How to Be Qualified As a Radiologist

How to Be Qualified As a Radiologist : A lot of doctors spend part of their time diagnosing conditions. Radiologists, also known as radiographers, are medical officers who are skilled in diagnostic technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and ultrasound, basically using their know-how to support other medical practitioners. Some radiographers apply these imaging technologies in performing invasive procedures which might otherwise need surgery or not be treatable. Both types of radiology need extensive training.

Education

A radiographer’s education, just like any other medical practitioner, starts with an undergraduate degree. But you will first need to have at grades 9 to 4, five GCSEs, including science, English, and maths. You will also need three A levels, including at the minimum one science subject. The degree has to have a comprehensive grounding in written communications, sciences, and mathematics to meet pre-medical program requirements. The course work in medical school focuses mainly on human anatomy, organic chemistry, medical ethics, chemistry, and pharmacology. There is a choice of one or two radiography electives for those interested in radiography. After that, they will join a professional Radiological body to help get an ideal residency after graduation.

Fellowships and Residency

After graduation, qualified radiologists have to spend one internship year putting in practice standard internal medicine that will result in residency to an approved radiographer program which typically goes up to four years. The novice radiographers learn how to put in practice a range of diagnostic tools and translate resulting images, diagnosing patients with the help of an experienced radiologist. Those who wish to study further can learn additional fellowships at the end of the residency period, spending one more year qualifying in sub-specialties like abdominal radiography, interventional radiography, or pediatric radiology.

Professional Board Certification

The last stage in a radiographer’s training is professional board certification. Radiographers done with residency term are allowed to sit for board exams for a time of six years after the end of their tutoring. If they do not sit for exams or fail during that term, they will have to spend an additional year in a recognized residency program prior to being qualified to re-sit the exams. Radiographers who undertake other sub-specialties like pediatric radiology will have to pass first their radiography boards, then pass the accreditation exam separately in each specialty.

Work

A radiographer’s everyday tasks include interpreting information from imaging techniques, explaining results to doctors and clients, updating medical reports, and expounding treatment benefits, alternatives, and risks to patients. Skills required include analytics, technical ability, attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, physical fitness, customer service, numeracy, interpersonal skills, and information technology. A radiographer overlooks a group of imaging assistants and technicians. They can stay up to date on the latest developments in the field of radiology through classes conducted online or other educational materials.

According to statistics in November 2010, the average yearly pay for a radiographer was $ 307,784, with other physicians earning from $ 121,000 to $ 462,000. Employment will be on the rise by 4% for all surgeons and physicians in this decade, as reported by the United Students Labor Statistics Bureau, having a direct impact on radiographers, as all of them work together.