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How To Become A Radiologist

How To Become A Radiologist

Olamide Olorunsuyi

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Radiology, also known as diagnostic imaging, is a series of tests that take pictures or images of parts of the body. The field encompasses two areas; diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology which use radiant energy to diagnose and treat diseases.

Radiology involves several different imaging tests, some of which include X-rays, MRIs, ultrasound, CT scans, and positron emission tomography scans.

Radiologists are medical professionals with specialized training who focus on taking and interpreting medical images.

What Skill Do You Need To Become A Successful Radiologist?

The most important skills of a radiologist include:

Analytical mind, an eye for detail, and good observation skills
Keen interest in anatomy physiology and pathology
Good knowledge of general medicine and surgery
Good clinical knowledge in all subject areas
Good organizational skills and the ability to handle a busy role
Ability to work well in a team and the ability to lead others effectively
Excellent verbal communication skills with patients and colleagues
Excellent written communication skills for writing accurate reports

Why Is Radiology Important?

Radiology is critical to almost every healthcare sector including surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, oncology, cancer care, trauma therapy, emergency medicine, infectious diseases, and more.

In many cases, early diagnosis can save lives including those diagnosed with cancer. General practitioners and emergency physicians cannot effectively treat patients without scanned images, so they rely on radiologists to find the right diagnosis.

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How Can You Start A Career In Radiology?

The basic requirement for a clinical radiologist is a medical degree, an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), or equivalent. Next, you need to complete a two-year basic program. During your medical studies, you will study academic courses such as biomedical sciences for the first two years, you will also rotate and learn many of the hospital’s specialties.

After completing the first year of your basic training, you can register as a doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC).

After studying radiology, you can take further steps by obtaining the right license for the state you want to work in. You must pass the license exam, which can vary from state to state.

If you are already working as a radiologist, you can keep yourself up to date with the latest technology through further training. Not to mention, there are plenty of online courses now that can help you build your resume for future jobs.

Where Can You Study Radiology Abroad?

You can study radiography abroad at different levels and the qualifications differ from country to country. In the UK, for example, you can study Diagnostic Radiography as a BSc undergraduate degree or as a PgDip (Postgraduate Diploma), PgCert (Postgraduate Certificate), or Masters at the postgraduate level.

If you want to study radiography in the United States, you can get an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) undergraduate degree.

Some Universities To Study Radiology Abroad Include:

Birmingham City University UK: BSc Radiography
University Of Bradford UK: BSc Diagnostic Radiography
Coventry University UK: BSc/MSc Diagnostic Radiography
Colorado University USA: BSc Radiology
Robert Gordon University UK: BSc Diagnostic Radiography

What Professional Certifications Do Radiologists Need?

State licensing requirements for radiology professionals vary, but earning a degree from an organization-accredited program such as ARRT American Registry of Radiologic Technologist is key to a successful career in the field.

Professional Certificates Include:

A state license
Additional exams for board certification

What Careers Can You Specialize In With A Degree In Radiology?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts employment growth of 14% for the healthcare industry between 2018 and 2028 which is the highest growth rate in all occupational categories. In particular, the growth rate for radiologist is 9%.

Career Paths In Radiology Include:

Radiology Technician
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Cardiovascular Technologist

How Much Do Radiologists Earn?

The radiology industry is among the top five highest-paid specialties in healthcare. According to a new salary report published by Medscape, the average annual salary for a radiologist is $230,000 which is a 2% increase over the previous year.