How To Become a Radiologist
How To Become A Radiologist In 6 Steps
Choosing a medical career among others is a very tough decision to make. Jobs in the medical field are very demanding. It takes a sharp mind and nerves of steel as well as a physically fit body to cope with graveyard shifts and long sleepless hours. But for those who are decided and willing to go through it, they might be wondering how to become a radiologist.
A radiologist is a doctor that specializes in the area of radiology. Radiology is the branch of medicine that tackles the study and application of imaging technology. X-rays and MRI scans to diagnose diseases and conditions that affect the human body are but a few of its applications. As one of the most sought after branches in medicine, most people that study radiology are the crème of the crop in med school. If you think you're up to par or just want to try your luck then here are 6 steps on how to become a radiologist:
1. Planning
Planning and research are important before beginning one's journey to becoming a radiologist. You must learn about what to expect for the duration of the course and find out what you might be up against when you get the job. Radiologists will often specialize in the physics and oncology of radiation or the diagnostic field in radiology. Be sure you have decided on which path to follow as well as the flow of courses to take should you decide on taking up specializations later on.
2. Pre-Med
A four-year undergraduate degree is required before moving on to med proper. You will take a variety of courses, such as inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, biology, and physics as pre-med years prepare you for med school. A strict pre-med course is highly beneficial, but not mandatory for almost all med schools. During your junior year of your pre-med you will take your medical college admissions test to get into medical school.
3. Med Proper
Assuming you pass the admissions test, you get into med proper. You will spend your first two years in the classroom and laboratory completing a variety of classes, such as anatomy, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and pathology. During the last two years of medical school, you will rotate through a variety of medical specialties in outpatient and hospital settings. Early in your fourth year you should settle on radiology as your specialty.
4. Residency
This period is considered the most demanding years of any medical career. You will spend no less than one year finishing a non-radiology residency and then at least of four more years completing a radiology residency. Additional sub-specialties require you to complete several years more residency.
5. Licensure
After residency, most radiologists go for board certification. You have to successfully complete different exams, such as a physics exam, a clinical exam, a written cognitive exam, a cancer exam, and in most cases an oral exam to become a board certified radiologist. The order and timing of these tests will be determined by the area of specialization you have chosen.
6. Advancement
After completion of residency, radiologists can either practice or enter into a fellowship program in a radiologic sub-specialty. Fellowship takes anywhere between one to two years.
Being one of the most competitive in the field of medicine, it is only fitting that you are well aware of the ins and outs of the radiology career path. To know how to become a radiologist means to know how to intelligently plan your career from the start and be able to see well beyond your future in the field.
