Description
Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries by interpreting medical imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear imaging) and performing image-guided procedures. Communicate findings, ensure image quality and safety, and collaborate with clinicians on patient care.
- • Participate in quality improvement, addressing high-risk areas for error.
- • Pursue continuing education to maintain and advance expertise.
- • Develop imaging-based treatment or management plans when appropriate.
- • Establish and enforce safety standards for patients and personnel.
- • Review and transmit images and reports using PACS/RIS.
- • Recognize and manage complications during and after procedures, such as hypotension, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.
- • Prepare comprehensive, timely interpretive reports of imaging findings.
- • Obtain patient histories from electronic records, interviews, and referring clinicians.
- • Confer with healthcare professionals regarding image-based diagnoses and next steps.
- • Instruct radiology staff in desired techniques, positioning, and projections.
- • Document the performance, interpretation, and outcomes of all procedures performed.
- • Develop and monitor procedures to ensure adequate image quality control.
- • Coordinate radiology services with other clinical activities and schedules.
- • Counsel patients on imaging processes, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- • Communicate examination results and recommendations to referring physicians, patients, or families.
- • Perform image-guided interventional procedures, such as biopsies, drainages, or angiographic interventions.
- • Perform and interpret diagnostic imaging studies including MRI, CT, PET, mammography, and ultrasound.
- • Oversee or administer radiopharmaceuticals for imaging or therapy, where credentialed.
- • Advise physicians on indications, limitations, and risks of imaging and radiotracer procedures.
- • Authorize and verify radiopharmaceutical dosages in accordance with protocols.
- • Check and approve diagnostic image quality prior to patient discharge or completion of studies.
- • Select and compare imaging modalities to best address clinical questions.
- • Direct technologists on protocols, techniques, positioning, and projections.
- • Establish and enforce radiation protection standards for patients and staff.
- • Contribute to development of protocols and procedures for imaging sections, including nuclear medicine.
- • Monitor compliance with procedures for handling contrast media and radioactive materials.
- • Prescribe radiopharmaceuticals and dosages when clinically indicated and within credentialing.
- • Review procedure requests and medical histories to determine appropriate studies and contrast or radioisotopes.
- • Teach and mentor residents, fellows, or technologists in diagnostic and interventional radiology.
- • Ensure imaging systems, dose meters, and survey instruments are calibrated and functioning properly.
Related specializations
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
