Lakea
How many years does it take to transition from radiology to MRI in the Radiological and MRI Technologists major? Also is that transition hard or easy?
I am currently a senior in high school and will be graduating very soon. I am very undecided about what major or even what career I want ti do. However, I was looking into Radiologist and MRI Technologists as one of my possible majors. #technology #tech #radiology #ultrasound #technician #radiological-technician #mri
3 answers
naveen bharadwaj
naveen’s Answer
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.
LaRita Edwards R.T. (R)
LaRita’s Answer
Hi! I feel like this may help you a little.
I'm a radiologic technologist, I take x-rays now but in the future if I choose to go back to school I can go to school for MRI or CT(computed tomography/Cat scan) or any other radiology related field. If you go to school for Xray and you really want to do MRI, just stay in school and complete that program in addition to Xray.
Essentially, there is no "transition" time only the amount of time it takes you to complete the program/training.
Now in 2018, you do not have to become an Xray tech to become an MRI tech. Some schools are starting to open MRI only programs, which will allow you to get a degree for MRI (some employers will not like that, they MIGHT feel like you are not versatile because you skipped xray and went straight to MRI.
This is the key because your question confused me with the wording.
It all starts with xray(radiography). You go to school to become a radiologic technologist . Then while you're in school or if you got your first job and decided I want to do MRI then you would do what we call LATERAL TRAINING because you're still XRAY just branching into a different modality(MRI).
Lastly! Nothing is too hard if you want it bad. Xray/MRI/CT pays very well, but it is science based with a little math/physics. Do not let that get to you, if you want it GO FOR IT
LaRita recommends the following next steps:
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Lakea,
Both radiologists and radiology technologists work in a clinical or hospital setting, and are both health-care professionals.
A radiologist is a physician that will interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe a course of treatment for the patient. They begin their education with a bachelor's degree, then attend medical school. After a two year internship, they take a residency in radiology for four to seven years.
A radiologic technologist is the person performing the imaging tests on the patients (CT scans, MRI's, x-rays, and ultrasounds), who then hands them over to the radiologist for interpretation. The technologist needs to have earned either an associate's or a bachelor's degree before practicing, and must be licensed.
I hope this can help you. More in:
https://www.sokanu.com/careers/questions/85/what-is-the-difference-between-a-radiologist-and-a-radiologic-technologist/
It depends if you are going to college or you are in a hospital-based program. I went through a hospital-based program and I took the fellowship for CT and I had classmates who took the fellowship and MRI and once they graduated MRI was a one-year Fellowship while you're working and getting paid and learning at the same time. If you go through a college like my wife did you have to wait graduate and then apply for MRI and you may get it and you may not.
Al Perez (AS) (R) (CT)