7 answers
Sophie
Student
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
4751 views
How do I become a Veterinary Radiologist!
Hello I am 15 years old in the 10th grade, I am trying to be a veterinary Radiologist when I get out of HS. Alot of people are telling me to go to community college first because It is cheaper and THENNN go to college but Im very confused. I would like to go to community college first then go to college. Can someone please tell me the steps I need to go to becoming a Veterinary Radiologist and if you can add the college! ( and what I need to major in)
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7 answers
Lesley Massias
Veterinarian
5
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Lesley’s Answer
To become an accomplished veterinary radiologist, you need to follow a rigorous educational journey, acquire specialized training, and earn a certification. Here's an enhanced guide to help you navigate this path:
**Educational Journey:**
1. **High School:**
- Concentrate on science and math subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and algebra.
- Acquire hands-on experience with animals by volunteering at animal shelters, clinics, or farms.
2. **Undergraduate Degree:**
- Pursue a bachelor's degree, ideally in a science-oriented field such as biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies.
- Aim for a high GPA to enhance your prospects of securing a spot in a reputable veterinary school.
- Gain practical veterinary experience through internships, volunteering, or working closely with veterinarians.
3. **Veterinary School:**
- Apply for and complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, a process that usually spans four years.
- Concentrate on subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical skills.
- Take part in clinical rotations, with a focus on those involving diagnostic imaging.
**Postgraduate Training:**
1. **Internship:**
- After obtaining your DVM, undertake a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery or a rotating internship across various veterinary specialties.
- Utilize this period to gain experience in diagnostic imaging.
2. **Residency:**
- Apply for a residency program in veterinary radiology, a program that typically extends for three to four years.
- During the residency, you'll receive advanced training in diagnostic imaging techniques, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and nuclear medicine.
- Use this opportunity to gain experience in interpreting imaging results and performing imaging-guided procedures.
**Certification:**
1. **Board Certification:**
- After completing your residency, you're required to pass the certification examination administered by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR).
- The exam comprises both written and practical sections to evaluate your knowledge and skills in veterinary radiology.
**Continuing Education:**
- **Stay Updated:**
- Participate in continuing education to keep abreast of the latest developments in veterinary radiology and maintain your certification.
- Attend workshops, conferences, and courses focused on diagnostic imaging.
**Personal Skills and Qualities:**
- **Attention to Detail:**
- Crucial for precise interpretation of imaging results.
- **Strong Analytical Skills:**
- Vital for diagnosing conditions based on imaging findings.
- **Communication Skills:**
- Essential for effectively discussing imaging results with veterinary colleagues and pet owners.
**Professional Development:**
- **Participate in Professional Organizations:**
- Join professional organizations such as the ACVR and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to network with peers and stay updated about industry trends.
By adhering to these steps and remaining dedicated to your objective, you can carve out a successful career as a veterinary radiologist.
**Educational Journey:**
1. **High School:**
- Concentrate on science and math subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and algebra.
- Acquire hands-on experience with animals by volunteering at animal shelters, clinics, or farms.
2. **Undergraduate Degree:**
- Pursue a bachelor's degree, ideally in a science-oriented field such as biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies.
- Aim for a high GPA to enhance your prospects of securing a spot in a reputable veterinary school.
- Gain practical veterinary experience through internships, volunteering, or working closely with veterinarians.
3. **Veterinary School:**
- Apply for and complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, a process that usually spans four years.
- Concentrate on subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical skills.
- Take part in clinical rotations, with a focus on those involving diagnostic imaging.
**Postgraduate Training:**
1. **Internship:**
- After obtaining your DVM, undertake a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery or a rotating internship across various veterinary specialties.
- Utilize this period to gain experience in diagnostic imaging.
2. **Residency:**
- Apply for a residency program in veterinary radiology, a program that typically extends for three to four years.
- During the residency, you'll receive advanced training in diagnostic imaging techniques, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and nuclear medicine.
- Use this opportunity to gain experience in interpreting imaging results and performing imaging-guided procedures.
**Certification:**
1. **Board Certification:**
- After completing your residency, you're required to pass the certification examination administered by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR).
