Radiologists use imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines.
Radiologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat several conditions and illnesses using medical imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, CT scans and MRI machines. After interpreting the images, radiologists communicate with their patients' primary doctors to collaborate on a plan of treatment. Radiologists undergo all the education and training needed to become a medical doctor, as well as specialized training in radiology.
Bachelor's Degree
All medical doctors, including radiologists, are required to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Students entering medical school generally earn an undergraduate degree in one of the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry or physics. Students complete courses required for medical school admission, including English, mathematics, organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, microbiology and physics. Most medical schools also require applicants to submit scores from the Medical College Admissions Test. Students typically take the MCAT during their junior year.
Medical Doctorate Diploma
Radiologists are required to attend a four-year medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, where they earn a medical doctorate diploma. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the first two years of medical school are spent taking classes in biochemistry, anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, microbiology, physiology, pathology, medical ethics and medical laws, as well as record medical history and examine and diagnose patients. The latter portion of medical school is spent rotating through various specialties observing and treating patients under the supervision of licensed physicians. Rotations include pediatrics, psychiatry, internal medicine, family practice, surgery and obstetrics and gynecology.
Licensure
Although graduates of medical school are conferred with a Medical Doctor degree, they are still required to obtain state licensing. Individual states have their own requirements, fees and procedures, but all license applicants must pass a state-administered examination on medical care, state laws and regulations.
Internship/Residency/Fellowship
Radiologists undergo additional professional training after graduating from medical school. Some attend a voluntary year-long internship; after completion of an internship, all medical doctors, including radiologists, are required to complete a hospital residency during which they work within their chosen specialty observing, diagnosing and treating patients under the supervision of an attending physician. Hospital residencies in radiology last from three to six years, depending on the resident's sub-specialty. Sub-specialties in radiology include breast-imaging specialist, cardiovascular radiologist, computed tomography, diagnostic radiology, emergency radiology and genitourinary radiology. Some radiologists, depending on their specialty or state requirements, are required to complete a fellowship that lasts one to two years. Fellowships provide radiologists with a link between hospitals and universities so they may continue specialized education and training.
Board Certification
Radiologists are required to take a final examination to attain board certification through the American Board of Radiology or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology.
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