Radiologist Job Description and Skill Requirements
Most radiologists spend the majority of their time in an office
setting, reading reports and interpreting images, recording
their results and diagnosis to be reviewed by the treating
physician.
Unlike many other types of physicians, radiologists typically
do not spend as much time directly interacting with patients,
unless they practice interventional radiology. Interpersonal
skills are still helpful to radiologists, as some of their work
is collaborative and consultative, coordinating with the techs
and allied health professionals who obtain the digital images,
and also collaborating with other physicians.
For example, an oncologist may order a CT scan or MRI of a
patient to determine the size and location of a tumor before
treating it. A technologist will operate the CT machine to
obtain the image, which will then be viewed by the radiologist.
The radiologist will then interpret the information and put it
in a report for the oncologist, who then reviews the report to
decide on the best course of treatment. Often, the radiologist
would not ever interact directly with the patient, or the
oncologist, unless there is a question or further clarification
requiring personal consultation.
Radiology is used in conjunction with most medical specialties,
to diagnose problems in a variety of areas within the human
body, including the brain, heart, digestive system, and just
about any organ or system within the body.
What are the requirements to be a radiology technician?
A Bachelor's degree is not required to become a radiologist.
Schooling can last from one to four years. Technicians can earn
certificates, associate's or bachleor's degrees. Programs are
offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, and less
frequently at vocational-technical institutes.
1-year certificate programs are available for experienced
radiographers or individuals from other health occupations, such
as medical technologists and registered nurses, who want to change
speciaties.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
Technology accredits most formal training programs for the field.
What are the admission requirements to enter medical
school for radiology?
Each learning institution determines its own admission
requirements, but there are several generally accepted
requirements to admission to medical school. These include, a
bachelors of science degree (in any field), a GPA of at least 3.5
and completion of the
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Other optional requirements include, research, physician
shadowing and volunteer service.
What are the admission requirements to enter a
technician program?
Again, each learning institution will have varying admission
requirements, but there are some standard requirements for
non-bachelors programs. A high school diploma or GED, at least 18
years of age, a GPA of 2.5 or higher, prerequisite courses in math
and science as required by the school.
In addition, bachelor of science candidates will need all or
any of the following tests, ACT, SAT, ASSET or COMPASS.
What types of degrees/certification can I earn in the
technician field?
M.D., D.O., Ph.D., Bachelors of sciences, associate in science,
associate in applied science, certification and advanced
certification.
What entrance exams are required to enter medical
school for radiology?
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Are their entrance exams required for technician
programs?
Bachelor of science candidates will need all or any of the
following tests, ACT, SAT, ASSET or COMPASS.
What are the application timelines for medical school?
Timelines are different for every institution. In general,
academic years begin in the August/September. Application
timelines can range from January to May due dates.
What are the application timelines for technician
programs?
Timelines are different for every institution. In general,
academic years begin in the August/September. Application
timelines can range from January to May due dates.
What are the application procedures for medical school?
Your medical school application should reflect your motivation
for a health career, your accomplishments, skills, and personal
qualities. Identify your strengths and determine how you wish to
present a unique and personal application. Consider ways that you
might distinguish yourself from other applicants.
There are many criteria that are used to select successful
applicants for medical school admissions. No single criterion will
necessarily include or exclude one from successful competition.
Important components include the grade point average (GPA),
science GPA (biology, chemistry, physics and math), Medical
College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, evaluation letters, clinical
experience, research experience, scholarly activities,
extracurricular activities, personal attributes, and the personal
interview.
ALWAYS submit your application in a timely and professional
manner.
What are the application procedures for technician
programs?
If applying t high school (United States), students should take
high school classes that will expand on their communication
skills, such as writing and speech. Science classes such as
biology, anatomy, physics, and chemistry are the bulk of
background study for radiologic technology pre-requisites that
radiology programs look for during the application process.
Creative classes such as figure drawing (the eye hand
coordinated knowledge of the body, its landmarks and joints etc.)
and drama (use of body language and other non-verbal skils) can be
helpful to the prospective radiographer.
Along with academics, students should be able to demonstrate
compassion and patience. They should be flexible, and possess
critical thinking skills so they can adapt normal procedures to
patients needs and abilities. Their personality should be
extroverted and they should be able to communicate in a clear and
concise manner. An understanding of medical terminology and
hospital procedures is also helpful prior to entering a program,
but not required as the radiography curriculum will include this
material.
How long will it take to complete the medical school
program to become a radiologist?
In general, the student will earn a 4-year bachelor's degree.
The medical school portion of the education consists of two years
composed mainly of classroom education and two years primarily
include rotations in clinical settings where students learn
patient care firsthand.
Upon successful completion of medical school, students are
granted the title of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine (D.O., if they attend an osteopathic medical
school).
Upon graduation, physicians who plan to independently care for
patients must complete a residency which is a supervised training
period of three to seven years.
Physicians who sub-specialize or who desire more supervised
experience may complete a fellowship, which is an additional two
to three years of supervised training in their area of expertise.
How long will it take to complete the program to become
a radiology technician?
A Bachelor's degree is not required to become a radiologist.
Schooling can last from one to four years. Technicians can earn
certificates, associate's or bachleor's degrees.
1-year certificate programs are available for experienced
radiographers or individuals from other health occupations, such
as medical technologists and registered nurses, who want to change
speciaties.
What are the average fees for medical school?
Depending on whether you attend a public or private medical
school, the costs can be anywhere from $41,000 - $70,000 per year.
For public colleges, fees also depend on whether you are a
resident of the state the school is located in.
What are the average fees for radiology technician programs?
What type of certification should a Radiologist obtain?
Radiologists should be board certified. Board certification is
obtained by passing an examination in the field by either the
American Board of Radiology (for a medical doctor) or the
American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (for an osteopathic
doctor).
What type of certification should a Radiology
Technician obtain?
In 2007, 40 states required licensure for practicing radiologic
technologists and technicians.
The American
Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers voluntary
certification for radiologic technologists. Many States use
ARRT-administered exams for State licensing purposes. To be
eligible for certification, technologists generally must graduate
from an accredited program and pass an examination. To be
recertified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing
education every 2 years.
