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Diagnostic Radiologist - Job outlook

Kaimātai Tātari Hihi Irirangi

A diagnostic radiologist scanning a patient who is lying down.

What are the chances of getting a job?

Diagnostic radiologist appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list, which means the Government is actively encouraging qualified diagnostic radiologists from overseas to work in New Zealand, so chances of new graduates and experienced radiologists getting a job are very good.

Number of radiologists and radiation oncologists in New Zealand
(1996, 2001, 2006)
Census	Number of radiologists and radiation oncologists
1996	240
2001	300
2006	270
Source: Department of Labour, Occupational Indicators Tool.

There is a worldwide shortage of diagnostic radiologists. Recent rapid and significant technological advances within the specialty, the increasing demand on the service by clinicians, and retirement forecasts, will continue to contribute to the shortage of diagnostic radiologists.

The growing trend among radiologists to work part time is also increasing employment opportunities for radiologists. According to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists 2004 Workforce Survey, 25% of radiologists work part time.

What types of employers can I work for?

Diagnostic radiologists work for public hospitals within district health boards (DHBs), and private practices and hospitals for private providers of radiological services.

Where can I do this job?

Most radiology services are delivered in the main centres of New Zealand:

Auckland (45% of radiologists)
Christchurch (18%)
Wellington (9%).

Some radiologists work in provincial centres.

What is happening in this job?

In February 2009 the Government announced a $10 million voluntary bonding scheme to encourage specific professional groups to work in areas with critical workforce shortages. The scheme includes graduate doctors, who will get a cash incentive of $10,000 a year (after tax) to work in understaffed places, such as rural areas, for a three to five-year period.

The scheme starts in 2009, with the first bulk payment due in 2011, followed by two to four further annual payments. In the first year 100 doctors are expected to be voluntarily bonded. Similar numbers are expected to be added annually.