- The exam comprises both written and practical sections to evaluate your knowledge and skills in veterinary radiology.
**Continuing Education:**
- **Stay Updated:**
- Participate in continuing education to keep abreast of the latest developments in veterinary radiology and maintain your certification.
- Attend workshops, conferences, and courses focused on diagnostic imaging.
**Personal Skills and Qualities:**
- **Attention to Detail:**
- Crucial for precise interpretation of imaging results.
- **Strong Analytical Skills:**
- Vital for diagnosing conditions based on imaging findings.
- **Communication Skills:**
- Essential for effectively discussing imaging results with veterinary colleagues and pet owners.
**Professional Development:**
- **Participate in Professional Organizations:**
- Join professional organizations such as the ACVR and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to network with peers and stay updated about industry trends.
By adhering to these steps and remaining dedicated to your objective, you can carve out a successful career as a veterinary radiologist.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Sophie, your aspiration to become a veterinary radiologist is a commendable career choice, but it requires meticulous planning and a commitment to your education and career growth. As a 15-year-old in the 10th grade, you have plenty of time to map out your journey towards this profession and build a strong foundation for your future success. It's completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed or uncertain about the process, especially given the suggestion you've received to start at a community college before moving on to a four-year university.
The journey to becoming a veterinary radiologist involves a structured educational route that encompasses both undergraduate and graduate studies. Starting your education at a community college could be a cost-efficient way to cover general education requirements and some prerequisite courses. However, it's crucial to make sure that these courses will be accepted by the four-year university where you plan to earn your bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Once you've earned your associate degree from a community college, you'll need to transition to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree. While you have some leeway in choosing a major at the undergraduate level, it's recommended to pick a major that meets the prerequisites for veterinary school. Typical majors for future veterinarians include biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies, as these programs usually include the necessary coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics needed for veterinary school admission.
After obtaining your bachelor's degree, the next step is to secure a spot in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Veterinary school is notably competitive, so maintaining excellent academic performance, gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work, and preparing for the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) are crucial.
Upon earning your DVM degree, Sophie, you'll need to finish a veterinary radiology residency program accredited by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR). These residency programs generally last three to four years and provide intensive training in diagnostic imaging techniques, interpretation of radiographic images, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other advanced imaging modalities used in veterinary medicine.
Finally, Sophie, to become a board-certified veterinary radiologist, you'll need to pass the certification examination administered by the ACVR. Achieving board certification validates your skills and proficiency in veterinary radiology and paves the way for job opportunities in academic institutions, private practices, research facilities, and veterinary hospitals.
In a nutshell, Sophie, the path to becoming a veterinary radiologist includes earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, obtaining a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, completing a residency program in veterinary radiology, and achieving board certification through the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR). While starting at a community college can be a cost-effective way to cover prerequisite coursework, it's vital to ensure that your courses will be accepted by a four-year university offering a bachelor's degree in a relevant major. With diligent planning, dedication, and persistence, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a veterinary radiologist and make a significant impact in the field of veterinary medicine.
The journey to becoming a veterinary radiologist involves a structured educational route that encompasses both undergraduate and graduate studies. Starting your education at a community college could be a cost-efficient way to cover general education requirements and some prerequisite courses. However, it's crucial to make sure that these courses will be accepted by the four-year university where you plan to earn your bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Once you've earned your associate degree from a community college, you'll need to transition to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree. While you have some leeway in choosing a major at the undergraduate level, it's recommended to pick a major that meets the prerequisites for veterinary school. Typical majors for future veterinarians include biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies, as these programs usually include the necessary coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics needed for veterinary school admission.
After obtaining your bachelor's degree, the next step is to secure a spot in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Veterinary school is notably competitive, so maintaining excellent academic performance, gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work, and preparing for the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) are crucial.
Upon earning your DVM degree, Sophie, you'll need to finish a veterinary radiology residency program accredited by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR). These residency programs generally last three to four years and provide intensive training in diagnostic imaging techniques, interpretation of radiographic images, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other advanced imaging modalities used in veterinary medicine.
Finally, Sophie, to become a board-certified veterinary radiologist, you'll need to pass the certification examination administered by the ACVR. Achieving board certification validates your skills and proficiency in veterinary radiology and paves the way for job opportunities in academic institutions, private practices, research facilities, and veterinary hospitals.
