Radiologists use X-ray machines and other equipment for diagnosing patients.
Radiologists are physicians who use X-ray machines, radioactive substances and imaging equipment to diagnose patients, according to Education-Portal.com. Radiologists also can perform procedures including catheter insertions and angioplasties using radiologic images and additionally can treat patients who have diseases, such as cancer using radiation. Becoming a radiologist requires at least 12 years of schooling beyond high school.
Undergraduate Degree
Radiologists usually must first become licensed physicians before studying the specialized field of radiology. This involves completing four years of medical school. Students who want to enter medical school should complete bachelor's degree programs that include at least 90 semester-hours of chemistry, biology and related fields. To get into a bachelor's degree program, students need a high school diploma or GED. Aspiring radiologists in high school should take courses on science topics, such as biology, chemistry, calculus and physics.
Medical School
Getting into medical school is very competitive. Aspiring radiologists usually must submit their transcripts and letters of recommendation, go through an interview process and submit competitive Medical College Admission Test scores, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Students should look for medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. They usually need to earn a Doctor of Medicine, or M.D., to be eligible for most radiology residency programs. Students usually begin to apply to resident training programs at medical universities toward the end of their medical school training.
Residency
Aspiring radiologists spend four to five years in a residency, which includes lectures and hands-on experience opportunities. They learn to work with ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans. In addition, they study diseases and treatment methods. After finishing their residency, individuals also can specialize in various areas, such as diagnostic, pediatric or nuclear medicine radiology. They can receive training in these specific areas through post-graduate radiology specialization programs available at medical universities.
Licensing
After completing a radiology training program, individuals can seek certification by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR). The ABR certifies professionals in several types of radiology practices and specializations. Meanwhile, the AOBR provides certification opportunities in oncology radiation and diagnostic radiology for those specifically trained in osteopathic medicine. All medical doctors also must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination after medical school to be licensed to practice in all states.
Outlook
Employment of physicians, which include radiologists, is expected to increase 22 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the BLS. This can be attributed to the fact that the aging population is growing, sparking a need for radiologists who can diagnose health problems such as cancer, according to CollegeBoard.com. The average salary of a radiologist in 2010 was $114,000, according to Indeed.com.
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