Radiologists must earn a degree in medicine to practice.
A radiologist receives special training in obtaining and interpreting medical images. These images can be collected using x-rays, radioactive substances or sound waves. Radiologists use medical images and other examinations and tests to recommend further testing to make a diagnosis. Furthermore, radiologists can treat diseases using radiation or minimally-invasive surgery, known as interventional radiation, according to RadiologyInfo.org.
Undergraduate Degree
Most radiologist physicians earn a bachelor's degree before going to medical school. Education requirements for an bachelor's degree vary by school. Most schools require about four years of study and completion of specific department requirements. Students aspiring to be radiologists should complete coursework in physics, mathematics and inorganic and organic chemistry, among others. In most cases, students earn a bachelor of science degree in a physical science, such as biology or chemistry.
Medical School
Radiologists must graduate from an accredited medical school and earn an medical doctor degree, a four-year program. Acceptance to medical school is competitive. Applicants must take and submit scores from the Medical College Admission Test. For the first two years of medical school, students spend most of their time in laboratories and taking classes such as microbiology and anatomy. They also learn take medical histories and diagnose illnesses. The last two years are spent in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of experienced physicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, physicians must also complete three to eight years of internships and residency. Residency is paid on-the-job training following medical school. Post-residency, radiologists can choose to enter a fellowship program or sub-specialize in an area of radiology, such as neuroradiology and cardiovascular radiology, according to RadiologyInfo.org.
Other Requirements
All states and the District of Columbia require radiologists to be licensed. Usually, radiologists are board certified, meaning they take and pass an examination. Then they are approved to practice medicine in their field by the American Board of Radiology for medical doctors or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology for osteopathic doctors. Radiologist physicians also must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination.
Due to the nature of the work environment, radiologist physicians should be able to work long hours under pressure and make decisions in emergency situations. Physicians should stay current with the latest technologies and advances in medicine, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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