Radiologists interpret X-rays and other images.
A medical doctor specializing in radiology is known as a radiologist. Radiologists provide medical reports and diagnoses by interpreting X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and other imaging and nuclear technology scans. Radiologists are trained to perform invasive tests like angiograms and work as a team with technicians, nurses and other physicians. Education for this specialty is extensive, requiring a minimum of 12 years of academic study and clinical training after high school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a doctor in radiology earned a median annual salary of about $340,000 in 2008.
Instructions
1. Prepare in high school for your career as a doctor in radiology. Take required and challenging pre-college courses in biology, math, chemistry, calculus and physics. Be proficient in English and learn additional languages. Volunteer at nearby hospitals and clinics.
2. Study the human sciences while getting your required bachelor's degree. Research potential medical schools during your last year of undergraduate studies.
3. Acquire your Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) from a four-year accredited medical school. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination after graduating from medical school. This is required in all states for physicians to practice medicine; each state has its own board and rules to be followed for licensure.
4. Select a four-year radiology residency program, which will focus on patient care, research and clinical training. Choose a sub-specialty area of focus, such as diagnostic radiology or nuclear medicine.
5. Select an optional one-year radiology fellowship program after completing your residency program. This provides additional training and certification in areas like interventional radiology or nuclear medicine. Complete a fellowship program at the same school as the radiology residency or select a more specialized school.
6. Pass the written and oral American Board of Radiology examinations to become a certified radiologist. Complete any certification requirements needed for your sub-specialty. Take continuing education programs as mandated to stay current with technology trends and to develop additional skills.
Tags: clinical training, doctor radiology, fellowship program, high school, medical school, nuclear medicine, radiology nuclear
