chemicals.
Do you have strong communication skills?
Radiologists need the ability to communicate verbally and in writing to complete tasks such as providing instructions to technicians and maintaining patient records.
Are you dedicated to education?
To become a radiologist, your entire post-secondary education will typically take 13 years to complete. This includes undergraduate studies, medical school, and a post-medical school internship and residency.
Do you enjoy working independently?
Radiologists spend a great deal of time alone, analyzing images and diagnosing patients. To pursue this career, you should be self-motivated and comfortable with working on your own.
Are you interested in various medical specializations?
Doctors from many specializations, ranging from oncology to cardiology, refer patients to radiology for tests. A radiologist, therefore, needs the broad medical knowledge to properly administer tests and diagnose many different conditions.
Do you have interpersonal skills?
While radiologists don't spend a great deal of time with patients, when they do, their patients may be worried about the tests they are taking. The ability to quickly connect with others and put them at ease is helpful for professionals in this field.
What Are Your Next Steps?
Did you answer most of these questions affirmatively? If so, radiology may be the right career for you! Along with a bachelor's degree, you will typically need to take the MCAT in order to apply to medical schools. After completing all your educational requirements, you will need to be licensed by your state before practicing as a radiologist. In 2015, the median income for professionals in this field was $286,902.
