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How does a medical job affect your lifestyle?
I am wondering in what way radiology may affect my personal life.
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2 answers
margaret mchenney
Research Scientist, molecular biology; veterinary technology
14
Answers
Placitas, New Mexico
Updated
margaret’s Answer
Hi Maddy,
Here are some of the pros and cons of radiology careers. Some of these impact lifestyle.
Pros and cons of radiology career:
1. Training requirements can be attained in one to two years, and consequently a shorter education requirement allows one to develop skills and enter the job market sooner.
2. Advancement opportunities can be gained through higher education (associate or bachelor of science degree) or experience. Could lead to a management position, or other high level careers in healthcare and medicine.
3. Competitive Salary: Average of 70,105/year.
4. Competitive Benefits Package may be offered by employer (dental insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, health savings account
life insurance, paid time off, referral programs, tuition reimbursement, vision insurance, 401(k) and matching 401(k), 403(b)).
5. Industry growth: 6% increase from 2021 to 2031. This is faster than the average of all occupations in this period compared to other industries.
6. Options for specialization (bone densitometry technician, cardiac catheterization technician, computed tomography (CT) technician, fluoroscopy technician, MRI technician, mammography technician, nuclear medical technician, sonography technician, ultrasound technician, x-ray technician).
7. Options for settings: Breast Imaging Centers, Emergency Clinics, Forensic Labs, Government Facilities, Hospital Imaging Clinics, Military Bases, Mobile Imaging Clinics, Outpatient Radiology Centers, Primary Care Clinics, Radiography Education Facilities, Radiology and Equipment Sales Offices, Urgent Care Clinics, Veterinary Practices
8. Choice of locations: Large city, or suburban, or mobile facility
9. Interesting job responsibilities: Explaining procedures to patients, placing patients in the correct position for testing, operating testing equipment, recording and maintaining test results and patient files, collaborating with radiologists to share and interpret test results, ensuring patient and other staff follow all safety procedures.
10. Freedom from a routine: A radiology technicians schedule may be different every day.
11. Transferable Certification
12. Flexible Schedule
13. Innovative technology: Use of ntricate and innovative machines (angiography tools, CT machines, fluoroscopy tools, MRI machines, x-ray machines.
14. Important services: help with testing to diagnose underlying health conditions.
15. Personal fulfillment: Problem solving, interact with patients to deliver quality care.
Challenges:
1. Certification and licensing requirements: Exam, renewal of license with fees and/or continuing education, renew license consistently to stay employed.
2. Working conditions: technology emits radioactive by products. Adhere to safety protocols and wear protective equipment
3. Constant new technology: May have to dedicate time to learning new equipment use and practice. Tests and assessments will be necessary to demonstrate proficiency with new equipment and procedures.
4. Physical challenges: Standing, assisting patients and lifting heavy equipment. Must maintain good physical health to avoid injury.
5. On call hours: may be on call through employer
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/is-radiology-tech-a-good-career
Here are some of the pros and cons of radiology careers. Some of these impact lifestyle.
Pros and cons of radiology career:
1. Training requirements can be attained in one to two years, and consequently a shorter education requirement allows one to develop skills and enter the job market sooner.
2. Advancement opportunities can be gained through higher education (associate or bachelor of science degree) or experience. Could lead to a management position, or other high level careers in healthcare and medicine.
3. Competitive Salary: Average of 70,105/year.
4. Competitive Benefits Package may be offered by employer (dental insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, health savings account
life insurance, paid time off, referral programs, tuition reimbursement, vision insurance, 401(k) and matching 401(k), 403(b)).
5. Industry growth: 6% increase from 2021 to 2031. This is faster than the average of all occupations in this period compared to other industries.
6. Options for specialization (bone densitometry technician, cardiac catheterization technician, computed tomography (CT) technician, fluoroscopy technician, MRI technician, mammography technician, nuclear medical technician, sonography technician, ultrasound technician, x-ray technician).
7. Options for settings: Breast Imaging Centers, Emergency Clinics, Forensic Labs, Government Facilities, Hospital Imaging Clinics, Military Bases, Mobile Imaging Clinics, Outpatient Radiology Centers, Primary Care Clinics, Radiography Education Facilities, Radiology and Equipment Sales Offices, Urgent Care Clinics, Veterinary Practices
8. Choice of locations: Large city, or suburban, or mobile facility
9. Interesting job responsibilities: Explaining procedures to patients, placing patients in the correct position for testing, operating testing equipment, recording and maintaining test results and patient files, collaborating with radiologists to share and interpret test results, ensuring patient and other staff follow all safety procedures.
10. Freedom from a routine: A radiology technicians schedule may be different every day.
11. Transferable Certification
12. Flexible Schedule
13. Innovative technology: Use of ntricate and innovative machines (angiography tools, CT machines, fluoroscopy tools, MRI machines, x-ray machines.
14. Important services: help with testing to diagnose underlying health conditions.
15. Personal fulfillment: Problem solving, interact with patients to deliver quality care.
Challenges:
1. Certification and licensing requirements: Exam, renewal of license with fees and/or continuing education, renew license consistently to stay employed.
2. Working conditions: technology emits radioactive by products. Adhere to safety protocols and wear protective equipment
3. Constant new technology: May have to dedicate time to learning new equipment use and practice. Tests and assessments will be necessary to demonstrate proficiency with new equipment and procedures.
4. Physical challenges: Standing, assisting patients and lifting heavy equipment. Must maintain good physical health to avoid injury.
5. On call hours: may be on call through employer
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/is-radiology-tech-a-good-career
Thank you so much!
Maddy
Updated
Brett’s Answer
I just want to point out that there is a vast array of careers in the field of radiology. A radiology technician requires much less time and training than becoming a radiologist, who is a physician. Of course, a radiologist's salary will be much greater. There are also differet types of radiology technicians, and sub-specialties of radiologists. I can tell you that all of the positions are in high demand. Hope that helps, and best of luck!
Thank you for the advice, Brett.
Maddy