In our radiologist job description, we saw that this career requires rigorous academic commitment and a strong will. Before practicing this fine profession, the courageous student will have to travel a complex but necessary path to achieve the high degree of specialization expected. If you're interested in becoming a radiologist, or would like to know how many years of study it takes to become a radiologist, you've come to the right place!
Basic steps in radiology training
After the baccalaureate
Before entering higher education, the future radiologist will need to pass the baccalauréat, preferably in a scientific stream, as the course will require a solid foundation that other streams don't offer. Thereafter, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between :
- The Specific Health Access Pathway (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Années Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor in another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
- Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
- The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the single PACES entrance exam, while diversifying students' skills.
- The Health Access Licence (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, literature, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, favoring skills and reorientation.
General medical studies
After the PASS or L.AS, general medical studies are divided into two parts:
- The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM): a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
- Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialized courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
End-of-clerkship examinations
During the final year of the second cycle, students must pass a series of tests which, depending on their results and rankings, will enable them to make their choice of specialty, as well as city. Here's the list:
- Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and account for 60% of the final grade. To pass, students must obtain a mark of at least 14/20 in theoretical knowledge useful to all doctors, regardless of their specialty.
- Objective and Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE): These are held in May and account for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum grade is 10/20.
- University course grade: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final grade.
Specialization in radiology
Once they have completed their general medical studies, students specializing in radiology enter a five- or six-year residency program, depending on whether they are specializing in radiology and medical imaging or in advanced interventional radiology. These courses are divided into theoretical and practical training:
- Theoretical training: interns follow theoretical courses covering various aspects of radiology, including medical imaging, radiation protection, and radiodiagnostic and radiotherapy techniques. They also attend conferences and congresses to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
- Practical training: radiology interns take part in consultations and interpretations of radiological examinations under the supervision of experienced radiologists. They learn to use a variety of medical imaging equipment such as scanners, MRIs, ultrasound scanners and X-ray machines.
In addition, radiology interns must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, and after validating their internships, they are awarded the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Radiologie et Imagerie Médicale or the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Radiologie Interventionnelle Avancée (DES). After 11 or 12 years of study to become a radiologist, the student can officially practice this profession or further specialize in interventional radiology, neuroradiology, pediatric imaging or cardiovascular imaging.
Careers and professional opportunities in radiology
Status of radiologists
Young radiologists registered with the Ordre can now apply for jobs as radiologists. They will also have to choose the type of practice they wish to pursue:
- Self-employed: radiologists work as independent professionals in their own practice or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. They are free to manage their own schedules, choose their own equipment and set their own fees. However, they must assume administrative and financial responsibility for their activity.
- Salaried: radiologists may be employed by public hospitals, health centers or private practices. This gives them access to state-of-the-art medical equipment and job stability, but less autonomy than self-employment.
Where radiologists work
Radiologists can choose to work in a variety of locations, including :
- Private practice
- Hospitals and university hospitals
- Private clinics
- Health centers
- Research institutes
- Research laboratories
- Humanitarian organizations
In short, radiology studies are long and demanding. From initial selection via the PASS or L.AS, to specialized training during internship and subspecializations, each stage is designed to train experts capable of responding to complex needs.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more, take a look at our radiologist salary sheet!
This offer may be of interest to you
Jober can accompany you on your next professional adventure. Take a look at our special offer.
