A radiologist is a medical professional who interprets medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, to assist in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. The path to becoming a radiologist can be challenging, but the rewards are significant, making the effort worthwhile.

Fortunately, the demand for radiologists is on the rise due to an aging population, presenting an excellent opportunity for those considering this career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologists rank as the eighth highest earners in the United States.

If you are interested in learning more about radiology, this informative blog will guide you through the seven steps to becoming a radiologist after completing high school. We will cover all pertinent information, so let’s get started!

What is a Radiologist?
A radiologist is a medical doctor specialized in interpreting medical images, a field known as radiology. When patients experience health issues, their physicians may order various imaging tests, including X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs.

It is the radiologist’s responsibility to analyze these test results to understand the patient’s condition and make accurate diagnoses. In many instances, radiologists collaborate with other medical professionals to develop treatment plans.

How to Become a Radiologist?

The journey to becoming a radiologist demands considerable patience and commitment, typically taking around 13 to 15 years. Here are the seven essential steps to pursue a career in radiology:

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Following high school, pursue a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline such as chemistry, biology, or anatomy.

While a specific science major is not mandatory for your radiology degree, it can be highly beneficial and significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to a prestigious medical school.

2. Prepare for Medical School

During your time at university, focus on preparing for medical school by studying for the MCAT or UCAT.

MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a computer-based examination designed for prospective medical students in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands. The exam has a total duration of 7 hours and 30 minutes and consists of four sections, each scored between 118 and 132, culminating in a maximum score of 528. A score exceeding 500 is considered standard.

UCAT: The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is another computer-based assessment, lasting approximately 2 hours. It comprises four cognitive tests along with one professional behavior assessment. The first four sections are scored on a scale from 300 to 900, while the fifth section is graded in bands from 1 to 4. A score above 680 is regarded as the standard benchmark. This test is widely recognized in the UK, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

3. Apply for Medical School

Prior to graduation, it is essential to carefully select your medical school. You will need to decide between an allopathic or osteopathic institution, as both pathways will ultimately lead you to a career as a radiologist.

4. Attend Medical School

To qualify as a radiologist, you must obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which generally requires four years of study. The initial two years are dedicated to classroom instruction, while the latter two years involve clinical rotations. During your MD program, it is crucial to take the medical licensing examination, as obtaining this license is necessary to practice medicine. Each country has its own licensing examination system; in the United States, it is the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), and in the United Kingdom, it is the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA).

5. Complete Your Residency

Even after obtaining your medical license, independent practice is not permitted until you complete a residency, which typically lasts between 4 to 5 years. In medical terminology, this internship is referred to as residency. Radiologists spend their first year gaining experience in medicine and surgery, followed by years focused on radiology. During residency, doctors have the opportunity to work in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms, where they interact with patients and receive compensation for their work.

6. Fellowship Program

Upon completing your residency, you are qualified to begin practicing. However, there exists a fellowship program that offers the opportunity for further training in a radiology subspecialty. While participation in this fellowship is not required, it can significantly enhance your expertise in the field of radiology.

Over 90% of radiologists pursue at least one fellowship, with many opting for two. These programs typically last one to two years.

Subspecialties available include:

– Musculoskeletal Radiology
– Neuroradiology
– Interventional Radiology

7. Achieve Board Certification

While obtaining a certification in radiology is not mandatory, it is a common requirement among employers. This certification process involves examinations that assess your knowledge in areas such as medicine and imaging techniques. The exam evaluates both your theoretical understanding and practical abilities.

Upon successfully passing this examination, you will receive board certification, qualifying you for positions as a radiologist. In the United States, there are two primary boards for radiology certification: the American Board of Radiology and the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology.