Radiologists spend years learning obtain and interpret medical images such as X-rays.
A radiologist receives special training in obtaining and interpreting medical images. These images are obtained using X-rays, sound waves and radioactive substances. Radiologists can specialize in emergency radiology, cardiovascular radiology and pediatric radiology, according to RadiologyInfo.org.
Duration
Generally, radiologists must complete 13 years of post-high school training. This training includes four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school and five years of postgraduate training, according to Medical News.
Training
Radiologists study radiobiology which focuses on the effects of radiation on living tissues. During the first postgraduate year usually involves various rotations with a preliminary internship in medicine or surgery. Following the completion of residency, radiologists either begin a practice or enter into a sub-specialty program, called a fellowship, for further training in fields including abdominal imaging, mammography and neuroradiology, according to Medical News.
Program Popularity
Radiology is one of the most competitive fields of medicine. Most applicants are usually at the top of their medical class with medical board test scores in the top 10th percentile, as Medical News states.
Tests
After completing a four-year residency in radiology, radiologists must pass a medical physics board examination that covers areas, such as X-rays, ultrasounds and nuclear medicine. The American Board of Radiology gives oral and written examinations. According to Medical News, two exams are administered to residents: one in the third year of residency; and the second exam given 18 months after that.
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