Should I go into radiography if I want to be a radiologist?

Question

I would hopefully one day become a radiologist and examine x-rays and such. The school I'm going to offers an associates in radiography but I don't know if I should get into the program. I think I should know how to work with x-rays and the machines before I get into the big stuff like diagnosing people like a radiologist. Tips please?

I know that they're two different things but it's going to be tough for me to afford med school unless I can find a good job. So what I'm getting at is why not go to school for radiography, work as a rad tech for a few years then go to med school to be a radiologist? I have little knowledge about these fields but since they work together, wouldn't it be good to have some know how about how the machines work and what the assisstant is doing?

Answer 1

Whatever you would like to major in, you need to declare yourself pre-med. That way, you can take the prerequisites for medical school that involve: calculus, chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and physics. An associate's degree will not get you into medical school... only a bachelor's degree. It doesn't really matter what you major in because medical school will definitely prepare you for the job and what you need to know, so don't worry right now about not being able to operate medical equipment. Just concentrate on doing well so you will be able to get into medical school.
And just so you know, radiologists have very limited patient contact. They spend most of their time with x-rays and the result of MRIs, CAT scans, etc. Sometimes they may make diagnoses based on test results, but you will not be the one to tell the patient - another doctor will. Usually radiologists are not involved in direct diagnosis.

Answer 2

You do realize that a radiologist is a medical doctor, right? You must go to medical school. A radiologic technologist educational program is a totally different thing. A rad. tech. can go through a program, become licensed, then go to medical school, but what a waste of time! It would like a future doctor going through nursing school, becoming licensed, then going to medical school.

Answer 3

It's not necessary, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. It could be helpful in understanding the techs and why they got certain views and such after you become a rad. But if you want to go right into med school, I wouldn't waste my time.