Radiology services must be marketed like all other services.
Radiology is the study of images taken of the inside of the human body using a variety of devices such as the X-ray. Radiologists examine the inside of the human body in order to diagnose the patient. When the radiologist is self-employed, these services need to be marketed in order for the radiologists to draw in clients. Some radiologists market their own practices, while other radiologists hire marketers specialized in marketing radiology practices.
Function
The radiology practice should be established in an area where there will be a demand for radiology services. Market research must be conducted in order to not only determine if there are clients available who will be willing to pay for the marketing services, but the research must also determine if the radiologist will have any competition. Then, customers must be made aware of these services. Advertising is sometimes used, but radiologists most often market themselves by establishing contact with other health care professionals who are willing to promote the radiology services to their patients, according to the American Journal of Roentgenology. Radiology marketers will not only help radiologists determine which ways they should market their services, but these marketers will also help the radiologist determine how she will depict her services.
Conditions
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing services generally work 34 hours a week. These specialists usually work in office settings. Since many of these specialists are paid hourly for their consulting services, they are often under stress to work very efficiently.
Qualifications
Those who market radiology usually need more than sales skills. They must have clinical experience, which presumes that they have at least an associate's degree in a medical field, according to Colorado Acute Hospital. They must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to be able to work with radiologists on their marketing programs. They must also have good analytical skills, since they must be able to study the market and determine how the radiology services can best be promoted. They must also be very creative, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for marketing services is expected to grow by 8 percent between 2008 and 2018. However, marketing services in health care industries such as radiology are likely to grow faster due to an aging population needing more treatments and diagnostic measures such as X-rays.
Earnings
Marketing communication specialists working for the health care industry generally earn between $14.74 and $32.50 an hour, according to Payscale.com. Some marketers also earn profit share, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, marketing services, health care, must also