How to Become a Radiation Oncologist

Radiation oncologists are doctors who have specialized in treating the tumors of cancer patients.  It requires many years of education and hard work to become a radiation oncologist.  Once all of the education is complete, it leads to a very rewarding career in helping cancer patients.

High School

1. Do your best to maintain a high grade point average through high school.


2. Take advanced math and science courses if possible.

College

1. Attend an accredited four-year college or university.


2. Look for schools that offer a good medical program.


3. Obtain a bachelor's degree in your desired field.  Science related degrees or a degree in pre-medicine are excellent choices.


4. Study for and take the Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT.


5. Apply for medical programs at graduate schools.

Medical School

1. Attend medical school, which typically lasts for four years.


2. Make sure to complete all areas of study including radiation and your clinical rotations.


3. Complete your internship, which should take a year.


4. Complete your residency program, which should take another four years.  This time will be spent focusing on oncology, physics and biology of ionizing radiation and the treatment of cancer patients with radiation.

Certification

1. Apply and pay the fees to become certified through the American Board of Radiology, or ABR.


2. Take the written and oral exam that is required to become certified as a radiation oncologist.  The certification remains valid for 10 years. 


3. Apply to the Board for the Maintenance of Certification, or MOC, before the ten years are up to remain certified as a radiation oncologist.