After completing their undergraduate education, radiologists attend medical school. During medical school, they learn about the human body, how diseases affect the body, and how to diagnose and treat diseases. They also complete rotations in different medical specialties, including radiology.
After completing medical school, radiologists enter a four-year residency program in radiology. During residency, they receive training in all aspects of radiology, including diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, and radiation therapy. They also learn how to interpret medical images and how to communicate their findings to patients and other doctors.
Upon completing their residency, radiologists are eligible to take the American Board of Radiology (ABR) certification exam. Once they have passed the exam, they are board-certified radiologists. Board-certified radiologists are recognized as experts in their field and are qualified to practice radiology independently.
While it is possible to become a radiologist by attending a private tech program, it is not the best path. Private tech programs are not typically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), which means that they do not meet the same standards as medical schools. Additionally, private tech programs do not provide the same level of clinical training as medical schools. As a result, radiologists who attend private tech programs may be less prepared for residency and may have difficulty finding a job after residency.
If you are interested in becoming a radiologist, the best path is to attend a four-year undergraduate program at an accredited college or university and then attend medical school. This will give you the best preparation for residency and will increase your chances of finding a job after residency.