A radiology fellowship usually has several subcategories which may include pediatric radiology, interventional radiology, and neuroradiology. Most of the requirements are similar, but students should still research which field he or she would like to enter before applying for a radiology fellowship. Appropriate degrees are always required, but some students apply for a fellowship before entering his or her residency. Programs that accept candidates without completion of a residency are less common, and students should perform an extensive search for various program requirements. Fellowship opportunities are typically offered to students who have completed all of the necessary programs to perform medical services.
Students must begin by receiving a bachelor's degree from an accredited four year university. The type of degree will depend on the career that he or she is pursuing, and most students find it extremely helpful to take any pre-medical studies that the university offers. After completing a four year degree program, students usually have to take an admissions examination in order to get into medical school. Most medical schools require students to enroll in general medicine coursework before focusing on his or her chosen area of expertise. The first two years are primarily filled with introductory and fundamental medical practice courses, and the remaining two usually involve more specialized field work.
Medical school graduates typically enter a residency program directly after graduation, which may require at least five years depending on the jurisdiction. During this time, students should begin thoroughly reviewing radiology fellowship programs and application processes. Most organizations encourage starting the application towards the end of the residency in order to avoid any unnecessary gaps in training. He or she should gather undergraduate and medical school transcripts, experience history, license examination scores, and letters of recommendation from professionals. Some radiology fellowship consultants may request a specific letter from the applicant's current program director as well as evidence of research activity.
Response time varies depending on the program, and students may have to wait nearly 30 days. An acceptance letter is usually accompanied by instructions for the interviewing process, which is the final step before beginning a radiology fellowship. Opportunities to participate in a fellowship will immensely enhance the student's knowledge of his or her field and offer the substantial hands-on training needed to become a successful radiologist. There are a variety of programs offered, and students should apply to designated fellowships that suit his or her needs.
