Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

Radiology is defined as the specialty encompassing all aspects of medical imaging that yields information regarding anatomical, physiological and pathological status of disease. It includes those interventional techniques necessary for diagnosis, as well as minimally invasive therapy, which fall under the remit of departments of clinical radiology.

The specialty of diagnostic imaging has probably been one of the most rapidly expanding specialties in recent years and now offers a variety of work which can accommodate the aspirations of many doctors. Radiology acts as a significant aid in the diagnosis, management and continuing follow up of many patients from almost all medical specialties.

In addition to the widespread clinical involvement, there are the additional benefits of working within single radiological departments and the association with many levels of staff necessary in making that department function coherently.

Every radiological investigation is a diagnostic challenge, which might require very simple investigative techniques, or procedures, which are extremely complicated, but nevertheless, the interpretation of any image requires a medical and intellectual challenge. The potential of ultrasound, CT and more particularly MR, is yet to be developed and therefore these challenges remain. Widely varying technical skill can be accommodated. Radiologists are now intimately involved in clinical teams besides being responsible for the management of the imaging departments.

A regular on-call commitment is required which varies in intensity, depending on the hospital or sub-specialty in which the radiologists are involved. Differing levels of management involvement can be entered into as with other specialties. Private practice opportunities are usually good.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.
• Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
• Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.
• Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.
• Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
• Provide counseling to radiologic patients to explain the processes, risks, benefits, or alternative treatments.
• Instruct radiologic staff in desired techniques, positions, or projections.
• Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses.
• Coordinate radiological services with other medical activities.
• Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Radiologists must have a degree in radiography.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: radiography, diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy, biomedical science.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: diagnostic radiography, paediatric radiography, fertility ultrasound, gynaecological pregnancy ultrasound, medicine, health, research, obstetric ultrasound, radiation safety medical physics, computed tomography.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

The Irish Institute of Radiography encourages their members to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure that they keep up-to-date with new technologies.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €91k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Indeed

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Psychologists, Pharmacists, Opticians (including dispensing opticians), Dental practitioners, Medical radiographers, Podiatrists, Health professionals n.e.c., Health services and public health managers and directors, Social services managers and directors, Health care practice managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth for this occupation was above the national average, although employment levels have declined annually since 2021. Employment was spread across a large number of roles, with low numbers in employment in each making it difficult to determine any changes in individual occupations. Overall, 69% were female, a quarter were in part-time roles and there was a slightly higher than average share who were aged 55 years and over.

Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were primarily for health services and public health managers/directors, and to a lesser extent, pharmacists. Employment permits issued were mainly for radiographers, but also included cardiac physiologists, dentists, psychologists and pharmacists.

Evidence of shortages is difficult to determine for these roles due to the small numbers employed.

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here

• Irish Medical Council

  • Kingram House, Kingram Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 498 3100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Faculty of Radiologists, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

  • 123, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
  • (01) 402 2139
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here