Radiologists assess the inside of a patient's body using X-rays.
Schools often work in association with on-campus or local hospitals to provide a radiology residency program. Radiologists use X-ray and other imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients suffering from various benign and malignant conditions. A radiology residency program is four years and offers radiology rotations in thoracic imaging, emergency radiology, musculoskeletal imaging, pediatric imaging, breast imaging, nuclear medicine, abdominal imaging and interventional radiology. Graduates are eligible for the certification examination available through the American Board of Radiology.
Undergraduate Degree
Prospective radiologists must complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While students can enroll in any type of program, medical schools often require that applicants have completed and performed strongly in the areas of chemistry, biology and physics. There are premedical programs available at the undergraduate level that are specifically designed to prepare students for the examination to get into medical school.
Medical School
Medical school is four years and combines academic work with clinical training. The first two years of the program are devoted exclusively to educational and classroom training and ensures that students understand the scientific principles and theories in all areas of medicine. The final two years of medical school allow students to complete rotations with various medical departments, including radiology, surgery, emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, neurology, oncology and cardiology.
Examinations
Applicants to medical school must do well on the Medical College Admission Test. This test examines an applicant's knowledge of scientific concepts and principles, writing skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Prospective radiologists also must complete the three-part United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Part one is taken after a student's second year in medical school and tests a student's ability to apply scientific concepts into practice. The second part is taken after a student completes medical school and ensures their understanding of patient care. The third part is taken during a radiology residency program and emphasizes patient management in ambulatory settings.
Application Requirements
Radiology residency programs require students to submit an application, personal statements, USLME scores, medical school transcripts, Dean's letter and three letters of recommendation. Based on a student's application, a residency program schedules interviews with top candidates, which allows each party to become familiar with one another. Residency programs and applicants are matched up through the National Resident Matching Program, which brings together applicants and program.
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