Looking at a radiology course will be your first step if you are considering a career in radiology. The work involved in such a career is fascinating and varied, but it is demanding and requires a high level of skill and training. There are different types of radiology course according to what branch of the profession you wish to enter.

There are basically two branches of the radiology profession - radiologist and radiology technician or radiographer. A radiologist is a member of the medical profession who specializes in the use of imaging technology to diagnose clinical conditions. In order to qualify, you would first have to complete medical school, and follow this with several years of advanced training including a residency. At the end of this, you would be fully qualified in diagnostic procedures using x-ray technology, and also in specialized treatment of cancers. The radiology course in this case would be expensive and take a long time, but it would lead to a highly paid and prestigious career.

The other branch of the radiology profession is radiology technician. If you are interested in entering this field, the type of radiology course you choose will depend on what level of specialization you wish to achieve. Each state in the USA has its own licensing requirements, so you need to check first what your own state’s requirements are before starting to select your radiology course. It is also important that you ensure that you attend a program at an accredited institution, certified by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT).

A radiology course can last from one to four years, depending on whether you decide to go for a certificate (one year), an associate’s degree (two years), or a bachelor’s degree (four years). If you think you will want to specialize later on, or work in a training or supervisory role, you should probably choose the bachelor’s degree, with a view to continuing to a master’s degree eventually. To qualify for admission to a radiology course, you will require a high school diploma and preferably have completed classes in basic sciences including anatomy, physiology and physics. (If you have not, you will need to take extra classes during your training.)

While on your radiology course, your classes will include radiology, radio biology and radio physics, patient care processes, medical ethics and medical terminology. You will learn how to carry out radio imaging procedures, including producing and interpreting x-ray and other images. The classes also include different techniques including tomography, digital radiography intensification, and image exposure. The radiology course will also include hands on experience, where you will learn such things as patient care, patient positioning, taking and interpreting scans and tests, and also self-protection from radiation.

As you progress in your career, you may decide to specialize in a particular branch of the profession, such as dental, forensic, pediatric or even veterinary radiology. Each of these specialties of course will require additional training. Whichever route you choose to take, you can be sure that your radiology course will open many doors, and provide the basis for an interesting and satisfying career.