How to become a radiologist

If you want to serve patients by accurately diagnosing their conditions, then a career in radiology may appeal to you. Radiology has become a staple of the medical profession and radiologists are in high demand. Becoming a radiologist requires a high level of dedication, study, and hands-on experience.

What is a radiologist?

Radiologists use medical imaging techniques, such as X-rays, to diagnose illness and injury. They work with various diseases in patients of all ages. Unlike other doctors, they get to diagnose and solve problems, without the responsibility of continuous patient care.
Radiologists are like detectives – this role tends to suit individuals with a curious disposition and an eye for noticing abnormalities.

» Read: How to become an X-ray technician 

7 steps to become a radiologist

Becoming a radiologist takes time – more than 12 years, on average. But the payoff can be considerable for those willing to commit to the role. Radiologists are well-compensated and in demand. Read on to learn more about the field, and the necessary steps to become a radiologist.

Step 1 – Earn an undergraduate degree

The road to becoming a radiologist typically begins with a 4-year bachelor’s degree. While this qualification is necessary, it’s not mandatory to major in radiology, and most related fields – such as biology, chemistry, physics, or math – tend to be good choices.

» Read: What is STEM?

One of the many options available at this level is the bachelor of applied sciences in radiology or diagnostic radiography.

The program provides valuable know-how in different types of clinical imaging such as:

• computed tomography (CT)
• bone densitometry (BD)
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• vascular radiography (VI)
• diagnostic medical sonography (DMS)

A bachelor’s degree is the first step on a long path to becoming a radiologist. For those who would like to enter the radiology field but do not want to be radiologists, there are jobs available to them on completion of their undergraduate degree. For example:

Step 2 – Pass the medical college admission test (MCAT)

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) oversees, manages, and develops the MCAT – a standardized 8-hour multiple-choice test that students need to pass to become eligible for medical schools.

The MCAT includes questions related to 4 different areas:

• chemical and physical foundations of biological systems
• biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
• critical analysis and reasoning skills
• psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior

The assessed content is included in introductory courses offered by most universities or colleges, covering topics such as general and organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology.

Step 3 – Get into medical school

Once you have successfully passed the MCAT, it’s time to take the next step of your journey towards becoming a radiologist – enrolling in medical school. Be sure to carefully evaluate your options and considering factors such as location, prerequisites, and accreditation.

Also decide whether you would like to become a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Both options offer the possibility of becoming a radiologist. The main difference is that D.O.s graduate from osteopathic medical schools, while M.D.s attend conventional medical schools.

The most important accreditation institutions in the U.S. are The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) – which accredits schools that offer M.D. degrees, and The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation – for schools that grant D.O.s.

The prerequisites for entering medical school usually include:

• a minimum MCAT result (each university decides what scores are acceptable)
• 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or above
• bachelor of science degree
• letters of recommendation

Applicants are not required to have a solid background in radiology, although previous hands-on lab experience is considered a plus.

Step 4 – Attend medical school

Medical school typically takes 4 years to complete. For the first 2 years, students study various courses that include the basics of medicine. During the second half of the program, they gain hands-on experience via clinical rotations. This involves working alongside experienced M.D.s or D.O.s to understand different pathologies and provide diagnosis and treatment solutions. Rotations usually take place in hospitals and clinics.

All students need to pass licensing exams, such as the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) board evaluation (for M.D. students), or for future D.O.s, the COMLEX exam.

USMLE administers 3 national board tests, also known as steps, before students can get their license. You need to complete the first 2 USMLE steps during medical school. Be prepared for challenging exams that may last for more than 8 hours. The COMLEX exams tend to be even longer, and include additional questions about osteopathic medicine topics.

Step 5 – Complete a radiology internship and residency

Typically, any student who wants to become a radiologist needs to complete a 1-year internship and 4 years of residency.

Interns, sometimes called first-year residents, can practice medicine if supervised by an experienced physician. After this, residents can start performing imaging procedures, interpreting contrast studies, coordinating therapeutic procedures, and working closely with other clinical personnel.

Most medical schools are not directly involved in the residency process, but can help with guidance and facilitating access to clinics and hospitals.

Step 6 – Get licensed and certified

Upon completion of a residency, students are licensed to practice as a radiologist, although most employers also require certification.

It is not mandatory to be certified in diagnostic radiology, yet most students tend to gain this additional credential. The American Board of Radiology (ABR) oversees and administers certification examinations nationwide.

There are 2 different computer-based exams to become board certified in radiology. These involve answering a series of questions over 2 consecutive days.

The core exam, testing essential concepts, can be taken after the third year of residency. The second exam, the certification exam, cannot be taken before passing the core exam and completion of the residency. Therefore, candidates usually sit this test during their first year as licensed radiologists.

(optional) Step 7 – Complete a fellowship in radiology

Although a fellowship in radiology is entirely optional, statistics show that more than 90% of newly licensed radiologists pursue this additional training. Most fellowships can be completed in a year, but complex fields require 2 years.

A fellowship enables graduates to specialize in a niche medical imaging field. As opposed to jumping straight into medical imaging work, fellows focus on a single topic and learn from mentors. This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with knowledgeable radiologists and gain hands-on expertise in specialties like:

• musculoskeletal radiology
• abdominal and cardiothoracic radiology
• nuclear radiology
• pediatric radiology
• endovascular surgical neuroradiology

What radiology roles are there aside from radiologist?

Two common positions are radiology technicians and radiology technologists. Both terms are used to describe professionals who perform diagnostic imaging procedures under a supervising radiologist. Usually, a radiology technologist has a more prominent role than a technician, determining how to improve the field by adopting more advanced imaging technology.

Other jobs to consider range from radiology nurses to radiology assistants who oversee radiological procedures and assess a patient’s medical requirements.

Further careers related to radiology include:

• radiation therapists
• nuclear medicine technologists
• ultrasound technicians
• magnetic resonance imaging technologists
• cardiovascular imaging technicians

Financial aid opportunities

For most students, paying for education represents a critical challenge. A straightforward way to tackle this is to apply for federal student support with FAFSA. Complete and submit the FAFSA form to find out whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Based on their appraisal, you may get a direct unsubsidized loan.

» Read: How to write an effective scholarship essay

There are also other means of funding available, depending on the school you choose and your overall financial status. One of the most convenient means to pay for your education is to apply for a scholarship.