Careers · Explore one path
Radiologists
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.
Other titles employers use
Attending Physician · Diagnostic Radiologist · Interventional Neuroradiologist · Interventional Radiologist · Musculoskeletal Specialty Radiologist (MSK Specialty Radiologist) · Neuroradiologist · Nuclear Medicine Physician · Nuclear Medicine Specialist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, practical and organizing work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects to know
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Useful strengths
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.6 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.8 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.6 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.3 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a doctorate or a professional degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A doctorate or professional degree 86%
- A two-year degree 11%
- A certificate or some college 3%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Medical software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Electronic mail software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Internet browser software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 3,100
- Job openings each year
- 110
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 11.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 3,100 | 110 | 11.1% |
| California | 2,800 | 100 | 12.0% |
| Illinois | 2,020 | 50 | — |
| Texas | 1,960 | 80 | 18.1% |
| Wisconsin | 1,730 | 60 | 12.3% |
| New Jersey | 1,370 | 40 | 7.0% |
| Pennsylvania | 1,330 | 40 | 2.3% |
| Massachusetts | 1,200 | 40 | 4.3% |
| Florida | 1,110 | 40 | 12.1% |
| Indiana | 1,080 | 30 | 3.8% |
| Missouri | 880 | 30 | 6.0% |
| Oklahoma | 820 | 20 | — |
| Colorado | 730 | 20 | 9.0% |
| New Mexico | 710 | 30 | 18.3% |
| Georgia | 700 | 30 | 12.9% |
| Virginia | 690 | 20 | 9.5% |
| Maryland | 660 | 20 | 4.8% |
| Ohio | 540 | 10 | — |
| Connecticut | 510 | 10 | 2.0% |
| Kentucky | 440 | 10 | 2.3% |
| Nebraska | 410 | 10 | 5.1% |
| Arizona | 370 | 20 | 19.4% |
| Arkansas | 290 | 10 | 11.5% |
| Alabama | 230 | 10 | 4.5% |
| Rhode Island | 200 | 10 | — |
| Maine | 150 | 0 | −6.3% |
| West Virginia | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Iowa | 120 | 0 | 9.1% |
| Montana | 110 | 0 | 10.0% |
| Puerto Rico | 90 | 0 | 12.5% |
| Louisiana | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Alaska | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Delaware | 50 | 0 | — |
| District of Columbia | 50 | 0 | — |
| South Dakota | 50 | 0 | — |
| Oregon | 40 | 0 | — |
| Wyoming | 40 | 0 | — |
| Virgin Islands | 30 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.