How to become a radiologist – a guide to the pathway

Radiology is an evolving medical specialty that offers a unique blend of patient care and technology. This guide provides the pathway to becoming a radiologist in the UK. It covers the key aspects of the profession, including roles and responsibilities, entry requirements, training pathways, examinations, and career progression.

• Roles and responsibilities of a radiologist
• Entry requirements
• Training pathway
• Exams
• Progression in radiology
• Your radiology career with Pulse

Roles and responsibilities of a radiologist

As a clinical radiologist, you’ll analyse patient anatomy, pathology, and clinical history to diagnose, treat and monitor diseases and injuries. The job includes using a broad range of imaging techniques including:

• X-ray ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Molecular imaging

You can also subspecialise in interventional radiology using minimally invasive procedures to improve recovery and reduce the risk of infections.

Radiology training in the UK

Entry requirements

If you want to apply for radiology specialist training, you will need to meet the requirements below for a chance to be accepted onto this training pathway:

• Qualify as a doctor
• Register with the General Medical Council (GMC)
• Complete the UK Foundation Training Programme or equivalent

You can apply to enter radiology speciality training at ST1 or ST3, each with different entry requirements.

Training pathway

ST1 Clinical Radiology

Most UK trainees will apply for ST1 clinical radiology during their foundation training. Radiology offers a run-through training programme where you apply once after foundation training, and you are recruited for the duration of the specialty programme.

According to Health Education England (HEE), 3068 doctors applied for 350 clinical radiology ST1 training posts in 2023, giving it an 8.77 competition ratio. This makes ST1 clinical radiology one of the top 10 most competitive specialties to apply for. With such competition, it’s important to read the eligibility requirements when applying for clinical radiology training, including person specifications and entry criteria.

A doctor training full-time to become a consultant radiologist would need to complete 5 years of specialty training and FRCR Part 1 and 2 before being awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) that allows entry into the GMC specialist register.

ST3 clinical radiology

ST3 clinical radiology applications are a unique opportunity for doctors with prior clinical experience in radiology, either in the UK or internationally, to enter radiology training at a later stage. The entry requirements for ST3 clinical radiology are specific and must be met by all candidates.

Firstly, candidates must apply for and secure an ‘Alternative Certificate to Enter Clinical Radiology Specialty Training’. This certificate validates the knowledge and skills that have been acquired that would have been during the initial stages of specialty training as outlined in the competency-based framework. The other critical component of the entry requirements is the successful passing of the FRCR Part 1 examination.

Trainees who embark on the Radiology training pathway at ST3 will be expected to meet the same requirements as those who joined at ST1. The primary difference is that the pathway is completed over 3 years instead of 5. Trainees will still be required to complete the FRCR Part 1 and 2 before being awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) that allows entry into the GMC specialist register.

Exams

You must pass the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) Fellowship Examination before you can be awarded a CCT in Radiology. The FRCR is broken down into two parts and can be attempted at different stages during radiology training in the UK.

FRCR Part 1

FRCR Part 1 is broken down into two modules. The anatomy module is an image-viewing session, and the physics module is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam. The exams are sat separately over two days usually in March, June, and September. You can sit the modules back-to-back or in different sittings, but you must have passed FRCR Part 1 to progress to ST2 or to join speciality training through the ST3 Clinical Radiology pathway.

FRCR Part 2

The Final FRCR or FRCR Part 2 is broken down into two parts, FRCR Part 2A (Radiology) and FRCR Part 2B (Radiology). The Final FRCR (Part A) comprises two papers, each containing 120 questions in a single best answers (SBA) format. This exam tests candidates on all aspects of clinical radiology and the basic sciences of physics, anatomy, and techniques. The two papers are sat on the same day. You must have passed FRCR Part 2A to progress into ST4 clinical radiology and before attempting FRCR (Part B).

The Final FRCR (Part B) is broken down into two parts and four scoring components:

• FRCR Part 2B (Radiology) Reporting
  • 75-minute reporting session covering 6 cases
  • 25-minute rapid reporting covering 30 cases
• FRCR Part 2B (Radiology) Oral
  • Oral exam one
  • Oral exam two

The reporting exams are usually on a Friday and the oral exams are any day the following week. Candidates are only permitted to attempt FRCR Part B after completing FRCR Part A and at least 34 months in a formal clinical radiology training post.

Progression in radiology

Radiology is a rewarding career for those who enjoy working as an essential part of a collaborative team and improving patients’ lives through early detection of conditions and medical issues. Radiology can be an exciting pathway for those interested in healthcare innovation and technological advancements through utilising new and existing advanced equipment.

Radiologists will have the opportunity to become experts in specialist areas either through the formal subspecialty of interventional radiology or a special interest in clinical radiology which includes:

• Breast
• Cardiac
• Chest
• Emergency
• Gastrointestinal
• Genitourinary
• Head and neck
• Musculoskeletal
• Neuroradiology
• Oncology
• Paediatric
• Radionuclide radiology
• Vascular

The NHS is the largest employer of clinical radiologists and working in the NHS you can expect to earn between £43,923 and £131,694 (plus enhancements) a year. Radiologists can also work in the private sector, set up private practice or work remotely. To learn more about NHS salaries, read our guides on junior doctors pay scales in England, NHS consultant pay scale in England, NHS doctors pay scales in Scotland and NHS Wales doctor pay scales.

Your radiology career with Pulse

Pulse offer exclusive permanent and locum radiology roles in both private and NHS settings including teleradiology contracts available on-site and remotely, so you can work in a way that suits you.

Register with Pulse today to be the first to know about the latest radiology jobs.