Education · 1 of 4

The path

Same road as every doctor, then 5 years learning to see what others miss.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top marks in biology, chemistry, math and English. Physics helps, since imaging is physics applied to bodies.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   3 to 4 years

   Any major works. Keep a GPA (grade point average) above 3.8, volunteer, do research. Write the MCAT (medical school admission test).

3. 3

   Medical school, the MD (doctor of medicine)

   3 to 4 years

   Acceptance rates are 5% to 15%. Classes, then clinical rotations. Radiology electives matter a lot for the match.

4. 4

   Diagnostic radiology residency

   5 years

   Matched through CaRMS (the residency matching service). X-ray, CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound, mammography and basic procedures.

5. 5

   Certification and licence

   End of residency

   Pass the Royal College exam to become FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada), then register with your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Most add a 1-year fellowship.