Medical imaging professionals work behind the scenes at hospitals, yet they play a critical role in our care.
There are two primary types of medical imaging professional: Radiologic technologists (often called rad techs) who perform imaging services and radiologists, who are medical doctors and are responsible for image interpretation.
The importance of a radiology department in hospitals
"Radiology professionals work with colleagues in the emergency room, inpatient rooms, ICUs, pediatric units, operating rooms and more," says Rasmussen University Radiologic Technology Program director, Jessica Griffin.
"Having trust and relationships between departments is essential to providing a safe and healthy patient environment." You can really see the importance of radiology in what we use it for. In a hospital setting, it has many critical functions.
Diagnostic radiology
Diagnostic imaging is performed when the healthcare team needs...
- Disease detection: Screen for various diseases like breast cancer and heart disease
- Radiological investigations: Identify the cause of symptoms
- Treatment monitoring: Find out how a patient is responding to treatment and adjust treatment planning as needed
By capturing clear scans, radiology technologists help ensure early detection and precise diagnosis. Many diagnostic methods, such as CT scans and PET scans, are noninvasive and can be performed without sedation.
Thus, patients tend to be comfortable with these radiological procedures to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Interventional radiology
Interventional radiologists use imaging techniques to guide them in performing surgical procedures.1 This image-guided surgery is designed to be minimally invasive, improving patient safety and accelerating recovery time. Interventional radiology is used to diagnose and treat many conditions, such as:
- Peripheral artery disease
- Uterine fibroids
- Certain types of cancer
- Deep venous disease
- Joint pain
- Back pain
In many cases, the benefits of interventional radiology include allowing patients to forgo open surgery. Doing so reduces risks and allows for faster healing.
For example, interventional radiologists perform embolization procedures to control bleeding.2 These procedures involve inserting an agent through a catheter into a blood vessel. In this case, interventional radiology helps patients avoid surgery.
Functional imaging
Functional imaging aids in providing a precise diagnosis.3
This type of diagnostic radiology makes it possible to visualize activity in organs such as the brain. Imaging technologies such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) machines and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) offer in-depth assessments of a patient's anatomy and physiology.
In cases where there are lesions or other growths in the brain, functional imaging makes it possible to more precisely understand the nature and location of these abnormalities. For example, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provides a clinical examination of blood flow in the brain and helps to identify the source of seizures and other disorders in the brain.4
Types of imaging in radiology
Radiologists and rad techs have many different types of medical imaging and tools they can use to get the images or handle the routine a patient might need.
Computerized tomography (CT scan)
A CT scan creates a series of X-rays and images of the bones and soft tissue.
Fluoroscopy
A fluoroscopy provides continuous X-ray images that show the inside of the body in real time, much like a video. Check out The Use of Fluoroscopy in Radiology: 7 Things to Know.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI machines use a magnetic field and radio waves to visualize internal structures of the body.
Mammogram machine
A mammogram machine is a special X-ray device that can provide early detection of breast cancer and other breast abnormalities. (See more detail at Radiologic Technologist Mammography—A Specialty That's Saving Lives.)
Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
A PET scan visualizes organs and tissue and how they function.
Ultrasound machine
An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to see internal structures, including soft tissues. You often hear about these in connection with pregnancy care, but rad techs use ultrasounds in many areas of the body.
X-ray
An X-ray machine uses radiation to produce images of bones and joints.
The role of radiologic technologists
A radiologic technologist (sometimes called radiology technologist) is responsible for conducting imaging tests in a way that captures clear images and ensures patient safety and comfort. They gain professional training in understanding imaging techniques to see internal structures.
Radiologic technologists understand how to operate a wide range of imaging technologies but are also highly focused on patient care. A large part of their role is ensuring the comfort of patients while undergoing imaging exams.
Radiologic technologists vs. radiation therapists
It’s easy to confuse job titles that sound similar, but the role of a rad tech is different from radiation therapist. Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments for things like treating cancer, though low-dose radiation therapy is also used for conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Radiation therapy happens in a totally different part of the healthcare system—not in radiology.11
People often mistakenly believe that radiologic technologists simply press buttons. However, they do much more than control the actual radiology devices.
"As radiology technologists, we have to know all the anatomy of the human body and what position to put a patient in to obtain the appropriate views for diagnosis," Griffin says. This includes each bone, the joint classifications, the planes of the body, and how each part moves.
“This is especially important for trauma scenarios as the patient is, most of the time, unable to move based on verbal requests, so we have to have the skills and comprehension on how to obtain images based on the patient's limitations,” Griffin points out.
