How to Train as a Radiologist

Radiologists work with highly technical medical equipment, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose medical conditions in humans. In order to train as a radiologist, you must have a superior academic record. In addition, you must have strong recommendations from your residency advisor or a dean.

1. Contact your local hospitals to find out if they have radiology programs that allow you to get a certificate as a radiological technician. Programs from a hospital are not as prestigious or intense as a 4-year college, however, the programs train you to work with the equipment you will use such as medical imaging. In addition, some dental programs give you an insight on radiology training since you develop and take out X-rays.


2. Start radiology training while attending school as an undergraduate. Find research projects that allow you to use the type of equipment you must use to train as a radiologist. Depending on the funding of your academic institution, you may not be able to use the equipment. If you do not have access to that equipment, ask one of your professors to contact a school that allows you to use one of their facilities for you to use for training purposes.


3. Attend a graduate school in radiology to continue your coursework and training in radiology. You may want to receive a Master's degree or a PhD, or you may want to try another medical program to add more training to your resume. 


4. Take more classes in areas that you find interesting. Magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography and other related fields will help you gain employment in the future. Your resume will look much better if you take additional classes and your future employer will see that you have experience in other fields of radiology.


5. Complete your laboratory work and then search for an internship in your final year or final semester of schooling. If you are enrolled in a medical program, you must go to a local hospital to complete residency there before you can obtain your radiology degree and receive certification.


6. Continue training as a radiologist. Yes, still train as a radiologist when you have a job as a radiologist. Many groups provide online courses and online conferences that keep you updated with new medical procedures and technologies. A great place to start looking for courses is the RSNA, or Radiological Society of North America. The RSNA have some of the best programs in the country.