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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.

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Tasks  |  Interests  |  Work Values  |  Education  |  Wages & Employment

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.

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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.
 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.

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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 employs 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.

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Education

Education data collected from Physicians and Surgeons.


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Attained
100   Bachelor's degree or higher
 High school or less
 Some college

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics external site survey of employees aged 25-44.

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Wages & Employment Trends

National

Employment data collected from Physicians and Surgeons.

Category Occupation Information
 
Employment (2006) 633,000 employees
 
Projected growth (2006-2016) Faster than average (14% to 20%) Faster than average (14% to 20%)
 
Projected need (2006-2016) 204,000 additional employees

State & National

          CareerOneStop

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data external site and 2006-2016 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.

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