Are you interested in the medical field? If you are passionate about health, you may wonder, “How can I become a radiologist?”
Radiology is an incredible career that lets you look at x-ray images all day. Want to see pictures of someone with a willy scratching? You got it.
Are you interested in seeing pictures of someone’s broken toe? You can do that too!
Radiologists perform an essential service for the medical field and patients. But how does one become a radiologist? Keep reading this article for a complete guide on entering the area.
Acquire a Bachelor’s Degree
If you want to become a radiologist, earning a bachelor’s degree is essential. Even though some imaging technicians don’t need to hold a degree, being a radiologist requires you to complete postsecondary education.
Generally, the most successful radiologists hold either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in areas such as:
- Biology
- Medicine
- Chemistry
- Physiology
- Radiation Technology
During your degree, you will get an understanding of anatomy, physics, and the different types of imaging techniques. This foundation is beneficial in acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to be successful as a radiologist.
Ensuring the university offering your degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is essential. To pursue these radiologist careers, read more on Radiology CE courses.
Medical School
During medical school, you will learn about human anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine and then focus on your studies. After graduation, you will need to complete a residency program in radiology.
This is a period of supervised training, usually lasting four years. You will expand your knowledge base and gain expertise in the diagnosis.
You will know the management of diseases and conditions utilizing imaging technology. Finally, some states may require the completion of a certification exam to practice as a radiologist.
Fellowship
To become a Radiologist, a fellowship is often necessary. Individuals must have a medical degree from an accredited institution or a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from an AOA-approved college. From there, four years of an ACGME-accredited residency is needed before a Radiology Fellowship can begin.
The Radiology Fellowship then takes one to two years of extensive clinical, educational, and research training covering various topics and up-to-date technology.
They provide a broad base of knowledge to draw upon when diagnosing patients. After passing all required exams, fellows are ready to enter the world and start practicing as radiologists.
Licensure and Certifications
A prospective radiologist must get a state medical license and certification from the American Board of Radiology or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology. The licensure process will involve the following:
- Passing a set of exams
- Gaining experience in radiology
- Meeting other state licensing criteria
Radiologists may opt to pursue additional certification and career development activities. It is to stay current with their field’s latest technologies and research. It is essential to keep up-to-date with radiology and healthcare regulations.
Pursue to Become a Radiologist
To become a Radiologist, one must have a Bachelor’s degree, complete medical school, take part in a residency program, and get a license. You can take the necessary steps to become a successful Radiologist by researching the various educational and certification requirements.
Start today and take the first step toward a career in Radiology!
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