Education · 1 of 5

The path

Thirteen years after high school before you read scans on your own.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics and math, with grades strong enough for a competitive college.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, as long as you finish the pre-medical science courses and sit the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of science, then hospital rotations. You graduate as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

4. 4

   Intern year

   1 year

   One general clinical year, usually internal medicine or surgery, before imaging training starts.

5. 5

   Diagnostic radiology residency

   4 years

   Four accredited years covering every body part and every imaging method, with rising independence and a lot of overnight call.

6. 6

   Board certification

   During and after residency

   The American Board of Radiology runs a Core exam after 36 months of residency, then a Certifying exam you can take 12 months after residency ends.