Skip to content
Back to Career Guides
Radiologist
Radiography

How to become a Radiologist

What does a Radiologist do?

Good at seeing underneath the surface? You should be a Radiologist…A Radiologist uses imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, PETs, and CTs in order to diagnose disorders and diseases. They work closely with Radiographers, who carry out the scans needed to create these images, but may not interpret them.Although they have little communication with patients, they must share their findings with referring physicians in order to discuss and recommend possible treatment options. It’s also their responsibility to co-ordinate radiological services with other medical activities.Typical duties for a Radiologist include:
  • Working with other radiologic staff to instruct and monitor procedures
  • Using computer-aided detection or diagnosis systems to interpret images
  • Documenting outcomes of images
  • Recording patients’ medical history
  • Occasionally treating patients using medical radiation if needed
  • Assessing the need for further images to be taken

Is a career as a Radiologist right for me?

To become a Radiologist, a strong medical background is absolutely essential in giving you a solid understanding of the role and what it entails.In addition, you will need to be a logical thinker in order to decipher complex medical problems, and be able to carry out accurate risk assessments before recommending appropriate treatment to your patients.A Radiologist must also demonstrate:
  • Excellent motor skills and dexterity
  • The ability to operate medical equipment used to interpret images
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • A methodical and meticulous approach
  • Good attention to detail

Explore your opportunities

People also search for

Radiography (227)
Care (28,583)
Medicine (5,940)

Career progression and salary expectations for a Radiologist

1

Radiologist

| Up to £120,000

Get qualified as a Radiologist

Candidates will need to have medical degree, which includes completing a medical residency, before becoming a Radiologist.

Recommended Radiography courses

  • Biomedical Science & Biomedical Engineering

    Janets
    Cyber Monday Sale! (was 599) | 30-in-1 Package | 300 CPD Points | Free PDF & Hard Copy Certificate | 24/7 Support
    • Online
    • 100 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 250 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    In the fast-paced world of healthcare, staying ahead means mastering the intricate dance between science and engineering. Yet, for many aspiring professionals like you, the path to Biomedical Science and Biomedical Engineering can feel like navigating a maze in the dark. The frus …
    £200

  • Radiography Training Diploma: Key Concepts and Applications

    Cambridge Open Academy
    CPD Accredited | Updated 2024 | FREE PDF Certs | 100% Pass Rate | Lifetime Access | 1K+ Enrolment | 24/7 Learner Support
    • 19 students
    • Online
    • 3 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 10 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Popular
    Imagine being able to see inside the human body without making an incision. This Radiography Fundamentals course will teach you the fundamentals of radiography, the process of using X-rays to create images of the body. You will learn about the physics of X-rays, the biological ef …
    Save 33%
    £12 £18

What's it like to be a Radiologist?

"I’ve always been interested in science and the human body, and the concept of X-rays has fascinated me since I was little. This passion continued as I got older and, after many years studying (at University and on the job), I finally qualified to be Radiologist. I’m given new and exciting cases every day, and it’s a challenging task to diagnose individual illnesses based on images and patients’ medical history. But it feels like I’m solving a puzzle – and one could actually change people’s lives when it’s complete. And that’s a pretty amazing feeling."

Radiologist jobs

All Radiologist jobs
Need Advice? Ask our virtual career advisor