Have you ever heard of MRI or seen an X-ray before? Well, these are the parts of radiology and a radiologist is an expert in this. Before understanding how to become a radiologist in India, what are their workings, courses required, etc, let’s understand first radiology.
Radiology is an interesting and exciting medical program that uses imaging for differentiating and treating diseases that affect the human body. A radiologist is responsible to produce patients’ radiography which best assistance of X-rays.
These X-rays help them to find about the exact health conditions of a patient. Additionally, with an X-ray, a radiologist also takes into account the MRI reports, ultrasounds, CT scans to produce radiography.
What is the work of a radiologist?
Radiologists, being the medical expert they are specialist physicians who make use of advanced techniques for medical imaging. This helps them to identify and to treat patients with various illness types.
These imaging techniques include CT scans, MRI exams, ultrasound, X-ray, and other reports. Like other medical experts, a radiologist also has to complete medical schooling and must have an MD degree.
For assisting patients and for their initial care, the medical expert has to arrive at the right diagnosis within the right time. For this, a radiologist has to consider the medical histories of the patients, perform a physical exam, and has to make use of lab values for correctly interpreting the imaging tests.
Techniques used by a radiologist
Radiologists make use of various imaging techniques that includes the following:
- Ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
- X-rays
- MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging)
- Nuclear imaging
- The CT scan (Computerized tomography)
- Computerized tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- And, Positron emission tomography (PET)
These radiologists work in clinics or hospitals for analyzing the medical studies, diagnosing, and consultation work with the doctors. Some of them also get involves in medical procedures for instructing the patients or assisting them.
The interventional radiologist makes use of imaging technology for treating various diseases & health conditions. These experts make electronic maps for guiding their instruments as they remove the malignant tissue, inserts catheters, and also perform various delicate procedures.
This delicate approach by the radiologist allows patients for recovering as soon as possible with fewer complications.
If you want to know about intellectual stimulation, you can find radiology a good practice area. This field is innovative and filled with advanced technologies, which makes it a place to learn more and experience. These experts are the first to perform procedures and use imaging technologies that are made in translational and clinical research labs.
Specialties of radiology
There are three types of specialties which include:
- Diagnostic radiology
- Interventional radiology
- And, radio oncology
A candidate can opt for any one specialty and can make a good career growth in these top-notch medical fields.
Working place of a radiologist
Many radiologists work in diagnostic centers and hospitals, but now with the advancement in technology, many of them have started with the study of imaging that is electronically transmitted. It is called teleradiology. This means that a radiologist can work practically anywhere if they are equipped well with an internet connection, high-resolution monitor and with a personal computer.
This teleradiology assists emergency departments and various intensive care units that take emergency consultations after waiting for hours. This technology has also promoted consultations with the best experts all around the world.
These radiologists keep less contact with patients. Moreover, some of them don’t even have any face-to-face consultations for long weeks. These experts spend their time analyzing imaging results and on various diagnoses.
A radiologist work in medical clinics for long hours, they might have irregular shifts which include holidays, weekends, and night shifts. The ones who are employed in the outpatient centers, work on regular business hours. Based on the employment contract a radiologist can work for long, can get vacations, can over time, and much more. Based on his work, he is paid with good compensation.
Radiology courses
If you are willing to be a radiologist, then you have to pursue a radiology course in India. Some of the best radiology courses are mentioned below, you can opt for anyone and can start your career as a radiologist.
Radiography course: It is a certified course which is for six months
Radiology Assistant course: It is a course that also lasts for six months.
Certificate in the field of Radiography Diagnostic: This course lasts for six months.
1-year diploma in radiotherapy and radiography: This is a diploma of one year.
1year diploma in Radio diagnosis: It is a two-year course
Bachelor in Science in Radiography: It is an undergraduate degree which is of three years.
Bachelor in Science (Hons.) in medical radiotherapy: It is an undergraduate degree course of three years.
MS and MD in Radio diagnosis: It is a postgraduate course of three years.
M.Sc. in Radiology: It is a post-graduate course of two years
Diploma in radiotherapy: It is a postgraduate diploma of two years.
Diploma in Radio diagnosis: It is also a postgraduate diploma of two years.
Diploma in Ultra-sonography and X-ray radiography: is also a postgraduate diploma of one year six months.
What are the eligibility requirements for a radiology course?
Many colleges in India offer various radiology courses to their aspirants. But before applying to these courses, a candidate has to fulfill some of the eligibility requirements for a particular radiology course.
Each college that offers a radiology course, they have their requirements. However, a candidate can have a look at the requirements that are mentioned below:
- You can opt for a certified or diploma program in radiology soon after completing class XII in the science stream.
- The student must have studied chemistry, biology, and physics in class XII for applying to these radiology courses.
- You must have gained at least 50% of marks in Class XII if you want to enroll yourself in a B.sc program for getting an undergraduate degree in radiology course.
- The aspirants can also be asked for appearing in a university-level or state-level entrance exam. It is because the admissions are given based on scores that are scored in these tests.
- For enrolling in a postgraduate course in radiology, you have to secure good marks. This says that a candidate must have scored at least 50% marks for taking admission in the M.S.c course.
- You can admission to an MS or MD course through entrance exams. The candidates should have also gained qualified marks in MBBS and also an internship.
Job opportunities as a radiologist in India
Radiology is termed as a medical science that is highly in demand as it helps in diagnosing diseases. It is a medical diagnostic method that helps medical experts like doctors for detecting diseases that are present inside a human body. Qualified, skilled radiologists are best needed in various hospitals and at medical centers.
Job profiles for a radiologist in India
- Radiologist
- MRI Technician
- Radiology Technician
- Radiology Assistant
- Radiographer
- Radiology Nurse
- Sonographer
- CT Scan Technologist
Salary of a radiologist in India
The salary packages given to radiologists depend on various factors. This includes their academic qualifications, specialization, and the organization where they will be employed.
The salary packages of one radiologist can differ from one another based on these factors. Let’s have a look at the annual salary of an experienced and fresher radiologist.
An average radiologist having a radiology certificate earns around 1,25000 annually. On the other hand, an experienced radiologist can earn up to 2,50,000 per annum.
An average radiologist who has pursued a bachelor’s in science in radiology earns around 3,45,000 annually. On the other hand, an experienced radiologist can earn up to 7,75000 per annum.
An average radiologist who has done a PG diploma or MD in radiology earns around 5,75,000 annually. On the other hand, an experienced radiologist can earn up to 9,00,000 per annum.
Top colleges for pursuing radiology course in India
Some of the top colleges that offer radiology courses in India are:
- CMC Vellore
- Shyam institute of technology and engineering
- Quantum university located in Roorkee
- Madras Christian College of Chennai
- Maharishi Markandeshwar university located in Ambala
- PGIMER in Chandigarh
- Swami Rama Himalayan university of Dehradun
- SGT university of Gurgaon
- Centurion University of management and technology located in Bhubaneshwar
Conclusion
There is a great need for professional and educated radiologists in clinics, hospitals, and physician centers. Even though it takes a long amount of time for turning as a radiologist but its benefits are worth waiting for it. This radiology field is also considered one of the most important and advanced ones.
You can attain any of the specialties as a radiologist that includes diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and also radiation oncology. Radiography offers good job growth in the future. As soon as you have attained your degree as a radiologist, you can start earning a good amount in this field.
So get ready to give a spark to your career in this medical field, and feel the high-end satisfaction by assisting patients in their recovery stage.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
