How to Train for an Interventional Radiology Technologist
Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on using imaging techniques to perform minimally invasive medical procedures. An interventional radiologist technologist is skillfully trained to perform biopsies, stent placements, pain management and fluid removal. Interventional radiology technologists undergo extensive medical training and must be board certified.
Education and Training Requirements
- Secure a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Focus core coursework on biology, chemistry, math, physics and biochemistry. Maintain a high grade point average (GPA) to improve the chances of being accepted into medical school.
- Prepare for and complete the Medical College Admissions Test, MCAT, during the junior year of undergraduate bachelor’s degree program. Apply for medical school admission.
- Begin a four-year medical school program to gain a medical degree. The first two years of schooling are classroom lectures and laboratory classes focused on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and biochemistry. The last two years of formal education are spent in a clinical setting, diagnosing and treating patients under the direct supervision of a board certified doctor.
- Pass the National Board of Medical Examiners, NBME, and United States Medical Licensing Examination, USMLE, and receive a medical license. Additional tests may be required, depending on the state.
- Start a five-year, post-graduate radiology residency. The first year will consist of non-radiology clinical rotations. The final four years focus on supervised training in all aspects of the radiology field including interpreting X-rays, CT scans, MRI images and ultrasounds.
- Enter a one-year interventional radiologist technologist fellowship certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. During this time, a radiologist will perform minimally invasive procedures using imaging technology and becomes an expert in radiation safety and physics. A board certified interventional radiologist will oversee training in angioplasty, stenting, embolization, radio frequency ablation and biopsy procedures.
- Become board certified by passing the written and oral examination given by the American Board of Radiology. Board certification is recognized in both diagnostic radiology and vascular and interventional radiology.