How To Become A Diagnostic Radiologist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a diagnostic radiologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A diagnostic radiologist incorporates the findings of imagery with other measures in order to reach a diagnosis of the patient's organ, bones, and tissue and to inform the patient on medications or other tests. Oncology or nuclear medicine is often administered by radiologists as well. Diagnostic radiologists may also operate in sub-specialties that concentrate on areas of the body including the gastrointestinal tract and reproductive systems.

Aspiring diagnostic radiologists should first complete a four-year bachelor's degree and then followed by medical school and several years of residency training. Diagnostic radiologists must also take a licensing test after finishing medical school. Candidates with appropriate training and experience can qualify for the certification given by the American Board of Radiology in either the field itself or in four sub-specialties. Certification by the Board includes oral and written key assessments.

Diagnostic radiologists must be knowledgeable in reading the X-rays, ultrasounds, and other images associated with the field. Since the role requires scanning images for issues and changes, diagnostic radiologists should have excellent eyesight. In general, employment is projected for doctors including diagnostic radiologists by 4 percent. It was reported that the median salary for this role is around $418,547.

ScoreDiagnostic RadiologistUS Average

Salary

8.5

Avg. Salary $135,855

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.9

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

1.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.16%

Asian 18.66%

Black or African American 5.03%

Hispanic or Latino 9.45%

Unknown 4.44%

White 62.25%

Gender

female 35.82%

male 64.18%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress level

9.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a diagnostic radiologist

Explore diagnostic radiologist education requirements

Most common diagnostic radiologist degrees

Doctorate

38.5 %

Bachelor's

35.9 %

Certificate

12.8 %

Start to develop specific diagnostic radiologist skills

Skills	Percentages
MRI	55.33%
Nuclear Medicine	14.18%
Thyroid	11.74%
General Diagnostic	10.33%
Interventional Procedures	2.80%

Complete relevant diagnostic radiologist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New diagnostic radiologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a diagnostic radiologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real diagnostic radiologist resumes.

Research diagnostic radiologist duties and responsibilities

Assist floor secretaries with pertinent and immediate documentations necessary for patients undergoing surgery or those being transfer to other facilities.
Read general diagnostic body imaging cases, plain film, CTs, and fluoroscopy/barium studies.

Apply for diagnostic radiologist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a diagnostic radiologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams