A radiology director is in charge of a medical facility’s radiology department’s staff and business operations. The field of radiology involves the use of diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, to locate various injuries and ailments within a patient’s body. Because this type of technology is so important in the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients, any director of radiology’s first priority should be to keep all imaging equipment and tools in good working order. In addition, the radiology director is in charge of staff management and may be called upon to assess the qualifications of job candidates or to establish safety and personal conduct guidelines for those working in his or her department. Obtaining the position of radiology program director necessitates not only prior academic achievement but also a commitment to lifelong learning. Because of the rigors and demands of this job, a radiology director’s salary is among the highest in the medical field for administrative positions.
The precision and cleanliness of imaging machines are truly life and death issues. The radiology director must ensure that all diagnostic equipment is properly calibrated and represents the most cutting-edge, well-proven technology available. An inaccurate reading caused faulty settings or outdated technology can cost a medical facility a lot of money in malpractice settlements, or even result in a patient’s death. A director of radiology must also prescribe a detailed cleaning regimen for each machine in use, given the large number of clients suffering from a variety of conditions and diseases. Infections could spread to other patients or even cause an epidemic within the medical facility if there isn’t a defined standard in place.
The radiology director also serves as the department’s manager, overseeing all of the department’s employees. As a result, a medical facility’s director of radiology may have the authority to hire and fire employees. He or she may also be in charge of organizing training seminars and ensuring that employees follow the department’s or medical facility’s productivity, behavioral, and hygiene standards.
A four-year degree in diagnostic imaging or health care administration, as well as a master’s degree, are required most medical facilities seeking a radiology director. A significant amount of experience is also required. The majority of radiology directors have between eight and ten years of experience as a radiographer or in a related field. Because technology in the medical field is constantly evolving, completion of continuing education courses is a prerequisite and ongoing requirement of the position.