How to Become a Radiologist

A radiologist is a doctor that specializes in the field of radiology. Radiology is that branch of medicine that deals with the study and application of imaging technology, like X-rays and MRI scans to diagnose diseases and conditions that affect the human body. Radiology is one of the most sought after branches in medicine and most people that manage to study this are mostly top of their class in medical school (in top ten percentile). Given below are details about educational requirements to become a radiologist, a radiologist assistant and a radiologist technician.

Radiologist Doctor
If you wish to become a radiologist doctor, then there is a long journey that lies ahead of you. Firstly, you need to enroll in college and take pre-med courses. You'll need to get excellent grades, especially in the science courses so as to qualify for medical school. Its best if you do some kind of volunteer work in a hospital, as this will look good in your college application. Research on different medical schools and take the medical common admission test (MCAT). Once you take the MCAT start applying to different medical schools. While you're in college, maintain a high GPA.

One needs to complete four years of medical school after which there is a five year postgraduate training, which is the residency. The first year of residency is a common year in medicine, surgery, or both. After the first year, a four-year diagnostic radiology residency follows. During this period, there are two separate written exams that need to be taken to get certification by the American Board of Radiology. After completion of residency, radiologists can either practice or enter into a fellowship program in a radiologic sub-specialty. Fellowship normally takes anywhere between one to two years.

Radiologist Technician
A radiologist technician job description entails taking X-rays, developing them, properly handling the machinery that is provided and maintaining patient records. One can choose a specialty, like ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc. You can enroll for a two year or four-year program in a radiology technician school, whose radiology technician training program should be accredited by the Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. You can decide the level of education that you need. You can get a job after an associates degree, or if you already have some experience, then you may need to attend only a one year program. After this, you will need to get the required licensing, by passing the examination held by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT). Once you get the license, you can look for hospital jobs or jobs in labs and clinics.

Radiologist Assistant
Radiologist assistants are registered and trained individuals that have undergone certain educational qualifications, due to which they work under the supervision of radiologists. Radiologist assistants may perform examinations and other related procedures on the patient under supervision. They play a vital role in patient management and evaluation. Basically, a radiologist assistant helps to decrease the workload on the radiologist by enabling the radiologist to concentrate on performing more advanced procedures. To become a radiologist assistant, you need to undergo a radiographic technologists certification in a hospital. You can enter a two or four-year program at a college. Enroll into a bachelor's degree program for radiologist assistants. After that, you only need to pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification test to become a certified radiologist assistant.

It is said that radiology is one of the fastest growing branches of medical science, due to the introduction of newer diagnostic tools with the help of technology every now and then. This is one of the most competitive fields as of now, so remember the key to become a radiologist is lots of hard work and lots of dedication.