4 answers
Sophia
Student
Otsego, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
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What are some things I can start doing now that will help with a future in radiology?
I'm asking this question as a sophomore who wants to go into radiology, I want to do everything I can to prepare myself so I know what to expect for my future.
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
That’s awesome, Sophia! You’re already thinking ahead, and that’s a huge advantage. Radiology is a super cool field, and there’s a lot you can do now to set yourself up for success—without stressing too much.
1. Load Up on Science & Math
Radiology is all about the human body, imaging, and some techy science stuff, so classes like these will be super helpful:
Biology – Helps you understand how the body works (kind of important when you're scanning it!).
Chemistry – A lot of medical stuff involves chemistry, so getting a good grasp now will make things easier later.
Physics – X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans all work because of physics—so it’s great to have some background.
Algebra & Pre-Calc – You’ll use math for things like measuring doses and understanding imaging techniques.
If your school offers AP or dual-enrollment classes, even better! They give you a head start.
2. Get Some Real-World Experience
Volunteer at a hospital or clinic – Even if you're not working with radiology directly, you’ll get used to the healthcare environment.
Shadow a radiologic technologist – If you can, try to observe someone in action. It’s the best way to see if you really like it!
Get a basic medical certification – Something like CPR or first aid looks great on applications and gives you useful skills.
3. Build Up the Right Skills
Radiology isn’t just about taking cool images—it’s also about working with people and paying close attention to detail.
Learn Medical Terminology – This stuff sounds complicated at first, but learning a few basics now will make school way easier later.
Practice Communication Skills – You’ll be talking to patients and doctors, so knowing how to explain things clearly is a must.
Work on Being Detail-Oriented – Radiologists have to catch tiny details in scans. Start sharpening those observation skills now!
4. Explore Your Options
There are different career paths in radiology, so it’s good to have an idea of what excites you:
Radiologic Technologist – The person actually taking X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – Uses ultrasound technology (not just for babies—this is used for all kinds of body scans!).
Radiation Therapist – Works with cancer patients to deliver targeted radiation treatment.
Radiologist (MD) – A doctor who reads and interprets medical images (this path takes more schooling).
5. Keep the Curiosity Going
Watch YouTube videos about radiology careers and imaging technology.
Follow radiology professionals on social media to see what their day-to-day life is like.
Join a science or health club at school—networking with like-minded people can open doors!
You're already ahead by thinking about this now, so just keep exploring and having fun with it. You've got this, good luck.
1. Load Up on Science & Math
Radiology is all about the human body, imaging, and some techy science stuff, so classes like these will be super helpful:
Biology – Helps you understand how the body works (kind of important when you're scanning it!).
Chemistry – A lot of medical stuff involves chemistry, so getting a good grasp now will make things easier later.
Physics – X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans all work because of physics—so it’s great to have some background.
Algebra & Pre-Calc – You’ll use math for things like measuring doses and understanding imaging techniques.
If your school offers AP or dual-enrollment classes, even better! They give you a head start.
2. Get Some Real-World Experience
Volunteer at a hospital or clinic – Even if you're not working with radiology directly, you’ll get used to the healthcare environment.
Shadow a radiologic technologist – If you can, try to observe someone in action. It’s the best way to see if you really like it!
Get a basic medical certification – Something like CPR or first aid looks great on applications and gives you useful skills.
3. Build Up the Right Skills
Radiology isn’t just about taking cool images—it’s also about working with people and paying close attention to detail.
Learn Medical Terminology – This stuff sounds complicated at first, but learning a few basics now will make school way easier later.
Practice Communication Skills – You’ll be talking to patients and doctors, so knowing how to explain things clearly is a must.
Work on Being Detail-Oriented – Radiologists have to catch tiny details in scans. Start sharpening those observation skills now!
4. Explore Your Options
There are different career paths in radiology, so it’s good to have an idea of what excites you:
Radiologic Technologist – The person actually taking X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – Uses ultrasound technology (not just for babies—this is used for all kinds of body scans!).
Radiation Therapist – Works with cancer patients to deliver targeted radiation treatment.
Radiologist (MD) – A doctor who reads and interprets medical images (this path takes more schooling).
5. Keep the Curiosity Going
Watch YouTube videos about radiology careers and imaging technology.
Follow radiology professionals on social media to see what their day-to-day life is like.
Join a science or health club at school—networking with like-minded people can open doors!
You're already ahead by thinking about this now, so just keep exploring and having fun with it. You've got this, good luck.
Marisel Rosa Chibas
Obstetrics and Gynecology
17
Answers
Wesley Chapel, Florida
Updated
Marisel Rosa’s Answer
Hi Sophia, Dr. H provided some valuable information that is quite comprehensive and accurate. This information can be generalized to include all the other medical specialties. Right now the most important thing you can do is keep your GPA 4.0+, get involved in community service(s) and your high school offers. In the summers volunteer in a hospital or some other healthcare setting. Have hobbies, activities and community services outside of school. In other words, make yourself a well-rounded student. Wishing you all the best.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I agree with the others, but would add that artificial intelligence is making rapid advances in radiology, so learning computer science and AI basics may be a big help.
You do have to do very well academically to get into medical school, but do not neglect your whole person. Medical schools, residencies, and beyond are looking for people who are well-rounded.
Statistics and research design are other areas that may help.
You do have to do very well academically to get into medical school, but do not neglect your whole person. Medical schools, residencies, and beyond are looking for people who are well-rounded.
Statistics and research design are other areas that may help.
Evangeline Watkins
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
36
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Evangeline’s Answer
Radiology will focus highly on physics, anatomy, and pathology. I'm a sonographer who does ultrasound (a type of radiology) and these are the main things my program focused on. It also depends on what position you want within the field of radiology. If you want to become a radiologist, you will need to complete an undergraduate degree and attend medical school. Assuming this is the case look into med school pre-recs. If you want to become a tech, schooling will still be intensive, but much shorter. For both, make sure to develop a good study routine because any program relating to radiology will be highly intensive. I wish you the best of luck, and if you have any other questions feel free to reach out.