How to Start a Career in Radiology

A radiology training program can lead to a certificate or a bachelor or associate or medical degree. Careers in radiology include a technologist, medical assistant, X-ray or ultrasound or MRI technician, nuclear medicine technologist, radiologist assistant and radiologist medical doctor. In order to start a career in radiology, decide on a radiology specialization and obtain a college degree.

1. Become informed. Study everything about radiology careers to make sure it is the career path you want. Research online, speak to professionals in the field, and speak to school counselors regarding educational requirements.


2. Decide on the career path to seek. Your choice of college and program will depend on how much time and money you are willing to dedicate to a college degree. An associate's degree will take less time and money to complete than a bachelor’s, master’s or medical degree.


3. Start preparing yourself early by taking mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics and basic computer classes.


4. Research schools with associate's degree programs. If you want an associate's degree, research vocational technical schools and community colleges. An associate's degree will prepare you to be a radiologic technologist, ultrasound technician, X-ray technician, MRI technician, nuclear medicine technologist and cardiovascular technologist.


5. Research schools with advanced degrees. If you want a bachelor in radiology, research universities and request information. If you wish to go beyond a bachelor’s, consider a career as a radiologist assistant, or R.A., which you need a master’s. To be a radiologist doctor, attend medical school. Medical school usually takes four years to complete, and this is followed by residency which takes a few more years.


6. Obtain certification. Depending on your specialty, you may need board certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the American Board of Radiology. Your college career advisor can give you information you need regarding professional certification.