Radiologists use specialized imaging equipment.
Radiologists are licensed doctors who use cutting-edge technology and imaging equipment such as MRI machines, CT scans, X-ray machines and computed tomography to diagnose and treat illnesses in their patients. After using their medical training and expertise to interpret complex images, radiologists collaborate with other physicians to determine the best course of patient care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that specialized doctors earn a median salary of $339,738 annually as of 2008.
Bachelor's Degree
Radiologists are required to undergo the same education and training as other physicians, beginning with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Popular pre-med majors include biology, chemistry or physics, but a science-related major is not required as long as students meet the basic academic requirements necessary for medical school admission. Students should take biology, physics, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, English and statistics. Courses in anatomy, physiology and microbiology are also recommended. In addition to completing the prerequisite coursework, undergraduate students planning to apply to medical school will need to sit for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Out of a possible score of 45, medical schools with competitive admissions expect applicants to earn a minimum score of 30. Other requirements include a GPA of "B" or better, letters of recommendation from professors, advisors or mentors and a personal essay.
Medical School
Radiologists are required to attend an accredited allopathic or osteopathic four-year medical school program. Allopathic medical schools confer graduates with a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree; osteopathic schools award graduates the title of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Either degree program will provide radiologists with the education and training necessary to have a successful medical career. All medical schools provide students with a similar curriculum; during the first two years, students receive classroom and lab instruction in medical laws and ethics, physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, psychology, pathology and microbiology. The final years of medical school are spent immersed in supervised clinical practice. Students apply their education and training to real-life patient care in various specialties including pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry.
Licensing
After obtaining an M.D. or D.O. degree, future radiologists are required to sit for a state-administered licensing exam. Examinees who pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) receive a legal license to dispense medical treatment.
Residency
Residency is the first opportunity radiologists have to focus solely on their specialty. Radiology residents work in a hospital under the direct supervision of licensed radiologists, observing, diagnosing and treating patients using various radiology methods and procedures. Radiology residencies typically last between two to four years, during which residents are paid a small salary. Residents have the option of choosing a sub-specialty within their field, including breast imaging specialist, cardiovascular radiologist, computed tomography, diagnostic radiology, emergency radiology and genitourinary radiology.
Board Certification
Following a radiology residency, physicians are required to become board certified in their specialty. Radiologists must pass a board certification exam administered by the American Board of Radiology, the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology, the American Board of Medical Specialists, or an equivalent certifying organization.
Tags: education training, medical schools, American Board, Board Radiology, Board Radiology American, computed tomography
