Radiologists follow the same path as other doctors when it comes to their education. They receive a bachelor’s degree before attending medical school for four years and earning an MD or DO. Residency is a five-year program that varies in length based on the radiology specialty selected.
This might be trailed by a couple of long periods of extra preparation through a fellowship program that is significantly more centered around the specialist’s picked field of study. MRI, neuroradiology, breast imaging, pediatrics, nuclear medicine (PET), and musculoskeletal imaging are among the fellowship topics of study.
After high school, a radiologist completes around 13 years of training. To get certified by the American Board of Radiology, you must pass two tests in addition to this training.
What Is The Role of a Radiologist?
A radiologist is a doctor who analyses the findings of medical imaging tests done by a radiological technician at a clinic or hospital. A radiologist, for example, will interpret the findings of an X-ray scan. The radiologist will notify the main caregiver of the optimal treatment strategy after reviewing the findings of the imaging tests.
Radiologists, for instance, work in this area and use radiation to deal with cancer-like diseases. Radiologists are medical professionals who have completed medical school and are licensed to practice.
They might have practical experience in a specific discipline of radiology, like breast radiology, emergency radiology, or cardiology. X-rays, fluoroscopy, MRIs, ultrasound, computed tomography, and PET scans are examples of medical imaging data that radiologists interpret.
How to Become a Licensed Radiologist: A Step-by-Step Guide
In order to work as a radiologist, you must first have a medical degree. As a result, a bachelor’s degree is required to pursue a career in radiography. The student will next need to attend medical school, followed by a medical residency, in order to put what they’ve learned into practice.
There may be a chance to pursue medical specializations in radiology through a fellowship. After high school graduation, the complete training path to full licensing and becoming a radiologist takes 13 to 15 years, including medical school.
- First, get a bachelor’s degree.
- Medical School is the second step.
- Step 3: Internship/Residency
- Fellowship is the fourth step.
- Step 5: Certifications and Licensure
How Long Does it Take to Qualify as a Radiologist?
To become a radiologist, it takes an average of 13 years after graduating from high school. This entails finishing a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and four years of diagnostic radiology resident training.
Furthermore, more than 90% of residents choose to seek a fellowship in a radiology subspecialty after completing their residency (discussed above). A minimum of one year of extra training is required.
What Major Should I Have if I Want To Go To Medical School and Practice Radiology?
The majority of medical schools do not have a specific major requirement for admission. Many students, however, opt to major in one of these two disciplines because the pre-requisite courses are typically made up of Biology or Chemistry courses.
As a result, a medical school applicant may major in anything from teaching to literature to biochemistry to embryology to marketing. Medical school applicants are still able to apply as long as they have finished the relevant pre-requisite courses.
Conclusion:
Radiologists begin their training in the same way that other doctors do. Though becoming a radiologist takes a long time, the advantages far surpass the time commitment.
Not only is this a highly sophisticated and vital field of medicine, but you’ll also be able to say that you assisted a patient on the road to recovery at the end of the day.