Diagnostic imaging tests produce pictures of the body and include procedures like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computer tomography and sonograms. Radiology physicians specialize in studying the images produced by these tests, using them to diagnose medical conditions. Entry into the field of radiology requires both state licensing and certification through the American Board of Radiology. The professional credentials necessary to work as a radiology each require completion of specific college requirements.
Undergraduate Education
Those wanting to become a radiology doctor must complete state licensing as a physician, which requires completing medical school first. Admission to these graduate-level schools requires applicants to complete at least three years of undergraduate course work at a regionally accredited college or university.
Admission to medical school is extremely competitive; nationwide, only 50 percent of applicants gain an invitation to enroll in a program, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Due to the high degree of selectivity among medical schools, the majority of applicants choose to earn full, four-year bachelor's degrees prior to applying. Prospective radiologists can pursue a degree in any major, provided they fulfill the prerequisite course work mandated by the schools to which they intend to apply. Most schools require classes in chemistry, physics, biology, social sciences, mathematics and humanities.
Medical School
Students who receive admission to medical school spend four years completing the requirements for a Medical Doctor degree. For the required state licensing necessary to become a radiologist, physicians must typically select a medical school that has accreditation through the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. As of January 2011, 133 schools in the United States have this approval. Programs at accredited medical schools combine two years of didactic or classroom-based education with two years of clinical internships. Prospective radiologists gain exposure to a variety of fields of medicine during these internships, including obstetrics, general surgery and pediatrics.
Initial Residency
After passing the necessary state examinations to gain general physician licensing, prospective radiologists begin completing the college residency requirements for American Board of Radiology Certification. The residency program must carry the accreditation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. As of January 2011, more than 180 colleges and medical centers offer such programs.
Radiology residencies last for four years. Prior to entering the radiology programs, physicians have the option to spend one year receiving training in any field of general medicine like pediatrics or internal medicine. After completing the college residency, physicians take an examination to obtain board certification in general diagnostic radiology.
Subspecialties
General certification is all that is necessary to work as a standard radiology doctor, but some professionals choose to further specialize in the field. These professionals must complete a college fellowship program in their chosen subspecialty that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. These programs generally last one to two years.
Subspecialties for radiology doctors include neuroradiology, which deals with images of the brain; nuclear radiology, which involves test that make use of special medications to improve the images created; and pediatric radiology. After finishing their fellowships, radiologists take one final certification exam through the American Board of Radiography.
Tags: American Board, Medical Education, medical school, state licensing, Accreditation Council
