Should one become a Radiologist?

uRabbit · Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 2

I am looking to go to Boise State University for Radiology, and spend my fourth year taking the Sonography program.

However, I have seen job ads for Radiology RN's. I do not want to go down the RN path anymore (I wanted to before), as I feel I would not do as well in school there. I've heard stories first-hand from people having 3.9 and even 4.0 GPA's and still not getting into the RN program. Anyways, the job ads for Radiology RN's scare me a bit. Why? Because I have also heard that most healthcare professions are requiring higher degrees of schooling, leaning mostly towards RN.

I do not want to go to school for Radiology/Sonography, just to find out that the position is being phased out and/or melded into the RN occupation.

Is this a valid concern and is it happening?

Thank you! Smile

wvaio · Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 85

Radiology RN just simply means an RN that works in radiology. They don't require any knowledge of radiology. They monitor the patient and administer drugs during a procedure, usually interventional and cardiac cath.

hjhogle

The only other information I would add to wvaio's post is this -

A Radiologist is a fully trained, licensed physician (MD) who has additional training and expertise in interpreting diagnostic images. 4 years to an undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, 4 years of residency and often a fellowship year or two. Around 13 years following high school.

A Radiographer (RT) is a fully trained, nationally certified (and in many cases state licensed) professional who has training and expertise in performing procedures which produce diagnostic images. 2 years to an associate degree or 4 years to a baccalaureate degree.

A Radiology Nurse is a fully trained, licensed Registered Nurse (RN) who has additional training and expertise in critical care, as wvaio said "They monitor the patient and administer drugs during a (diagnostic radiology)procedure". There are 2 year associate degree RN's, 4 year baccalaureate degree RN's, similar to the RT pathway.

Just thought I should clear up the confusion in the title of the original post.

hjh, RT

uRabbit · Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 2

Great info! Thank you!

A Radiographer and Sonographer/Ultrasound Tech/Ultrasonographer work under a Radiologist, correct?

I am excited to start in this field. Hope being a male won't slow me down at getting work. I plan to move to the Seattle area.

hjhogle · Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2009 8:54 pm Post subject:

Well yes, sort of.

The relationships can be complicated. We are not trained/qualified to perform the function of a Radiologist - neither are they trained/qualified to perform ours.

It's more descriptive to remind yourself that we're all vital members of the healthcare team, whose primary objective is providing quality patient care to those who need us.

OK?
hjh, RT

MNBrett · Joined: 18 Nov 2009 Posts: 12

Demographics are different everywhere but the reality is that it does not mater if you are male or female as long as you are hard working and good at taking care of your patients. There may be some exams that you are less likely to perform as a male Technologist, either because of institutional policies or patient preferences. The same could hold true for a female though. Overall though if you are knowledgeable and caring you can overcome insecurities of most of the small percentage of people who will express a concern over your gender. Above all, be professional and patients will respect and trust you.
_________________
B.J. RT(R)
Minneapolis Minnesota

hjhogle · Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:39 pm Post subject:

Hey wvaio -