What kind of training is required to be a radiologist?
All radiologists require a medical degree from an accredited school of medicine. This is achieved after pre-med training in a regular four-year college, followed by four years of doctorate training at a school of medicine. The schools of medicine are very competitive and will only admit students who have scored high on their MCATs (aptitude tests for pre-med students), as well as achieved high grades in school. Competitive medical schools also look for additional involvement in medical-related areas such as volunteer or for-pay work for medical organizations. After receiving their doctorate, the new doctors then serve an internship in a practicing hospital for one year, followed by specialty residency where they serve another four years in a hospital learning and practicing their specialty. For those who want to be a radiologist, that specialty is usually Diagnostic Radiology. Following the residency, a radiologist is then in a position to sub-specialize in areas such as Neuroradiology
