.jpeg)
How to Become a Radiologist
A radiologist is a medical professional who works in the domain of medical imaging. Radiology is the branch of medical sciences that is related to the understanding of the human body and ailments with the help of images and scans. The scope of radiology includes interventional radiology and diagnostic radiology. A radiologist generally performs the given set of scans and tests including CT (Computerized Tomography) scan, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), X-Rays, ultrasound and PET to understand the deficiencies and ailments that can neither be seen nor understood without a deep diagnosis. Not only does a radiologist conduct these tests but also generates reports and results for the same. Radiology has become the part and parcel of modern treatment methods because it facilities the process of easy diagnosis. Doctors with the support of these reports and tests are able to deliver the best treatment to patients, along with saving time and costs involved. Radiologists are required in hospitals and clinics to perform these tests with the help of the right types of equipment and tools at their disposal. Not only in hospitals and clinics but radiologists operate through their own laboratories too. A medical aspirant can find a promising career in the field of radiology. Here is the career path that an aspiring radiologist should follow:
1. Obtaining an undergraduate degree- to build a career in radiology, one must complete a bachelor's in Radiology. The degree must be focused on subjects like biology and physics. After completion of this degree, a student is awarded the degree of an M.O or D.O. There are different areas in which a radiologist can specialize including, Breast-imaging specialist, Diagnostic radiology, Genitourinary Radiology, Cardiovascular radiologist, Emergency radiology, Radiation oncology, Gastrointestinal Radiology, Nuclear Radiology, Neuroradiology, Pediatric radiology.
2. Radiology Residency- to start working as a full-time radiologist, one has to work for at least 4 years in the same specialization.
3. Diploma or fellowship Program- different diploma and fellowship programs are available that can be undertaken by students like Diploma in Radiography and Radiotherapy and Diploma in Radio-diagnostic Technology, that can be pursued after completion of bachelor’s degree to have an advantage over others.
4. Practicing as a radiologist in foreign countries- To become eligible for practicing radiology in foreign countries, one can also sign up for the fellowship program at Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR). Aspirants who manage to clear the exam conducted by this institution become eligible to pursue a career in radiology in India, UK, and some European countries.
5. Pursuing Masters- Generally students prefer to seek a postgraduate degree in Radiology in order to learn more as well as grab a good salary package. Some of the master's programs include Post Graduate Diploma in Radiotherapy Technology, Post Graduate Diploma in Radio-diagnosis and Imaging Sciences, Post Graduate Diploma in X-ray Radiography and Ultrasonography.
The career opportunities and scope for Radiologists-
It has been observed that radiologists who are well qualified and competent are in high demand. Radiology is an integral cog in the machinery of the treatment process; thereby a career in this field offers growth opportunities. A radiologist can find employment opportunities at nursing homes, private and government hospitals, private clinics, and health care homes. As per the skill sets and experience, different roles are offered to radiologists like Radiology technicians, Radiology assistants, radiology nurses, radiographers, MRI technicians, CT scan technologists, etc. For performing the job of a radiologist, one needs to be dedicated and hard-working, should possess the right set of knowledge as well as technical skills and, should definitely have a good understanding of the human body and different ailments.
Colleges and Institutions that offer courses in Radiology in India include-
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences
• Christian Medical College, Vellore
• Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
• Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi
• Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Pondicherry
• Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi
With the growing demand and importance of radiologists, it can be stated that a career in radiology can be a promising one and should be taken into consideration by medical aspirants.