The role of radiologists
Radiology is one of the medical specialties involved in making an accurate diagnosis. Clinical radiologists are medical doctors who review and interpret diagnostic images. They then produce radiology reports to share with their clinical colleagues. Radiology reports typically document:
- The reason the imaging procedure was ordered
- A summary of imaging findings, which may include disease detection
- Recommendations for additional testing
- A comparison of current vs. previous scans
Radiology’s role in the hospital workflow
In a hospital setting, the radiology workflow involves certain steps. A day in the radiology department might look like this.
- A doctor referring a patient for a certain type of diagnostic imaging.
- The scheduling department booking the patient for one or more imaging exams and informing the patient about any preparation needed such as fasting.
- A radiologic technologist positioning the patient for the exam and guiding them through any instructions such as holding their breath during the scans.
- A radiologic technologist operating various imaging technologies in a way that provides for an accurate diagnosis.
- A radiologist reviewing and interpreting the images and writing a radiology report for the referring doctor.
- Communicating the results of the imaging test to the patient.
- Potentially ordering additional diagnostic imaging as needed.
- Quality control staff reviewing imaging and diagnostic methods to improve accuracy.
And then all of that on repeat for every patient who needs radiology!
Radiology is essential in many aspects of healthcare. Radiological services support numerous departments, from emergency care to oncology.
Emergency radiology
A significant component of emergency care involves making a swift diagnosis. To that end, emergency care physicians rely on radiology departments to help quickly conduct imaging studies and image interpretation. Whether checking for a broken bone or triaging a patient with a suspected heart attack, imaging technologies serve as a key diagnostic tool.
Radiology is used for general emergency room visits such as patients who come with a sports injury or who are having chest pain.
The second category involves more urgent and critical matters, such as car accidents or a person being transported to the hospital and being unresponsive.
"Radiologic technologists must obtain images quickly and demonstrate proficiency to ensure the treating physician has all the necessary information to act and respond rapidly in the patient's care plan," says Griffin.
Radiology in cancer care
Treating cancer is highly complex. Diagnostic imaging is an important element in cancer care, helping to:
- Ensure early detection of disease when it is hopefully more treatable
- Provide an accurate diagnosis
- Guide clinicians in treatment monitoring and disease management
For example, nuclear medicine provides a pain-free way to look at internal structures and where there may be abnormalities.5
Nuclear medicine scans can help doctors pinpoint the location and characteristics of tumors. These detailed images support them in choosing the best way to treat the disease.
After a patient undergoes cancer treatment, their doctor may request PET scans or other imaging tests to see how well the treatment is working.
Radiology in cardiology
Diagnostic imaging helps cardiologists to understand how the heart and surrounding structures are performing.
Cardiologists may order various diagnostic imaging to identify heart damage and other conditions.6 Stroke patients also often have special diagnostic imaging such as CT angiography to determine the extent of damage they sustained to their brain.
Cardiologists employ many types of imaging and diagnostic methods, such as:
- Echocardiograms: Use ultrasound imaging techniques to look at the structure of the heart and how it's functioning
- Cardiac MRIs: Scan the heart and captures detailed images without exposing the patient to radiation
- Cardiac computed tomography: Merges many X-rays together to help diagnostic radiologists identify issues with the heart, arteries and related structures
- Cardiac positron emission tomography: Captures images of the heart using a high-resolution scanning machine and injecting radioactive tracers into the vein to see how heart vessels are working
- Single-photon emission computed tomography: Uses a radioactive substance and a specialized camera to create 3D pictures
- Coronary angiograms: Capture specialized X-rays that examine the blood vessels in and around the heart
Radiology in neurology
Neurologists look to radiology departments to help diagnose abnormalities of the brain, spine and neck.7 They may order X-rays, MRIs, CT scans as well as angiographic studies to help diagnose aneurysms, Alzheimer's disease, strokes, and other neurological disorders.
Early detection is important for many neurological conditions to slow disease progression. Diagnostic radiology is useful in diagnosing conditions such as Parkinson's disease and dementia and supporting treatment planning decisions.
Interventional radiologists also support neurologists by providing image-guided procedures to treat conditions such as vascular disorders.