In a nutshell, Sophie, the path to becoming a veterinary radiologist includes earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, obtaining a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, completing a residency program in veterinary radiology, and achieving board certification through the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR). While starting at a community college can be a cost-effective way to cover prerequisite coursework, it's vital to ensure that your courses will be accepted by a four-year university offering a bachelor's degree in a relevant major. With diligent planning, dedication, and persistence, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a veterinary radiologist and make a significant impact in the field of veterinary medicine.
Jerrell Bryant
Web Design/ Front End Web Development
1
Answer
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Jerrell’s Answer
Hello! It's fantastic that you're setting your sights on becoming a veterinary radiologist at such a young age. Your ambition is admirable. Here are suggestions to help guide you to achieve your goal.
Firstly, pursuing an education in veterinary radiology requires dedication and a solid educational foundation.
Focus on excelling in your high school coursework, particularly in AP science and math. These will be essential for your future studies in college. Additionally, consider volunteering to gain experience in animal care settings to strengthen your understanding of veterinary medicine. Even if work the front desk at a veterinarian's office you'll have access to the veterinarian to ask questions and exposure to the day-to-day of a vet.
After completing high school, you have the option to attend a community college first and then enroll in a four-year university for your undergraduate studies. Both paths can lead to success, but community college may offer a more affordable option to complete your general education requirements. While there, you can major in transferable courses such as Algebra and English 101, and get exposure to courses such as biology, pre-veterinary studies, or radiologic technology.
Once you've completed your associate degree or earned enough credits at the community college, you can transfer to a four-year university to complete your bachelor's degree. Look for universities with strong veterinary programs or those that offer pre-veterinary tracks.
After earning your bachelor's degree, the next step is to apply to veterinary school. Admission to veterinary programs is highly competitive, so maintain a strong academic record and gain relevant experience through internships, research, or veterinary clinics. Veterinary schools typically require prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences.
Upon completing veterinary school and obtaining your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, you can pursue a specialization in veterinary radiology. This often involves completing a residency program in veterinary radiology, which can take several years of additional training under the guidance of experienced radiologists; which is worth it to obtain your dream!
Once you've completed your residency, you may choose to become board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) or a similar organization. Board certification demonstrates your expertise in veterinary radiology and can enhance your career opportunities.
Regarding finances, I highly recommend exploring scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of your education. I Research scholarships available through foundations and government agencies that can assist you with tuition and other expenses. Additionally, consider part-time work or internships in the veterinary field to gain practical experience and potentially earn income to support your studies.
Keep your passion for veterinary medicine alive, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors or professionals in the field. Best of luck on your journey! You've got this!
Firstly, pursuing an education in veterinary radiology requires dedication and a solid educational foundation.
Focus on excelling in your high school coursework, particularly in AP science and math. These will be essential for your future studies in college. Additionally, consider volunteering to gain experience in animal care settings to strengthen your understanding of veterinary medicine. Even if work the front desk at a veterinarian's office you'll have access to the veterinarian to ask questions and exposure to the day-to-day of a vet.
After completing high school, you have the option to attend a community college first and then enroll in a four-year university for your undergraduate studies. Both paths can lead to success, but community college may offer a more affordable option to complete your general education requirements. While there, you can major in transferable courses such as Algebra and English 101, and get exposure to courses such as biology, pre-veterinary studies, or radiologic technology.
Once you've completed your associate degree or earned enough credits at the community college, you can transfer to a four-year university to complete your bachelor's degree. Look for universities with strong veterinary programs or those that offer pre-veterinary tracks.
After earning your bachelor's degree, the next step is to apply to veterinary school. Admission to veterinary programs is highly competitive, so maintain a strong academic record and gain relevant experience through internships, research, or veterinary clinics. Veterinary schools typically require prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences.
Upon completing veterinary school and obtaining your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, you can pursue a specialization in veterinary radiology. This often involves completing a residency program in veterinary radiology, which can take several years of additional training under the guidance of experienced radiologists; which is worth it to obtain your dream!
