Radiology in the United States
- 33,000+: Practicing radiologists
- 34 million: Radiation oncology treatments performed in a year
- 599 million: Diagnostic radiology procedures performed in a year
- X-ray (total including mammography): 292 million
- Ultrasound: 136 million
- CT: 72 million
- Nuclear medicine: 41 million
- Interventional: 33 million
- MRI: 23 million
- Other: 1.5 million
Radiologist Training
- 4-year undergraduate degree
- 4-year medical school
- 1-year internship
- 4-year residency
- 1- to 2-year fellowship training
14-15 total years of training*
*Other medical specialties mandate imaging education ranging from a few days to 10 months.
Common Radiological Procedures
- X-ray uses a form of electromagnetic radiation that is passed through the body to create a 2-D image of a body part or region. X-ray is especially useful in detecting muscle or bone problems. A mammogram is a common example of X-ray technology.
- Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and sophisticated computer technology to produce a series of 2-D images and/or to generate a 3-D image of a part of the body. CT scans are widely used for a variety of medical situations, such as detection of cancer, heart disease, and aneurysm.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissue, bones, and other internal body parts. MRI is especially useful in detecting nervous system, joint, heart, and cancer-related diseases.
- Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and computer technology to generate “real-time” images of the body. Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is often used in obstetric and breast imaging care.