With national staffing shortages in healthcare becoming increasingly prevalent, there are many areas of medicine that have continued to increase in demand. Radiology, in particular, is a growing field of medicine that offers a large breadth of opportunities for physicians in this specialty. Whether you’re considering becoming a radiologist or are in the process of expanding your radiology career, here’s what you need to know about the field:
Salary growth.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for radiologists is expected is grow by 7 percent by 2029. With the U.S. population growing older, radiology will be increasingly needed as a diagnostic tool for various ailments and conditions. While pay rates can vary based on location, radiology locum tenens assignments generally demand competitive salaries, with the highest salaries at group practices and hospitals.
Required education & certifications.
Along with completing medical school, radiologists must complete a full internship and residency. During this time, you will interpret medical imaging tests, provide diagnoses to patients, and develop treatment plans. This is often a combination of classroom time and clinical practice, in which you will gain exposure to all facets of a radiology practice. Upon completion of residency, you will be required to receive state licensure. To be board certified, you will also need to pass both written and oral board exams. In the U.S., the radiologic certification boards are the American Board of Radiology and the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology.
Career flexibility.
Because of the high demand for radiologists, many healthcare organizations need radiologists and have started to utilize locum tenens staffing services to fill these positions. Locum tenens radiologists have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of assignments, including those with both part-time and full-time schedules. There are locum tenens placements available in a variety of radiologic specialties, including breast imaging, neuroradiology, and interventional radiology. This means that locum tenens radiologists have a wide range of choices for what kind of assignments they want to take, a freedom unique to locum tenens work.
As the healthcare field continues to undergo major changes, radiology is projected to be one of the most in-demand locum tenens specialties in the coming years. For physicians in this area of medicine, locum tenens jobs can provide significant professional advancement along with lucrative pay and the freedom to choose your own schedule.
Are you a radiologist ready to start a locum tenens career?
Learn how MPLT Healthcare can connect you with locum tenens radiology jobs that match your professional qualifications and career interests.
