Radiology is used for diagnosing problems related to the human body that includes the brain, digestive system or any other organ within the body. Radiologists are specialist doctors who are in charge of diagnosing and treating illness and diseases using various medical procedures such as Imaging, X-Ray, and MRI. In recent years, awareness about radiology has grown which drives its market growth. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2020 to 2027.
Students aspiring to become Radiologists After 12th can pursue various undergraduate and postgraduate Radiology Courses from some of the top Radiology Colleges across the country such as Jamia Hamdard University, Manipal University, and JSS Medical College and Hospital. Admissions to these colleges are done on the basis of Entrance Exams such as CUET, and JNUEE. The steps to become a radiologist consists of some of the basic procedures which include selecting proper colleges, preparing for entrance exams and choosing relevant courses and subjects.
To become a Radiologist, it is not mandatory to have an MBBS degree. Rather, candidates who have completed their 7 years of formal medical education, including UG and PG courses in Radiology are eligible to become one. Apart from this, they should have a compulsory subject combination of Biology and Physics throughout their UG and PG degrees. It usually takes around 3 – 4 years to become a Radiologist, depending on the type of degree that one is pursuing.
The average radiology course fee is INR 45,000 and the average starting salary of a Radiologist is INR 2.18 LPA – 2.40 LPA. HLL Life Care Limited, Max Healthcare, Fortis Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and Sant Parmanand Hospital are some of the top recruiting companies after pursuing bachelor's in Radiology. The average Radiologist salary can range between INR 9.33 LPA – 12 LPA. However, with relevant experience and updated skills the highest salary of a Radiologist can go up to as much as INR 48 LPA.
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Table of Contents,
- How to Become a Radiologist: Quick Facts
- Steps to become a Radiologist
- Types of Radiologist
- How to become a Radiologist in India
4.2 How to become a Radiologist after the 12th
5.1 Diploma in Radiology Therapy
5.2 BSc Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology
5.3 MSc in Medical Radio Imaging
5.4 PhD Radiology
6.1 UK
6.2 US
6.3 Ireland
6.4 Singapore
How to Become a Radiologist: Quick Facts
| Industry | Medical Science |
| Eligibility | Must have completed class 10+2 with a minimum of 55% aggregate |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 30,000-45,000 per month |
| Job Opportunity | Cardiovascular Radiologist, NeuroRadiologist, Gastrointestinal Radiologist, Emergency Radiologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Nuclear Radiologist, etc. |
Steps to Follow to Become a Radiologist
There are a few steps that a candidate needs to follow for getting admission to a radiology course:
- Decision-Making: Decision-making is an essential step towards following your career. Students must consider their interests, talents and abilities to make the decision. It's a lot more than deciding what one will do to make a living. Thinking about the time one has to spend during work can also help in making a decision. Students need to decide this before their 10th standard and start preparing to become a Radiologist. Choosing the right subjects is also very important. Students can make this decision based on their marks and interest in the subjects. They must score well in the 10th and 12th examinations to get admission to the course.
- Subject Choices: Subject choice makes a huge impact on every student’s career. It also helps in choosing tertiary study options. Most of the students don't know the university requirements. For tertiary study, students need to choose a particular course for themselves. Each course has its own eligibility criteria. Some courses require students to belong to a particular stream. In order to become a Radiologist students need to belong to the science stream. A candidate should have studied PCB in the 12th standard to pursue this career. After choosing the right subjects it becomes easier for students to begin the pre[aration for their career. The base becomes strong and they don't have to put extra effort into studying for the entrance examinations.
- Entrance Exam Preparation: After finishing class 12th, the next step to become a Radiologist is to clear entrance examinations. Entrance examinations for radiology courses are held at the national as well as state levels. Clearing the exams allows the students to take admission into their desired institutes. The entrance examinations are very competitive. Students must begin the preparation soon after finishing class 12th. One must go through the entire syllabus and exam pattern to understand the exam well. Students can divide the subjects or topics on level of toughness and prepare accordingly. Practising sample question papers and previous years’ question papers also help in preparing for the exam. Following a proper schedule and regular revision is the key element to scoring well in any examination.
- Selecting Correct Colleges: Choosing the right college for oneself is a very essential step towards one's career. In India, there are more than 1000 government and private colleges that offer radiology courses. Students can make decisions based on various factors like infrastructure, fees, faculty, environment, etc. Most students prefer government colleges over private institutes due to low fees and better facilities. In order to get admission into government institutes, students need to score well in their entrance examinations. Many institutes also offer offline/online mode and distance/regular mode classes. For students unable to attend college physically, these colleges can be an excellent choice. Students must choose a college after proper research and try to choose a college that provides an opportunity to get on-field experience and work exposure through internships.