Once you've completed your residency, you may choose to become board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) or a similar organization. Board certification demonstrates your expertise in veterinary radiology and can enhance your career opportunities.
Regarding finances, I highly recommend exploring scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of your education. I Research scholarships available through foundations and government agencies that can assist you with tuition and other expenses. Additionally, consider part-time work or internships in the veterinary field to gain practical experience and potentially earn income to support your studies.
Keep your passion for veterinary medicine alive, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors or professionals in the field. Best of luck on your journey! You've got this!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1921
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sophie !
In high school and college you may want to get experience by doing volunteer work with animals. Community college is college and it is perfectly fine to start out at a Community College and obtain an Associates Degree. Then you can transfer to a four year college for your Bachelors Degree. It is not necessary to major in pre-vet or science to get into veterinarian school, but I would advise choosing a science major like biology or chemistry or any animal science major that an undergraduate college offers. You will than go to Veterinarian School because to do radiology, you will have to be a Veterinarian. That will be four years and you would also go for a residency in Radiology. So to start the career it would be a total of 8 - 10 years of schooling and training.
First decide where you'd want to attend for the two year college at which you'd get your Associates Degree. In Maryland, the following colleges are ones that you may consider attending to continue on for your Bachelors Degree. These colleges have an Animal Science major that you could get your Bachelors Degree in and would be good for Veterinary School : University of Maryland at College Park, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Salisbury University in Salisbury, Towson University in Towson and University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore. You will need to read all of their websites and make a decision about which one you'd like to go to. No one can choose a college for you. It will be up to you to research, read up on and choose one that you believe would be a good fit for you. It is also good to visit as many campuses in person or look at their videos on You Tube, too. As for the community colleges (the two year schools for your Associates Degree) there are 26 to choose from and you can explore these schools at https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges-near/maryland/upper-marlboro/community-colleges/
Just in case you mean that you want to be a Veterinary Technician and not a Veterinarian, here is a link that will explain everything about that for you. You would need an Associates Degree, specialized training and special certificates and than become licensed, registered or certified based on what your State requires. You can read all about it here : https://www.bestcolleges.com/veterinary/veterinary-technician/how-to-become-a-veterinary-technician/
Some colleges for a Bachelors Degree that are good for Veterinary Technician studies can be found here:
https://www.neit.edu/blog/best-colleges-for-vet-tech
As you see, all the information that you'd need is right at your fingertips online. You will come to a decision after you compare and learn more about exactly what you want to do and where you want to attend college. You have plenty of time to explore and this is a great time to learn all about your future career and plans.
I wish you all the best !
In high school and college you may want to get experience by doing volunteer work with animals. Community college is college and it is perfectly fine to start out at a Community College and obtain an Associates Degree. Then you can transfer to a four year college for your Bachelors Degree. It is not necessary to major in pre-vet or science to get into veterinarian school, but I would advise choosing a science major like biology or chemistry or any animal science major that an undergraduate college offers. You will than go to Veterinarian School because to do radiology, you will have to be a Veterinarian. That will be four years and you would also go for a residency in Radiology. So to start the career it would be a total of 8 - 10 years of schooling and training.
First decide where you'd want to attend for the two year college at which you'd get your Associates Degree. In Maryland, the following colleges are ones that you may consider attending to continue on for your Bachelors Degree. These colleges have an Animal Science major that you could get your Bachelors Degree in and would be good for Veterinary School : University of Maryland at College Park, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Salisbury University in Salisbury, Towson University in Towson and University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore. You will need to read all of their websites and make a decision about which one you'd like to go to. No one can choose a college for you. It will be up to you to research, read up on and choose one that you believe would be a good fit for you. It is also good to visit as many campuses in person or look at their videos on You Tube, too. As for the community colleges (the two year schools for your Associates Degree) there are 26 to choose from and you can explore these schools at https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges-near/maryland/upper-marlboro/community-colleges/
Just in case you mean that you want to be a Veterinary Technician and not a Veterinarian, here is a link that will explain everything about that for you. You would need an Associates Degree, specialized training and special certificates and than become licensed, registered or certified based on what your State requires. You can read all about it here : https://www.bestcolleges.com/veterinary/veterinary-technician/how-to-become-a-veterinary-technician/
Some colleges for a Bachelors Degree that are good for Veterinary Technician studies can be found here:
https://www.neit.edu/blog/best-colleges-for-vet-tech
As you see, all the information that you'd need is right at your fingertips online. You will come to a decision after you compare and learn more about exactly what you want to do and where you want to attend college. You have plenty of time to explore and this is a great time to learn all about your future career and plans.
