Radiologists use X-rays and other imaging technology for patient diagnosis.
Radiologists are medical doctors who prevent, diagnose and treat diseases with the use of sound waves, X-rays and other special instruments that produce images of the body's internal organs. They combine their findings with other tests and examinations to determine the best course of patient care. Radiologists must undergo the same education and training required of all medical doctors, regardless of specialty: bachelor's degree, medical school and residency.
Bachelor's Degree
Future medical doctors specializing in radiology are required to earn a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Most pre-med students major in chemistry or biology, although a science major is not required. Students are allowed to major in any subject they choose, as long as they maintain high grades and complete certain prerequisite courses for medical school admission. Medical schools require new students to have take classes in physics, biology, behavioral science, English composition, mathematics and chemistry.
MCAT
Pre-med students typically sit for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) during their junior year of college. Students are tested in four areas: physical sciences, biological sciences, verbal reasoning and writing. Among other factors, medical schools use MCAT scores when determining student admission.
Medical School
All aspiring medical doctors, including those who will specialize in radiology, are required to attend a four-year medical school program accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The first two years of medical school are spent completing coursework in biochemistry, anatomy, genetics, law and ethics, behavioral science, physiology, nutrition, medical microbiology, pathology, human sexuality, preventive medicine and pharmacology. During the latter years of medical school, students practice supervised patient care in rotating specialties, including pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, family medicine, internal medicine and surgery.
Toward the end of the medical school program, students also receive eduction and training specific to their intended specialty. According to Education-portal.com, future radiologists will take courses in X-ray, computed tomography, MRI and fMRI, diagnosis and treatment using radioactive compounds, and fluoroscopy.
Licensing
Medical school graduates are required to pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination to become licensed doctors.
Residency
Upon graduating from medical school, doctors are required to become hospital residents for the purpose of gaining additional training and experience in their chosen specialty. Radiology residencies typically last between three and six years; residents are paid a small salary to diagnose and treat patients under the close supervision of an attending licensed radiologist.
Board Certification
At the close of their residency, medical doctors specializing in radiology must pass the board certification examination offered by the American Board of Radiology. After earning initial board certification, radiologists often earn additional certifications in radiology sub-specialties, including breast-imaging specialist, cardiovascular radiologist, computed tomography, diagnostic radiography, emergency radiology and genitourinary radiology.
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