Nuclear Radiologist |
Career OverviewAs a specialist a nuclear radiologist focuses on being able to provide services in nuclear medicine imaging. This unique from of imaging or x-rays uses radiopharmaceuticals to illuminate various soft tissues in the body that can then imaged and displayed for physicians to examine prior to having to complete any surgical procedures.
Some of the various types of nuclear radiology imagine that may be completed are:
- Pulmonary imaging
- Lymph and glandular system imaging
- Blood loss imaging
- Bone imagining
- Brain imagining
- Reproductive system imaging
- Gastrointestinal imaging
The nuclear radiologist must determine the correct type and dosage of the radiopharmaceutical and then obtain the necessary imaging to allow the treatment team to determine the best course of treatment. The nuclear radiologist may also be involved in interpreting the results of the imaging and communicating this to the treatment team.
As a nuclear radiologist the individual oversees the technicians that may actually complete the procedure. An ability to manage others as well as keep patients informed and at ease is important for a nuclear radiologist. The nuclear radiologist must also be aware of other health factors that may be of concern and understand what radiopharmaceuticals are the most appropriate for each individual patient.
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Career RequirementsA nuclear radiologist must have an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate degree of not less than five years. The nuclear radiologist will spend four years working in diagnostic radiology. A nuclear radiologist must then spend an additional year after this training specializing in nuclear radiology.
All other radiologists need only complete a six to twelve month training in nuclear radiology in the original five-year postgraduate work. After the nuclear radiologist complete the additional specialization year they must take the Board Certification examinations to be called a nuclear radiologist.
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Job OutlookThere is a significant shortage of nuclear radiologists and virtually all other types of radiologists in the United States. This trend is expected to decrease slightly but the demand will still be strong at least until the year 2014.
Nuclear radiologists are required in virtually all medical and clinical settings, as more emphasis has been placed on early detection and drug therapies rather than more expensive and potentially more complicated surgical procedures.
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Career TrackA nuclear radiologist has potential to move into management or supervisory positions within hospital or healthcare facility laboratories as well as working as consultants. Some nuclear radiologists may return to universities and colleges as faculty members and begin a career as an instructor in the field.
Many nuclear radiologists may also work in imaging labs that are working on developing more sophisticated methods of showing the soft tissue in the body. This ongoing research is often done in government facilities or larger research universities and hospitals.
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CompensationMost nuclear radiologists will earn between $180,000 and $250,000. Those nuclear radiologist that have significant experience working as managers or laboratory supervisors in large hospital or healthcare facilities may earn between $325,000 and $400,000 per year.
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