I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much, Michelle!
ian villebrun
Correctional specialist
115
Answers
Mountain Iron, Minnesota
Updated
ian’s Answer
To become a veterinary radiologist, you need to12:
Earn your bachelor's degree in biological or natural sciences.
Receive on-the-job experience in animal care or research.
Take the MCAT and enroll in veterinary school to earn your DVM degree.
Complete a post-doctoral residency program in animal radiology.
Pass the American College of Veterinary Radiologists exam to become a certified veterinary radiologist
Earn your bachelor's degree in biological or natural sciences.
Receive on-the-job experience in animal care or research.
Take the MCAT and enroll in veterinary school to earn your DVM degree.
Complete a post-doctoral residency program in animal radiology.
Pass the American College of Veterinary Radiologists exam to become a certified veterinary radiologist
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
353
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Sophie, I commend your career clarity at such a young age. The American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) lays out all the steps from high school to become a veterinary radiologist (see link below).
Since you will have to go to veterinary school (see links for highly rated programs below), you could go anywhere you want for undergrad. ACVR recommends majoring in animal science, biological science, or a related discipline. As long as you complete the prerequisite courses, you could major in whatever you want.
Attending community college is less expensive, but there may be challenges. For example, you will need to be sure whatever college you eventually attend will accept all the credits. Otherwise, you might have to retake courses. Also, it may be more difficult to adjust to college life as a transfer student than as a first-year student. But I understand that budget may be an issue since you will be in school for a while.
Good luck!
Read ACVR article - https://acvr.org/who-we-are/diplomate-accreditation/#:~:text=The%20requirements%20for%20ACVR%20certification,a%20board%2Dcertified%20ACVR%20radiologist.
See highly-rated programs - https://www.vettechcolleges.com/blog/top-veterinary-radiology-programs
Since you will have to go to veterinary school (see links for highly rated programs below), you could go anywhere you want for undergrad. ACVR recommends majoring in animal science, biological science, or a related discipline. As long as you complete the prerequisite courses, you could major in whatever you want.
Attending community college is less expensive, but there may be challenges. For example, you will need to be sure whatever college you eventually attend will accept all the credits. Otherwise, you might have to retake courses. Also, it may be more difficult to adjust to college life as a transfer student than as a first-year student. But I understand that budget may be an issue since you will be in school for a while.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Nirah Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM
Senior leader in laboratory animal science, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance
63
Answers
Updated
Nirah’s Answer
Hi, Sophie.
That’s a very specific ambition. While there are veterinary radiologists, just as there are human radiologists, it is not a very common specialty. In general, the only place where you would be able to pursue a career as a veterinarian who just does radiology would be in a large Veterinary Hospital or as an instructor at a college veterinary medicine.
The steps would be very similar to being a human radiologist, only instead of medical school you would go to Veterinary school. If you want to include community college in your pathway you could do that, but while it might save you money in the short term, it might make it more difficult for you to get into vet school.
Community colleges usually only offer a two-year degree, also known as an associates degree. Regular colleges and universities offer a four-year degree, also known as a bachelors degree. A bachelors degree is a prerequisite to get into Veterinary school. Vet school lasts an additional four years after you finish your bachelors degree. Once you complete Veterinary school, you would need to complete an additional period of time (minimum 3 years) as a resident in a radiology program. At the end of that., you need to sit for the board certification exam administered by the American College of veterinary radiology. Once you pass that exam, you are considered a board certified radiologist. During the three year residency, although you are still learning, you are not paying tuition. Instead, you are paid a salary that is not as high as what you could get paid in private practice as a general veterinarian. It's typically more than enough to live on, but not necessarily enough to easily start paying off all of your student loans. Figures vary a lot depending on your location, but typical residency stipends are 40 to 70 K per year, versus about 100 K for newly graduating veterinarians going into practice.