Radiology in gastroenterology
The radiology department can augment the clinical knowledge of gastroenterologists through diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound. Imaging exams of the digestive tract can help diagnose conditions such as ulcers and tumors. Gastroenterologists may order diagnostic radiology, such as:
- GI and GU fluoroscopy
- CT scans
- PET/CT scans
- MRIs
- Ultrasounds
Interventional radiology can also help with treatment of conditions such as GI bleeding and disorders of the pancreas and bile ducts.8
Radiology in orthopedics
Orthopedists order musculoskeletal imaging such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans to identify issues related to bones, joints, muscles and other soft tissue. Diagnostic imaging supports the diagnosis of sports injuries, bone abnormalities as well as neck and back pain.
In addition, interventional radiology can support pain management.9 For example, image guidance is used to direct injections to the spine to address nerve pain.
Radiology in surgical care
Imaging technologies are often used to help prepare for surgical procedures. Seeing the internal organs prior to surgery helps surgeons reduce the risk of these procedures. Surgical imaging may include:10
- Bronchoscopies to examine a patient's airway
- Visualization of the ureter to identify blockages
- Cholangiograms to view the anatomy of the bile duct in the gallbladder
Recent advances in radiology
Radiology in healthcare continues to evolve. 3D advancements have provided more detail into patient anatomy, adding more information into some complexities of health conditions to aid in more effective medical interventions for patient outcomes.
"CT offers some fantastic opportunities for 3D imaging, such as an angiogram or a CT scan of a patient’s heart with contrast dye," Griffin says.
"It can develop a 3D image that can be analyzed in many different ways to provide more clarity into the complexity of the heart and identify artery blockages and aneurysms, even in the most minute way."
In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing rapid changes to the field.
"AI can provide innovation in image analysis and informatics of the radiology industry," Griffin says. "Most advancements in radiology will be noticeable in the technologies and computer systems that contribute to the post-processing of images.”
These could include updates or innovations in the archiving systems and image analysis systems of radiology, according to Griffin.
As more diagnostic radiology methods become available, these procedures play a greater role in medical practice. Ultimately, imaging technologies help improve patient outcomes through better disease detection and disease management.
Radiology is a fascinating arm of healthcare and can be an ideal place to work for someone who prefers working with their hands. Might that be you? Check out Is Rad Tech a Good Career? 8 Reasons to Say YES.
1Society of Interventional Radiology, Unprecedented precision, What is interventional radiology? Society of Interventional Radiology, (visited 7/21/2025).
2Cleveland Clinic®, Embolization, Embolization Procedure: Definition, Purpose & Types, (visited 7/21/2025). Cleveland Clinic® is a registered trademark of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
3ScienceDirect®, Functional Imaging, Functional Imaging - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/functional-imaging#:~:text=Functional%20imaging%20refers%20to%20a,%2C%20Parkinson's%2C%20and%20Alzheimer's%20diseases. (visited 7/21/2025). ScienceDirect® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V.
4Mayo Clinic®, SPECT scan, SPECT scan - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spect-scan/about/pac-20384925#:~:text=A%20SPECT%20scan%20can%20help,seizure%20activity%20in%20the%20brain, (visited 7/21/2025). Mayo Clinic® is a registered trademark of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
5American Cancer Society®, Nuclear Medicine Scans for Cancer, Nuclear Medicine Scans for Cancer | American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/tests/imaging-tests/nuclear-medicine-scans-for-cancer.html, (visited 7/21/2025). American Cancer Society® is a registered trademark of American Cancer Society, Inc.
6Cleveland Clinic, Cardiac Imaging, Cardiac Imaging: Types, Uses and Procedure Details https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16836-cardiac-imaging. (visited 7/21/2025)
7American Society of Neuroradiology, What is Neuroradiology, ASNR https://www.asnr.org/patientinfo/whatisnr.shtml, (visited 7/21/2025)
8IDS Hospital &Research Centre, What is Gastrointestinal Interventional Radiology? What is Gastrointestinal Interventional Radiology? - Sids Multi SuperSpeciality Hospital https://www.sidshospital.com/what-is-gastrointestinal-interventional-radiology/ (Jul.21, 2023)
9Massachusetts General Hospital®, Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging & Intervention, Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention https://www.massgeneral.org/imaging/approach/clinical-divisions/musculoskeletal-imaging-and-intervention (visited 7/21/2025). Massachusetts General Hospital® is a registered trademark of General Hospital Corporation
10Northwestern Medicine®, Surgical Imaging, Surgical Imaging | Northwestern Medicine https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/imaging-services/surgical-imaging, (visited 7/21/2025). Northwestern Medicine® is a registered trademark of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare
11Rasmussen University does not offer a program in Radiation Therapy.
