Radiology schooling can include onsite clinical learning.
Depending on the type of position in the field of radiology, aspiring radiologists and technologists are required to meet academic and certification requirements to perform their function. Training and education programs can range from one to five years.
Radiologists
Radiologists require specialized training in the acquisition and interpretation of medical images. As a radiologist, you will use medical imaging techniques and practices including x-rays, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance (MRI) to examine patients and collect medical history used to diagnose illness. You also take an active role in the treatment of diseases like cancer with minimally invasive image-guided surgery known as interventional radiology.
Graduate School Requirements
According to the Graduate School of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center, to be admitted into their graduation program for radiological sciences, you will have a bachelor's degree in natural sciences or engineering. Graduates in other studies should demonstrate sufficient science and mathematics coursework. Undergraduate credits should include biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. Testing requirements for admission include the GRE or TOEFL exams.
Diagnostic Radiologist Residency Requirements
To supplement the academic learning in undergraduate and graduate programs, a diagnostic radiologist participates in a residency program in order to learn in a clinical environment. This residency helps graduates prepare for certification through four years of on-site learning with practicing radiologists. Typically this is a four-year program, in which you will do rotations through various departments including nuclear medicine, pediatric radiology, angiography, and cardiac vascular imaging to acquire a well-rounded understanding of all aspects of radiology.
Radiologist Certification Requirements
To work as a diagnostic radiologist, you are required to become certified. Certification follows the undergraduate degree and postsecondary education in radiology through a school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and your residency. To sit for the diagnostic radiologist certification exam through the American Board of Radiology, aspiring radiologists must demonstrate at least four months studying nuclear medicine, three months studying mammography and other disciplines. Candidates should also possess one year of clinical training in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, or other specializations.
Radiologic Technologist
As a radiologic technologist, or radiographer, you take x-rays and administer nonradioactive materials through patient bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. You prepare patients for examinations, for example ensuring that they remove jewelry and other items that may impede the x-ray results. Radiologic technology training ranges in length from one to four years for an associate or bachelor degree; after this training, certification is required.
Radiology Technology School Requirements
For acceptance into a radiography program, students need to have a high school diploma or equivalent with coursework including biology, chemistry, and algebra. Some college coursework in biology and medical terminology or equivalent courses is desired. You will be required to complete a physical examination, drug testing, and a criminal background check.
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