To sum up, from the time you graduate from high school it will be a minimum of 12 years before you could achieve the goal of becoming a veterinary radiologist.
At that point, you should command a salary at least 50% higher than that of a normal veterinarian (but will have lost out on a total of about 150k of salary from being a resident instead of going right to work as a vet). You might also have significant opportunity for flexible work life balance and working from home, as so much of what radiologist do involves viewing and interpreting images on a screen. However, Veterinary radiologists do also need to work hands on with animals in order to Anesthetize them, administer contrast agent, and position them for imaging techniques. These techniques are not limited to just radiographs these days, they also include technique such as MRI, PET scan, ultrasound, etc.
Moving back to the issue of community college, the reason I said it might make it harder to get into Veterinary school is that Veterinary school is very competitive. In general, your chances of being accepted are higher if you’ve not only done well in school but have gone to a very competitive undergraduate program. Community colleges are not at all competitive. They are indeed a cheap way to take some of the basic classes, and many people do well by taking the first two years in community college and then transferring to a four year school. However, competitive four-year schools are not particularly eager to take people in for just the last two years, and you don’t have a very good chance of getting accepted to a top-tier undergraduate program . A better approach would be to take as many advanced placement classes as you can while in high school. These will count towards the requirements for your undergraduate degree, and could let you skip some of the basic classes in college, and take more interesting higher level classes in college instead. This will make you more competitive for getting into Veterinary school.
That’s a very specific ambition. While there are veterinary radiologists, just as there are human radiologists, it is not a very common specialty. In general, the only place where you would be able to pursue a career as a veterinarian who just does radiology would be in a large Veterinary Hospital or as an instructor at a college veterinary medicine.
The steps would be very similar to being a human radiologist, only instead of medical school you would go to Veterinary school. If you want to include community college in your pathway you could do that, but while it might save you money in the short term, it might make it more difficult for you to get into vet school.
Community colleges usually only offer a two-year degree, also known as an associates degree. Regular colleges and universities offer a four-year degree, also known as a bachelors degree. A bachelors degree is a prerequisite to get into Veterinary school. Vet school lasts an additional four years after you finish your bachelors degree. Once you complete Veterinary school, you would need to complete an additional period of time (minimum 3 years) as a resident in a radiology program. At the end of that., you need to sit for the board certification exam administered by the American College of veterinary radiology. Once you pass that exam, you are considered a board certified radiologist. During the three year residency, although you are still learning, you are not paying tuition. Instead, you are paid a salary that is not as high as what you could get paid in private practice as a general veterinarian. It's typically more than enough to live on, but not necessarily enough to easily start paying off all of your student loans. Figures vary a lot depending on your location, but typical residency stipends are 40 to 70 K per year, versus about 100 K for newly graduating veterinarians going into practice.
To sum up, from the time you graduate from high school it will be a minimum of 12 years before you could achieve the goal of becoming a veterinary radiologist.
At that point, you should command a salary at least 50% higher than that of a normal veterinarian (but will have lost out on a total of about 150k of salary from being a resident instead of going right to work as a vet). You might also have significant opportunity for flexible work life balance and working from home, as so much of what radiologist do involves viewing and interpreting images on a screen. However, Veterinary radiologists do also need to work hands on with animals in order to Anesthetize them, administer contrast agent, and position them for imaging techniques. These techniques are not limited to just radiographs these days, they also include technique such as MRI, PET scan, ultrasound, etc.
Moving back to the issue of community college, the reason I said it might make it harder to get into Veterinary school is that Veterinary school is very competitive. In general, your chances of being accepted are higher if you’ve not only done well in school but have gone to a very competitive undergraduate program. Community colleges are not at all competitive. They are indeed a cheap way to take some of the basic classes, and many people do well by taking the first two years in community college and then transferring to a four year school. However, competitive four-year schools are not particularly eager to take people in for just the last two years, and you don’t have a very good chance of getting accepted to a top-tier undergraduate program . A better approach would be to take as many advanced placement classes as you can while in high school. These will count towards the requirements for your undergraduate degree, and could let you skip some of the basic classes in college, and take more interesting higher level classes in college instead. This will make you more competitive for getting into Veterinary school.