Hey guys, I'm so confused on getting into radiology. How do you get into radiology?
I've done my research and many people are saying you have to do MBBS first, and then further your studies into radiology. So I have to be a doctor first? :-(
Depends on what you want to do.
If it's radiology, which is distinct from radiography, do a medical degree and let no one dissuade in whatever way or stop you from realising this.
Because I was planning on taking the B. Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) and then completing Masters of Health Science (Medical Radiation) after that. Or even Master of Medical Physics or Master of Molecular Imaging. Where would these masters lead me then?
You could of course do this and do a medical degree thereafter too!
An M.Med.Phys. and M.Mol.Imag., I believe, can open doors to tech positions, but don't quote me on this. I strongly advise contacting universities about these and doing independent research.
If you want to become a Radiologist (i.e. a Medical Specialist) you absolutely will have to do a Medical Degree (Radiologist are doctors after all). Not absolutely sure what a Degree in Diagnostic Radiography will lead you to but I'm thinking perhaps assisting in taking images and diagnostics under the guidance/supervision of a trained Radiologist.
Most radiologists essentially oversee techies and read images all day while having no patient or traditional practice. The earnings are respectable if that's somehow relevant.
Radiographers do this, according to Qld Health,
What is a radiographer?
Radiographers operate x-ray and other imaging
equipment to produce radiographs (x-rays or
other images), which are used in the diagnosis
and subsequent management of a disease or
injury in a patient.
What does a radiographer do?
A radiographer may perform the following tasks:
• receive and interpret requests from medical practitioners for
X-ray examinations to be performed on patients
• determine the appropriate imaging techniques which will
provide diagnostic information for the doctor
• calculate details of procedures such as length and intensity
of exposure to radiation and settings of recording equipment
• explain procedures to patients, make sure they receive the
correct preparation for the procedure and make sure that any
concern about radiation processes is minimised
• make sure of the patient’s welfare during the examination,
including radiation safety
• develop the X-ray films /process and archive digital images
• operate special equipment such as fluoroscopy equipment
(which gives a moving image of the part being examined),
angiography equipment (which images blood vessels) and
computed tomography (CT) equipment (which gives cross-
sectional images of the body).
The actual duties of a radiographer can vary and may include
radiography (taking radiographs), inter-operative imaging
(taking images during operations), mobile radiography (taking a
mobile unit to ward patients who are too ill to come to the X-ray
deptartment) and working in the emergency department or private
clinics. They work as part of a team with other health professionals,
medical staff and nursing staff. Hours of work may involve weekend
or shift work.
I couldn't have put it better myself.
