Radiologists interpret medical images.
Radiology is a medical specialty in which you use images to diagnose and treat illnesses. Radiology involves the use of x-rays, although radiologists also use other kinds of imaging equipment. Because radiology is so important in reaching an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, radiologists must be well trained in producing and analyzing images.
Medical Classes
Radiologists, unlike radiology technicians or radiologist assistants, are trained medical doctors. Subsequently, they have to meet all the education requirements of their state licensing board. This includes getting an undergraduate degree. Any undergraduate degree is acceptable, but you should have basic medical-related classes like biology and chemistry. Ideally, your classes should be focused toward pre-medicine, in which case you'll also take classes like anatomy and chemistry. Once you have your undergraduate degree and are in medical school, you will take more advanced levels of these basic subjects, as well as classes like psychology and physiology. You will have clinical coursework in which you learn to work hands-on with patients.
Other Medical Courses
As a radiologist, as part of your medical training, you will take classes related to medicine but which do not relate to the clinical aspects of your job. These include courses like medical ethics, medical record keeping and technology and medical law (e.g., power of medical attorney).
Radiology-Specific Courses
Radiologists take courses specific to the field. In these types of courses you learn basics like protect yourself from harmful radiation and position patients for imaging. You also will take imaging classes that cover topics like exposure, magnification and analysis. Beyond this, specific coursework depends on the specialty of radiology you pursue. You may learn breast imaging, cardiovascular radiology, chest radiology, emergency radiology, gastrointestinal radiology, genitourinary radiology, head and neck radiology, musculo-skeletal radiology, neuro-radiology, pediatric radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear radiology, radiation oncology. Each of these specialties teaches you work with a specific area of the body or unique patient group.
Time to Become a Radiologist
The undergraduate work you will need to get into medical school usually takes four years, although some programs allow you to apply to medical school with just three years of your undergraduate complete. Medical school is an additional four years. After this you will need to complete your internships and residency training, which usually takes an additional four years. If you plan to specialize in more than one radiology area, it will take even longer to complete your training.
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