Types of Radiologist
A career as a Radiologist is very rewarding as it offers a wide range of opportunities. Students can choose different fields in radiology in terms of their careers.
- Cardiovascular Radiologist: Cardiovascular Radiologist doctors are the ones who use imaging techniques to diagnose heart and blood vessel disease. CT Scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine scans are some of the technologies used by them. With the help of these diagnostic tests, cardiovascular Radiologists can screen for heart and blood vessel diseases. They can determine the causes and suggest treatments. Cardiovascular Radiologists are also an important part of the research group at various institutes. They can also perform image-guided surgeries or treat the disease by means of radiation. These are technically advanced doctors and to become one student require to study well and practice. A Cardiovascular Radiologist earns around 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 per annum. The salary is another element that attracts students towards this field.
- Pediatric Radiologist: Pediatric Radiologists are the experts who use imaging techniques to diagnose illnesses, infections, and injuries of infants, children and adolescents. They use x-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine to diagnose medical and surgical problems to examine and diagnose the disease. To become a pediatric radiologist, students need to possess a medical degree. Along with it they require at least 4 years of practice in the diagnosis of infants using imaging techniques. After being officially certified, students can begin their careers as pediatric Radiologists. Along with diagnosing, they also make sure that the tests are performed safely and properly. They also interpret the results of the tests and suggest an appropriate diagnosis. The average salary of a pediatric Radiologist is INR 87,000 per month. The salary keeps increasing with the increase in experience.
- NeuroRadiologist: NeuroRadiologists are specialists who specialize in the diagnosis and characterization of the abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous systems, spine, head, and neck using neuroimaging techniques. These examinations allow NeuroRadiologists to diagnose strokes, genetic conditions, tumours, and many other causes at an early stage. They are highly trained and important members of the diagnosing team. Many doctors take suggestions in choosing the correct imaging test and understand the test. NeuroRadiologists also perform angiographic studies of the spine and brain to interpret the findings. To become a neuroRadiologist students must possess a medical degree. 1-2 years of training and maintenance of certificates is also essential. A NeuroRadiologist earns around 50,000 to 70,000 every month by treating the diseases mentioned above. With increasing experience, the salary also increases.
- Radiology Technician: Radiology technicians are responsible for producing clear and accurate images of the body, enabling physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions that would otherwise be difficult to document. They use X-rays, CT scans, MRI and procedures as biopsy, kidney stone removal, and uterine fibroid removal. They operate sophisticated equipment that includes X-ray, mammography, computerized axial tomography (CAT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scan devices. They are responsible to prepare patients by explaining each step of the medical imaging process and also play an important role in assuaging the anxieties of patients who may be concerned about the procedure. The average salary of Radiology technicians ranges around INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA which may gradually increase with time and experience.
How to become a Radiologist in India?
Becoming a Radiologist in India has a very convenient process but it takes a lot of merit and dedication. Students who aspire to become Radiologists in India must start preparation from class 12th onwards and they need to choose the right subjects and prepare for the entrance exams.
- School Level Preparation: Students who wish to become a Radiologist must have a science subjects combination such as physics, chemistry and biology at a higher secondary level. A student needs to choose the subjects properly and should start preparing accordingly. Students must ensure to score well in their board examination for being eligible to sit for the forthcoming entrance examinations after 12th. The entrance examinations are very competitive. It is suggestive for the students to begin the preparation from class 12th. This will prevent break years for preparations after school. To begin the preparation students must go through the entire syllabus and exam pattern to understand the examination. The course for the exam is almost similar to their class 11th and 12th syllabus. Aspirants need to study with full dedication during these two years to be able to clear the entrance examination.
How to become a Radiologist after the 12th?
Radiology courses are offered at various levels like certificate courses, UG, PG, and diplomas. These courses help to prepare and train future Radiologists. The details to become a Radiologist after 12th are mentioned below.
- UG Preparation: The first step towards becoming a Radiologist is a bachelor’s course. After the completion of class 10 + 2, a candidate will have to clear the entrance exam to get admission to the bachelor's courses. A candidate must have PCB subjects in class 12 with 50% marks in aggregate. The duration of the undergraduate course is 3 years in India. The journey to become a Radiologist begins from here. The courses are offered offline and online. Students get the opportunity to specialise in various fields like medical radiology, imaging technology, radiotherapy technology and others.
