Radiologists must stay current with their specialty.
Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the field of radiology. They are trained to interpret x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography scans to diagnose and treat illnesses and medical conditions. After medical school, radiologists complete a residency before they become certified by the American Board of Radiology. Certified and licensed radiologists have completed a minimum of 13 years of education.
Pre-Medical School
Many radiologists will complete a Pre-Medical Bachelor of Science before entering medical school. The bachelor's degree is a four-year program. It is not required to major in pre-medical sciences; however it is helpful for gaining admission to a medical school. According to DegreeDirectory.org, mastering the subjects that are covered on the Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT, is more important. The MCAT is taken during the junior year of a bachelor's program.
Undergraduate Medical School
Medical school is a four-year program. The first two years consist of classroom and laboratory learning. You will study anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology and pathology. The second two years of your undergraduate medical studies consists of working with patients, families, doctors and medical staff in clinical rotations. Upon completion of the four-year program, you are awarded an M.D. degree.
Residency
Your graduate medical education or residency will consist of five years of clinical training and experience. The first year you will spend in a non-radiology residency. The final four years are in a radiology residency. A one-year internship may be required before beginning your residency. During this time you will have the option of pursuing sub-specialties in the field of radiology, such as nuclear or pediatric radiology, which may require additional time in residency.
Certification
Licensing and certification is the fourth phase of becoming a radiologist. State medical licensing boards require you to pass the three-step United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This consists of three examinations, the first two of which you will take while you are in medical school. The third exam is taken during your first year of residency. Certification in diagnostic radiology or any of its sub-specialties is earned by passing the initial qualifying and oral examinations given by the American Board of Radiology.
Tags: four-year program, medical school, American Board, American Board Radiology, Board Radiology, field radiology, first year
