Radiology is one of the highest paying and most valued specialties in medicine, and as one of the most demanding, it can help to belong to a radiology association. Whether you are a radiologist or a radiology technician, belonging to a professional organization or association for radiology is essential to your career.

Any of the various professional radiologist associations or radiology technician organizations can help you to network, learn and grow in your profession as a radiologist or radiology tech.

To take advantage of the benefits of professional radiologist organizations you should know the following:

1. You will be able to find a variety of professional radiologist organizations, but it is important to compare what they have to offer before you decide to join.
2. If you work in radiology, professional associations are available that can help further your career even in specialty areas such as diagnostic radiology and radiation therapy.
3. Even if you have decided to join, or already belong to, one of the many national radiology organizations, there are quite a few international ones also available. Consider that international radiology organizations may offer you unique benefits from a different perspective which could set you apart from the rest in your knowledge and skills.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare radiologist organizations to find those that suit your needs

While belonging to any radiology association can do a lot to further your career, there will be differences in what they have to offer that you should investigate. So, first spend some time determining what it is you would like to get from belonging to an association in order to help you decide which one to join. And, if you can't find all the support you would like in one place, or if more than one group appeals to you, it never hurts to join a second organization.

I recommend: The American College of Radiology offers conferences and educational opportunities, and even provides guidelines for practicing radiology. The American Board of Radiology provides both certification and education to aspiring professionals. The American College of Radiation Oncology is a radiology association dedicated to cancer specialists. The American Telemedicine Association has information for doctors interested in providing telemedicine radiology services. If your main interest is children, the Society for Pediatric Radiology is a great radiology association. If you are a female radiologist you may want to check out the American Association for Women Radiologists.

Find radiology tech organizations that focus on specialty areas

There are many areas of radiology for specialization and likewise there are many rad tech professional organizations that offer education and certification to help advance a career in these areas.

I recommend: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists provides certification that can help you with your state licensing requirements. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists provides conferences and other educational opportunities for rad techs.

Join an international association for radiology to broaden your skills and knowledge

National radiology organizations are great, but there can be much to learn from your international colleagues. Research the benefits and unique opportunities for educational growth that international professional radiologist associations might provide you.

I recommend: The International Society of Radiology offers online educational opportunities as well as a free virtual congress. The International Consortium for Medical Imaging Technology shares information on new technology that may help you to better serve your patients.The Canadian Association of Radiologists offers standards and guidelines you might find useful in your practice. The International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists is an international option well suited for radiation technicians.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of the educational opportunities available through the radiology council of the American Medical Association and other physicians' groups.
• •  Because radiology organizations often court new members, you may be able to negotiate some benefits or possibly get a discount if you ask.