- PG Preparation: Once completing graduation, a candidate can pursue further education to become a Radiologist. A master's course will help the students by providing more knowledge and better job opportunities. A candidate must have pursued MBBS with qualifying marks as well as an internship to get admission to MD and MS radiology courses. It is a 2 years full-time course. Students can choose from different specialisations such as medical technology radiology, radio-imaging, radiography, radio-diagnosis, etc.
Radiology Courses
After completing 10+2, aspirants interested in the field of radiology can pursue the following courses to get closer to their careers. The bachelor's and masters courses available to become a Radiologist are mentioned below.
Diploma in Radiology Therapy
A Diploma in Radiology Therapy or DMRT is a one or two years postgraduate course. It is one of the popular courses among students in the field of medical sciences. The course focuses on the several medical techniques implied to fight against different deadly diseases found in the human body such as lethal cancer.
Admission Process: Admission to the DRT course is mostly based on Merit Marks scored by the students in their previous higher qualification. They need to register themselves to the colleges offering Diplomas in radiology Therapy or DRT. After completing the course students get various opportunities to work in the private as well as public sectors.
BSc Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology
BSc Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology involves the methods to take internal pictures of the human body parts for clinical purposes. It is used during the investigation of the body's normal anatomy and physiology. The course provides detailed study about it.
- Admission Process: Admission to the BSc MRIT is based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance exam, or merit obtained in the last qualifying exam. Candidates are required to register themselves online or offline with all the required fees and documents. The entrance exam is often followed by a round of personal interview, wherein their general aptitude for the course is tested.
- Entrance Exams: The list of Entrance Exams conducted for the course are tabulated below for your reference,
| Entrance Exam | Application Form Last Date | Date of Examination |
|---|---|---|
| AMIETE 2023 | October 25, 2022 – Nov 5, 2022 | Dec 15, 2022- Dec 22, 2022 |
| BITSAT 2023 | 2nd week of February – 2nd week of May, 2023 | 3rd week of June 2023 |
MSc in Medical Radio Imaging
MSc in Medical Radio Imaging is a 2 years PG course designed to get candidates familiarized with the principle of operations of complexity imaging equipment and how to operate them. Students can opt for the course after completing their bachelors. It will help with enhancing their knowledge and bring better job opportunities.
- Admission Process: Candidates need to apply for the course in the desired medical colleges and fill the relevant details and submit the exam fees. They are required to take the relevant entrance exams and if qualified they need to verify their documents at the time of counselling. After shortlisting of candidates, the selected students will be called for an Interview as well as GD round.
- Entrance Exams: The list of Entrance Exams conducted for the course are tabulated below for your reference,
| Entrance Exam | Application Period | Date of Examination |
|---|---|---|
| NEET PG 2023 | January 7 – 27, 2023 | March 5, 2023 |
| MET 2023 | October 13, 2022 – March 2023 | May 2023 |
Read More: Paramedical Courses
PhD Radiology
Ph.D. Radiology is a 2 to 5 year research based course that deals with the study of ultrasound, radiation, and all the other imaging techniques that are used in the healthcare field. It polishes the students competency in subjects like physics, chemistry, maths and technology.
- Admission Process: To pursue a PhD degree in Radiology a student must score well in the PET, and NET entrance examinations conducted by the concerned Universities. They also need to get good marks in the personal interview (PI) round. After clearing the entrance exam, selected students will be called for Personal Interview and Counselling Process.
- Entrance Exams: The list of Entrance Exams conducted for the course are tabulated below for your reference,
| Entrance Exam | Application Period | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| BHU PET 2023 | January 12 – 25, 2023 | May 21 – 31, 2023 |
| NET 2023 | April 2023 | June 13 – 22, 2023 |
How to become a Radiologist Abroad
Pursuing radiology abroad is one of the most sought-after professions and a candidate does not have to worry much about the future if they have to become a Radiologist.
UK
In a country like the UK, various courses are available for a candidate. A candidate can find various diagnostic radiology and diagnostic radiography courses as well. Various colleges in the UK also provide scholarships and accommodation facilities to students.
Educational Requirements
- A candidate must have scored a minimum of 50% in high school.
- The candidate should have scored 6.5 in IELTS or 67 in PTE depending on the institute.
Other Requirements
-
An applicant must hold a DDS, DMD, or equivalent degree from a dental school.
