3 answers
Saleena
Student
Seward, Nebraska
1
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How to become a radiologist?
I want to become a radiologist #radiology
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3 answers
naveen bharadwaj
Tech support
94
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
naveen’s Answer
Radiologists are physicians that specialize in using and examining medical imaging. They use the imaging to diagnose all types of illness. From diseases to broken bones, and will offer a treatment plan or refer to patient in most cases.
They look through patient’s medical histories, carry out physical examinations, and request the necessary imaging that will help them see areas of the body in more detail. If you’re interested in training to be a radiologist, a long, fulfilling, and ever-evolving career awaits you.
Radiologists specialize in diagnosing diseases, injuries, and other medical concerns. This is done primarily by using imaging techniques such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, nuclear medicine positron emission tomography, and computed tomography (CT).
They are typically behind screens analyzing the images and consulting with other doctors to form a diagnosis. They can request to see the patient and perform some physical examinations, or take further images if they see cause to do so.
Radiologist Education Requirements
The road to becoming a radiologist is long and difficult.
Radiologists must first complete a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year university. Afterward, they must attend a 4-year medical program and achieve their M.D. Medical school consists of 2 years of classroom instruction then 2 years of clinical rotations in different fields such as pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and internal medicine.
After graduating from medical school, one must complete a further radiology residency where they become specialized in the field of radiology.
Residents must complete rotations in specific subfields of radiology and conduct their own research.
A radiology residency can take up to 4-5 years to complete. Afterward, many radiologists complete fellowships to become more specialized.
They look through patient’s medical histories, carry out physical examinations, and request the necessary imaging that will help them see areas of the body in more detail. If you’re interested in training to be a radiologist, a long, fulfilling, and ever-evolving career awaits you.
Radiologists specialize in diagnosing diseases, injuries, and other medical concerns. This is done primarily by using imaging techniques such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, nuclear medicine positron emission tomography, and computed tomography (CT).
They are typically behind screens analyzing the images and consulting with other doctors to form a diagnosis. They can request to see the patient and perform some physical examinations, or take further images if they see cause to do so.
Radiologist Education Requirements
The road to becoming a radiologist is long and difficult.
Radiologists must first complete a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year university. Afterward, they must attend a 4-year medical program and achieve their M.D. Medical school consists of 2 years of classroom instruction then 2 years of clinical rotations in different fields such as pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and internal medicine.
After graduating from medical school, one must complete a further radiology residency where they become specialized in the field of radiology.
Residents must complete rotations in specific subfields of radiology and conduct their own research.
A radiology residency can take up to 4-5 years to complete. Afterward, many radiologists complete fellowships to become more specialized.
Daryl Pritchard
8
Answers
Updated
Daryl’s Answer
Hi Saleena,
In general a radiologist is a medical specialty.
So in general you would pursue a bachelors degree that will meet the requirements for medical. Many people chose bachelor of science degrees in subjects like chemistry or biology for this, but it is not necessary, I have friends who pursued engineering as a bachelor degree and just made sure they covered the required courses of their desired med school (for example organic chemistry).
You would then apply to medical school (require writing the MCAT) and complete a medical degree.
After medical school you would pursue a medical residency in the specific field of radiology, during which time you would also take the necessary licensing exams.
Hopefully that helps you understand the broad step towards a career as a radiologist.
-Daryl
In general a radiologist is a medical specialty.
So in general you would pursue a bachelors degree that will meet the requirements for medical. Many people chose bachelor of science degrees in subjects like chemistry or biology for this, but it is not necessary, I have friends who pursued engineering as a bachelor degree and just made sure they covered the required courses of their desired med school (for example organic chemistry).
You would then apply to medical school (require writing the MCAT) and complete a medical degree.
After medical school you would pursue a medical residency in the specific field of radiology, during which time you would also take the necessary licensing exams.
Hopefully that helps you understand the broad step towards a career as a radiologist.
-Daryl
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Saleena:
Radiologic Technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.They are trained in the use of different types of medical diagnostic equipment. They may choose to specialize, such as in x-ray, mammography, or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Some radiologic technologists provide a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews. Here are some steps to becoming a Radiologist. . . .
HOW TO BECOME A RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST
Radiologic Technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. MRI technologists may start out as radiologic technologists. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
■
EDUCATION
High school students who are interested in radiologic or MRI technology should take courses that focus on math and science, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics.
An associate’s degree is the education typically required for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are post-secondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor’s degrees. Education programs typically include both academic study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.
■ LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS
Most states require radiologist technologists to be licensed or certified. Few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Requirements vary by state.
To become licensed, technologists usually must graduate from an accredited program and either pass a certification exam from the state or obtain certification from a credentialing organization. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties.
Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it. Employers also may require or prefer that prospective technologists have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS).
■ PAY
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $61,900 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,660.
Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight. . . . Hope this was helpful. Best of luck to you on your journey.
How to Become a Radiologist • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-4
Radiologic Technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.They are trained in the use of different types of medical diagnostic equipment. They may choose to specialize, such as in x-ray, mammography, or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Some radiologic technologists provide a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews. Here are some steps to becoming a Radiologist. . . .
HOW TO BECOME A RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST
Radiologic Technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. MRI technologists may start out as radiologic technologists. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
■
EDUCATION
High school students who are interested in radiologic or MRI technology should take courses that focus on math and science, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics.
An associate’s degree is the education typically required for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are post-secondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor’s degrees. Education programs typically include both academic study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.
■ LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS
Most states require radiologist technologists to be licensed or certified. Few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Requirements vary by state.
To become licensed, technologists usually must graduate from an accredited program and either pass a certification exam from the state or obtain certification from a credentialing organization. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties.
Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it. Employers also may require or prefer that prospective technologists have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS).
■ PAY
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $61,900 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,660.
Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight. . . . Hope this was helpful. Best of luck to you on your journey.
Sheila recommends the following next steps: