Everything you should know about how to become a radiologist

Last updated: February 15, 2025
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Eleana Bowman
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Everything you should know about how to become a radiologist
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Is your passion for science and medicine leading you to consider a career as a radiologist? Radiology is an essential field in the healthcare system, as it involves diagnosing and treating patients through imaging technologies such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and ultrasounds.

In this guide, we'll walk you through starting a career in radiology, including the daily tasks, average salary expectations, education and training needed, and skills that will help you succeed in this field.

What is a radiologist?

A radiologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats patients through imaging technologies. The scope of a radiologist's practice can vary depending on their specialty. For example, some specialize in mammography, while others focus on interventional radiology or nuclear medicine.

Radiologists can work in numerous environments, including hospitals, imaging centers, private practices, and research laboratories. These professionals also use nuclear imaging technologies to collect data to diagnose and treat patients. They also interpret images and provide reports to physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Depending on the type of job, a radiologist may perform surgical procedures such as biopsies or catheterizations.

Daily tasks of a radiologist

A radiologist's daily tasks vary depending on the type of practice they are working in. Generally speaking, the job involves reading, interpreting, and reporting on images generated by X-rays and other imaging studies.

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Some of the other general tasks involved in a radiologist's scope of practice include:

Reading and interpreting images

One of the primary tasks of a radiologist is to interpret medical images and accurately diagnose patients' conditions. This includes reviewing data from X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scans, or ultrasounds, and deciding which areas need further investigation.

An accurate diagnosis is essential to developing an effective treatment plan for each patient.

Meeting with other physicians

Radiologists often work closely with other physicians and medical professionals to discuss patient cases. This can involve discussing findings from images, making recommendations for further testing or treatments, and helping to develop an overall plan of care.

Meeting with other physicians is an integral part of the job and requires communicating effectively with others.

Collaborating with technicians

Radiologists work closely with imaging technicians, who operate and maintain imaging equipment. This involves checking the proper functioning of imaging technology and ensuring it is used safely and effectively. It's also essential for radiologists to keep up to date on the latest advances in imaging technology.

Consulting with patients

Radiologists also work directly with patients to discuss their conditions and treatment options. This involves being able to explain the results of imaging tests in a way that is both clear and understandable. Radiologists should have excellent communication skills and an understanding of the patient's needs and concerns.

Performing research

Finally, radiologists are expected to stay up to date on the latest developments in the medical field. This often involves conducting research, attending conferences and seminars, and reading medical journals. It's essential to stay on top of advances in imaging technologies and treatments that can be used to diagnose and treat patients.

As a high-paying job in the healthcare field, becoming a radiologist requires dedication, knowledge, and a willingness to continue learning. With the right education and experience, those looking to become radiologists can expect to earn a good salary and enjoy the variety of daily tasks that come with the job.

Radiologist salary and career growth

Working as a radiologist can be rewarding and lucrative, though salary can vary depending on location and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a radiologist in 2020 was $61,370 — higher than the median wage for all occupations.

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When it comes to career growth, radiologists can expect employment to grow by about 6% from 2021 to 2031. Much of this growth is due to the increasing number of people who require imaging procedures and treatments.

Radiologists should also keep in mind that advances in medical technology are likely to continue, which could open up more job opportunities. Additionally, those who specialize in a particular area of radiology may have better job prospects than those who don't.

Education and training needed to become a radiologist

Before becoming a radiologist, you must fulfill specific educational and training requirements. In the United States, these are typically regulated by the American Board of Radiology (ABR).

Here is a step-by-step guide to the educational and training requirements for becoming a radiologist:

Obtain a bachelor's degree

The first step toward a radiology career is obtaining a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry. This is typically completed in four years and provides the necessary foundation of knowledge and analytical skills you need to succeed.

Most aspiring radiologists complete courses in human anatomy, physiology, physics, and math during their undergraduate degrees. This is important for understanding the basics of the human body and how it interacts with medical treatments and imaging technology.

Some students choose to major in some form of radiology, such as medical imaging or radiation therapies, which provides additional helpful insights when pursuing a career in healthcare. There's also the option to complete a pre-med program, which provides the basic skills needed to pass medical school admissions tests.

Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The MCAT is an admissions test required for many medical schools in the United States. This test assesses a student's knowledge and understanding of core concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.

It also tests a student's writing skills and problem-solving capabilities, as the questions require applicants to interpret, analyze, and explain given information.

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Those who wish to be a radiologist must pass this exam before being accepted into medical school.

Most students prepare for the MCAT using a study guide or by taking preparatory courses to better understand the material. Give yourself enough time to study for the MCAT, as it is a challenging test.

Complete four years of medical school

The next step in this career journey is to attend four years of medical school, where you will study the human body and medical treatments.

Students typically complete anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and medical ethics courses during medical school. These courses provide a comprehensive overview of the human body, its diseases, and how to treat them.

Additionally, most curricula require students to participate in clinical rotations that allow them to get hands-on experience with patients.

Attending medical school also gives students a chance to specialize in a particular field, such as radiology. During this time, students are exposed to the various imaging technologies used in healthcare and learn how to interpret the results.

Complete a one-year internship

After medical school, aspiring radiologists must complete a one-year internship in an approved hospital. During this time, interns gain hands-on experience working with patients and interpreting imaging results. They also learn about the administrative and management aspects of radiology departments.

This is also an excellent opportunity for students to become familiar with the various imaging technologies and how to use them effectively. Taking advantage of this time is essential to building relationships with staff and developing a better understanding of the radiology field.

Complete your residency

Once they complete their internship, aspiring radiologists must participate in a three-to-five-year radiology residency program.

During this time, they rotate through departments such as diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation oncology. This gives them a chance to gain experience using different equipment and techniques.

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Residents also participate in clinical rotations, which allow them to work with patients and diagnose various ailments. Furthermore, they learn about patient care and the ethical considerations that come with providing medical treatment.

Pass the ABR examinations

To become certified as a radiologist, you must pass the American Board of Radiology (ABR) examinations. The ABR offers two levels of certification: the Primary Examination, which covers general radiology topics, and the Certifying Examination, which focuses on more specialized areas. Passing both exams is required for certification.

It's helpful to thoroughly prepare for the exams by studying and reviewing the relevant material, along with taking practice tests and working through sample questions. Once you've passed the exams, you will be officially certified as a radiologist.

Complete any additional certifications or specializations

In some cases, you may need to obtain additional certifications or specializations to practice in a specific field. For example, if you wish to become an interventional radiologist, you may need to complete a fellowship program to gain the necessary certifications.

Researching the education requirements for any specialty you might be interested in and ensuring that you have the right qualifications before entering a fellowship program are vital. Doing this will ensure that you are well-prepared for the demands of the career, and it will also give you an edge over other applicants.

Once you've completed these steps, you can start your job search. Be sure to update your resume and format it for a job in healthcare to boost your chances of getting hired. Keep in mind that continuing education and training are also crucial for radiologists to stay up to date with the latest advancements and technologies in the field.

Skills that can help you succeed as a radiologist

In addition to the educational requirements, several skills and qualities will help you become successful as a radiologist. These include:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

The ability to quickly and accurately interpret imaging results is essential for a radiologist. You must be able to analyze data from various scans and make educated diagnoses. This requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills to determine what the results mean and if additional testing is needed.

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Communication skills

Radiologists must often explain complicated medical conditions to patients and other healthcare professionals. While diagnosing a patient, you also need to be able to explain in layperson's terms the implications of a particular scan or medical procedure. This skill is essential for providing quality care and building relationships with fellow staff members.

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Radiology requires accuracy and attention to detail, as you must accurately interpret imaging results, recognize abnormalities, and make correct diagnoses quickly. This role also requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and other medical sciences. Additionally, there is an element of risk management, so you must always be aware of potential errors or missteps.

Proficiency with computer applications and imaging technologies

Radiology involves the use of sophisticated imaging technologies and computer applications. You must be proficient in navigating the technical aspects of these tools and able to interpret and utilize the data they provide. This requires a knack for understanding how technology works and keeping up with the latest advances in the field.

Excellent organizational skills

Radiologists often work with different types of patients and cases, so strong organizational skills are essential. You must be able to prioritize duties and manage your workload to ensure that all issues are handled promptly.

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Developing these skills can help you become a successful radiologist and provide quality care to patients — positively impacting the healthcare industry as a whole.

Start your career as a radiologist today

Becoming a radiologist requires dedication, hard work, and specialized knowledge. The process includes completing medical school and a fellowship program, mastering technical skills in imaging technology and computer applications, and staying up to date on advancements in the field.

Be sure to check out the Getting Hired Resource Center for more job search tips, resume advice, and career guidance. There's a wealth of information available to help you land the job you want and positively impact the healthcare field. The proper training and skill set will help you succeed as a radiologist.

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