Radiology is a clinical field where specialists use imaging to diagnose and treat diseases.
An Army Radiologist Specialist (MOS 68P) is just like a civilian counterpart but performs medical imaging at a military clinic or hospital.
Radiologist Specialists operate X-ray imaging and other related equipment in order to get photos of human anatomy to make the proper diagnosis.
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Education, Qualifications, and Training
Any job in the medical field generally requires a fair amount of education and training.
The same is true of an Army Radiologist Specialist (MOS 68P) though it is not quite as demanding as some other Army medical MOS jobs.
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Education
After completing high school with a diploma or GED equivalent, you can begin to enlist in the U.S. Army.
The Armed Forces has something called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which they use to determine a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Your MOS is the job you will perform while you serve time in the U.S. Army.
Some military personnel choose to enlist in non-combat roles such as 68P MOS.
In order to become an Army Radiologist Specialist, you will need to score 106 or higher on the Skilled Technical (ST) portion of the ASVAB.
Qualifications
After completing the ASVAB with the minimum requirement, it is time to look into other qualifications.
Army Radiologist Specialists (MOS 68P) must have normal color vision (no color blindness) in order to perform the job duties.
The Army also requires you to have completed at least one year of high school algebra.
An interest in biology and other sciences is helpful though the most important course to complete is algebra.
Women that are pregnant cannot apply for MOS 68P because of the powerful imaging equipment, like X-rays, that Army Radiologist Specialists handle.
The Army also mentions that other helpful skills include:
- The desire to help others.
- High attention to detail.
- Ability to follow strict procedures and standards.
Training
Though it is a non-combat role, every new recruit of the Army must survive boot camp.
Basic Combat Training, or boot camp, lasts 10 weeks in order to prepare you for life in the U.S. Army.
You will train and learn more about your MOS through Advanced Individual Training.
Advanced Individual Training follows Basic Combat Training.
It lasts 46 weeks long for an Army Radiologist Specialist (MOS 68P).
Most new aspiring 68P MOS spend the first half of AIT at Sam Houston Base in Texas.
The focus during phase one is spending more time learning about human anatomy and physiology.
The second phase can take place at a military hospital or other type of medical facility.
It is more hands-on training compared to the first half, which is largely classroom learning.
You will learn how to professionally deal with patients, principles of radiation protection, using radiography equipment, as well as medical law and ethics.
What does an Army Radiologist Specialist Do?
Army Radiologist Specialists are primarily responsible for operating X-rays and other imaging equipment.
Medical imaging equipment includes complicated exams like performing MRI tests and CT scans.
The purpose of MOS 68P is to operate medical imaging equipment in order to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases sustained by soldiers.
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Other Job Duties of 68P MOS Radiology Specialist
Army Radiologist Specialists have a high tolerance to pain.
Why?
Because they see their fair share of it working MOS 68P, whether you’re in the field or in a military hospital.
It helps to have a calm and reassuring personality because most patients need radiology when they are in extreme pain or down on their luck.
You may capture medical images related to upper and lower extremities, assist with fluoroscopy procedures, examine soft tissue, capture prenatal or pediatric images, or deal with urogenital exams.
When not handling patient testing, these soldiers clean and maintain parts of the equipment, develop radiographic film, and keep track of patient and exam records.
Also, there is a need to be organized, as Radiology Specialists deal with a lot of record keeping and other documentation.
What does an Army Radiologist Specialist make?
Radiology Specialists, like every other Army MOS, are not paid based on their career path.
Rather, pay is determined based on Army rank and years in service.
However, you may receive cash bonuses for certain MOS openings, especially in dangerous or high-risk locations.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
Benefits
Though the pay is reasonable, what often separates the Army from other potential employers are their benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Vacation Time
- Special Pay
- Retirement
- Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
- Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
- Education: Army members can earn full tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.
Job Reviews
The job reviews for an Army Radiologist Specialist (68P MOS) are reliable.
Though some decisions are out of your control, the opportunities to get real-world experience in a chosen career path while also improving upon yourself are invaluable.
Another poster pointed out that the Army was instrumental in providing training before transitioning to a related civilian job.
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Civilian Job Opportunities
Army Radiologist Specialists generally move on to do the exact same career in the “civilian world.”
It is a terrific MOS for obtaining education and training, as well as real-world experience to prepare you for a job at a clinic or hospital.
The certifications you will receive as an Army Radiologist Specialist include:
- Registered Technologist (Radiography)
- Registered Technologist (Nuclear Medicine)
- Certified Imaging Informatics Professional
The only thing you may need to do before applying for new jobs is receive local or state licensing.
Summary
Army Radiologist Specialists (MOS 68P) are very similar to any other radiologist in the civilian world.
They use imaging equipment like X-rays, CT scans, MRI tests, and ultrasounds to assist with medical diagnosis.
Resources:
- https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/medical-and-emergency/radiology-specialist.html
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/U.S.-Army/reviews?fjobtitle=Radiology+Specialist&fcountry=ALL
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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