Radiology board certification demonstrates a radiologist's competence.
Radiology board certification, also known as American Board of Radiology (ABR) certification or ABR certification, is a document that approves a radiologist to practice in a particular field. The ABR grants certificates in radiologic physics, radiation oncology, diagnostic radiology and other specialties. You must be certified by the radiology board being issued a state practicing license.
Radiology Certification
The American Board of Radiology is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Radiologists certified by the ABR can specialize in one or more areas, including musculoskeletal radiology, pediatric radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear radiology, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, head and neck radiology, genitourinary radiology, gastrointestinal radiology, emergency radiology, chest radiology and cardiovascular radiology.
Purpose of the Certification
The purpose of the radiology board certification process is to assess a radiologist for competence. A radiologist is a specialized physician trained in deciphering medical images that are obtained by X-rays. All radiologists, after graduating from accredited medical schools, must pass the ABR certification, perform one year of internship and complete a minimum of four years residency (graduate medical education) in radiology before they enter fellowship programs and specialize in one or multiple areas of radiology.
History of the Radiology Board
According to William Hare in the book "Medico-Legal Radiology," the concept that led to the formation of the ABR centered around the need for a uniform licensing standard across the United States. The directives of the board were formalized by its five founding member organizations, and the board came into being in 1934.
Radiology Certification Test
As of July 2010, ABR certification is conducted by Pearson VUE. The multiple-choice test is computer-based. Candidates must be declared eligible to take the test by the ABR process before they schedule a testing appointment with Pearson VUE (either online or by telephone). Candidates are notified by the board of their eligibility to sit for the test and required to pay all processing and authorization fees. After their registry, candidates are notified of their test date, test center and directions to the center by a confirmation letter.
Board Certification Types
The ABR offers two types of certification: initial and maintenance. All certificates issued by the ABR have a 10-year life, after which they must be renewed. Certificates can be verified by fax or mail requests, along with verification payment, the practitioner's name and signed release forms.
Tags: American Board, American Board Radiology, before they, Board Certification, board certification, Board Radiology