Top Colleges
| Top Colleges | First-year fees |
|---|---|
| University of Salford | INR 25,72,482 |
| Bangor University | INR 25,35,500 |
| Robert Gordon University | INR 22,10,000 |
| University of Hertfordshire | INR 23,70,000 |
| Imperial College | INR 51,80,000 |
| Middlesex University | INR 19,80,000 |
| Anglia Ruskin University | INR 15,20,000 |
| University of Sunderland | INR 16,60,000 |
| Northumbria University | INR 19,20,000 |
| De Montfort University | INR 17,80,000 |
How to Become a Radiologist in USA
In a country like the US, there are numerous courses available for a candidate. US has always been at the top of the charts when international students decide to study abroad due to its flexible education system, globally acclaimed academic institutions, and research excellence too.
Educational Requirements
- A candidate must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and graduate from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
- The candidate must have scored 90 in TOEFL and 7.5 in IELTS.
Other Requirements
An applicant must hold a DDS, DMD, or equivalent degree from a dental school.
Top Colleges
| Top Colleges | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| The University of North Carolina | INR 25,72,482 |
| Radiological Technologies University | INR 18,50,000 |
| Stanford University | INR 63,10,000 |
| California State University | INR 21,80,000 |
| Columbia University | INR 40,00,000 |
| Boston University | INR 57,00,000 |
| The University of Texas | INR 19,50,000 |
| University of Michigan | INR 34,50,000 |
| University of Washington | INR 42,10,000 |
| Michigan State University | INR 42,70,000 |
Courses Available
- Master of Science in Medical Physics
- M.S in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
How to Become a Radiologist in Ireland
In a country like Ireland, various master’s courses are available for a candidate. A candidate can find various radiology. Many colleges in Ireland also provide scholarships and accommodation facilities to the students. Pursuing higher studies from Ireland is a popular choice due to its amazing higher education institutes and reasonable tuition fees.
Educational Requirements
- A candidate must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 65% marks.
- The candidate must have scored 6.5 in IELTS.
Other Requirements
-
A candidate should have a high honors standard in a relevant academic discipline at primary degree level or equivalent.
Top Colleges
| Top Colleges | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway | INR 12,82,365 |
| Dublin City University | INR 13,00,000 |
| University College Cork (UCC) | INR 17,50,102 |
| National University of Ireland Galway | INR 13,40,000 |
| Penang Medical College | INR 4,80,000 |
| Institute of Technology | INR 13,00,000 |
| University of Limerick | INR 11,20,000 |
| University College Dublin | INR 14,00,000 |
| National College of Ireland | INR 11,00,000 |
| Trinity College Dublin | INR 15,67,963 |
Courses Available
- MSc in Diagnostic Radiology
- MSc in Diagnostic Radiography
- MSc in Radiology
How to Become a Radiologist in Singapore
In a country like Singapore, there are various courses that a candidate can go for. Various colleges also provide scholarships and accommodation facilities to the students. Many students choose to study in Singapore as it offers a unique learning experience and also offers the shortest opportunity of modern living.
Educational Requirements
- A candidate must have completed class 12th or equivalent.
- The candidate should have scored 6.5 in IELTS.
Top Colleges
| Top Colleges | First-year fees |
|---|---|
| Singapore Institute of Technology | INR 21,10,000 |
| National University of Singapore | INR 91,90,000 |
| Singapore Institute of Management | INR 9,50,000 |
| PSB Academy | INR 14,30,000 |
| James Cook University | INR 19,40,000 |
| Yale-NUS College | INR 35,20,000 |
| Singapore Institute of Technology | INR 14,80,000 |
| Management Development Institute of Singapore | INR 8,40,000 |
| Curtin University | INR 25,56,0000 |
| ERC Institute | INR 18,00,000 |
Courses Available
-
BSc in Diagnostic Radiography
Benefits of Becoming a Radiologist
Along with all the hard work required for the job of a Radiologist, the job also comes with various benefits. Some of the benefits are mentioned below.
- Job Opportunities: A radiology course is the best course to pursue as it is not a stressful job. They perform the tasks of diagnosing injuries and illnesses, consulting physicians, and operating imaging equipment. There are a variety of job opportunities available for students interested in the field such as Radiographer, Ultrasound Technician, X-Ray Technologist, MRI Technologist, Research fellow, etc. For doctors good with technical and analytical skills this job is a great choice.
- Ability to work in a variety of work situations: Though many Radiologists work in medicine, some work with scientists or engineers too. They have a chance to consider Hospital Imaging Centers, Forensic Lab, Veterinary Practices, Government hospitals, etc. Working in different environments helps them to develop the ability to work in various situations. They develop various skills while working such as communication skills, problem-solving skills, team management, etc. These skills help while working in different atmospheres. With such practice, they can apply for various jobs and explore the radiology field.
- Higher Studies: Like various other medical fields a candidate can also go for Ph.D.to in Radiology after completing their bachelor’s or master's. Higher education helps with enhancing knowledge and providing better job opportunities. It is the best field of paramedical and the scholar will get much achievement in this radiology. There are various great institutes in India as well as abroad for pursuing the courses. Interested students must apply accordingly and work on fulfilling their dreams.
- Interesting Work: Radiologists can have the chance to be trained to do many different procedures using a variety of technical devices. They can explain procedures to patients, place the patient in the correct position for the tests, operate the testing equipment, record the results of the test, and adjust and maintain the machines. It is suggestive for Radiologists to understand the work well before entering the field. They also get the opportunity to work with the other senior Radiologists who interpret the test results.
- Good Salary: The Radiologists hold fifth place among the other healthcare workers in terms of highest payment. The payment structure for Radiologists is good. They get between 30,000-45,000 per month as a fresher. With an increase in experience, the salary also tends to increase. For students excellent in laboratory and technological work this job can be an excellent choice. They have to work hard with full dedication but the salary makes the job completely worth it.
Skills Required for Radiologists
Some of the key skills that are essential for becoming a Radiologist are tabulated below for your reference,
| Communication Skills | Mechanical Aptitude |
| Critical Thinking | Detail Oriented |
| Anatomical Skills | Analytical Skills |
Salary of Radiologists in India
The salary of a Radiologist can range between INR 5 Lakhs to INR 12 Lakhs based on the experience, skills, and qualifications they possess. Also, there are different levels of jobs in this field.
Specialization Wise
| Specializations | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Radiologist | INR 3,61,250 |
| Pediatric Radiologist | INR 5,00,000 |
| NeuroRadiologist | INR 2,60,000 |
| Gastrointestinal Radiologist | INR 12,00,000 |
How to Become a Radiologist: FAQs
Ques. Is it worth doing Specializations in a Radiology course?
Ans. Yes, it's worthy enough to become a Radiologist as the employment opportunities in the field are increasing day by day. There are numerous recruiting companies and it is a less stressful job as well.
Ques. What are the top institutions to pursue Radiology in India?
Ans. Manipal University, Jamia Hamdard University, JSS Medical College and Hospital, Chitkara University are some of the top institutions to pursue Radiology in India.
Ques. Is it important to have a Master's degree to become a Radiologist?
Ans. No, it's not that important but having a master’s degree in Radiology will increase the chances of employment in a good position. Doing bachelors or certificate programs are also popular but earning a master's degree will increase employment opportunities.
Ques. What is the average fee to pursue a Radiology course?
Ans. The average fee to pursue a Radiology course is INR 10,000-5,00,000. The fees may vary among government and private institutes.
Ques. What are job opportunities after completing a Radiology course?
Ans. X-ray Technician, Radiographer, Medical Advisor, Radiologist, Research Fellow, Area sales Manager after completing a Radiology course.
Ques. Does a Radiologist acquire a great livelihood?
Ans. The salary of a Radiologist is completely dependent upon his educational qualification, skills, work experience, etc. Radiologists can earn up to INR 12 Lakhs annually if they are an expert of their field.
Ques. What are the top entrance exams that are conducted to get admission to the BSc Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology course?
Ans. AIEEE, AICET, JNU, AMIE, AMIETE are some of the entrance examinations that are conducted for the course.
Ques. What's the main syllabus for the Ph.D. Radiology course?
Ans. Medical Imaging, Research Methodology, Molecular Neurobiology, Regression Analysis, Molecular Biology, Biophysics in Medicine, Dissertation are some of the subjects that are taught in Ph.D. in Radiology courses.
Ques. What are the top recruiting areas after doing the Radiology course?
Ans. Doctor's office, Education and Research Institutes, Radiology Clinics, Diagnostics Centers are some of the top recruiting areas.
Ques. What are the top recruiting companies after doing the based on radiology course?
Ans. HLL Life Care Limited, Metro Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Sant Parmanand Hospital, Maharaja Agrasen Hospital are some of the top recruiting companies to pursue the Radiology course.
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