Radiologist (M/F) - Billère, 64
Liberal
1200 - 1200 per day
Billère
As part of its business expansion, a radiology practice in Billère, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is seeking a new radiologist (M/F) to fill a replacement position. Terms and Conditions - Temporary position (6 months, with the possibility of becoming a minority partner after this period) - Full-time - Practice open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Option to continue working between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM The Practice You will join an independent radiology practice located in Billère, near Pau. The team currently consists of 5 to 6 radiologists and includes a full administrative and technical staff, with 6 medical radiology technologists and 6 secretaries. In addition, the practice has a stable patient base and a steady workload. CT and MRI scans are performed at a partner clinic and at two public hospitals. Compensation €1,200 per day Responsibilities - Performing and interpreting ultrasound and mammography exams - Performing conventional radiology procedures and writing reports - CT and MRI shifts at partner clinics and public hospitals Benefits - Multi-modality imaging facilities - CT and MRI shifts organized through private and public partnerships - Full administrative and technical support team - Option to become a partner after 6 months with a nominal contribution of €100 - Attractive living environment near Pau Equipment - Ultrasound machine - Mammography machine - Conventional radiology suite - Access to a CT scanner during shifts - Access to an MRI machine during shifts That little extra something Pau offers a pleasant living environment with its famous castle and the Boulevard des Pyrénées, which offers a remarkable view of the mountain peaks. Mountain activities are easily accessible for lovers of hiking and outdoor sports. Qualifications Radiologist licensed in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Order. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting Reference: 12924 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your new role: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the French Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Radiologist (M/F) - Jossigny 77600
Employee
1000 - 1500 per day
Jossigny
A medical imaging group in Jossigny, Seine-et-Marne, is seeking a new radiologist (M/F) for a private practice position. Terms and Conditions - Self-employed contract with the possibility of partnership - On-call shifts - Half-days of 4.5 to 5 hours - Option to work double shifts The Organization You will join a medical imaging group with locations across northern and northwestern France. The site in question features a fully equipped technical facility and an organizational structure that offers great flexibility in practice. In addition, shifts can be tailored to practitioners’ availability and may evolve, without any time constraints, into a partnership within the group. A designated contact person will meet with candidates and then connect them with their peers and site managers. Compensation - €550 (including tax) per MRI or CT scan shift - €500 (including tax) per ultrasound, mammography, or conventional radiology shift Duties - Performing and interpreting ultrasound and mammography exams - Conventional radiology procedures - Interpreting MRI and CT scans as needed - Occasional participation in shifts at other group locations - Collaborating with medical and technical teams to ensure the quality of reports - Helping to organize schedules in consultation with the group Benefits - Full range of technical equipment - Flexible half-day shifts based on your availability - Opportunity for membership and administrative support - Coverage of social security contributions (URSSAF, etc.) through the association - 7 to 8 weeks of annual leave - One week of training per year - €500 allowance for transportation and housing for practitioners coming from far away or from abroad Equipment - MRI - CT scanner - Ultrasound machine - Mammography machine - Conventional radiology equipment That Extra Little Something Located near Marne-la-Vallée, Jossigny offers quick access to a wide range of recreational activities and services, while remaining less than 35 minutes from Paris by public transportation, making it easier to balance work and quality of life. Qualifications Radiologist licensed in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Board. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected]. Job Posting Reference: 12851 Jober Paragraph Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides you with free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the medical board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Radiologist (M/F) - Gisors, 27
Employee
1000 - 1500 per day
Gisors
A medical imaging group in Gisors, in the Eure department, is seeking a new radiologist (M/F) for a private practice position. Conditions - Self-employed contract with the option to join a practice - On-call shifts - Half-days of 4.5 to 5 hours - Option to work double shifts The Organization You will join a medical imaging group with locations across northern and northwestern France. The site in question features a fully equipped technical facility and an organizational structure that offers great flexibility in practice. In addition, shifts can be tailored to practitioners’ availability and may evolve, without any time constraints, into a partnership within the group. A designated contact person will meet with candidates and then introduce them to their peers and the site managers. Compensation - €550 (including tax) per MRI or CT scan shift - €500 (including tax) per ultrasound, mammography, or conventional radiology shift Duties - Performing and interpreting ultrasound and mammography exams - Conventional radiology procedures - Interpreting MRI and CT scans as needed - Occasional participation in shifts at other group locations - Collaborating with medical and technical teams to ensure the quality of reports - Helping to organize schedules in consultation with the group Benefits - Full range of technical equipment - Flexible half-day shifts based on your availability - Opportunity for membership and administrative support - Coverage of social security contributions (URSSAF, etc.) through the association - 7 to 8 weeks of annual leave - One week of training per year - €500 allowance for transportation and housing for practitioners coming from far away or from abroad Equipment - MRI - CT scanner - Ultrasound machine - Mammography machine - Conventional radiology equipment That Extra Special Touch Gisors is renowned for its medieval castle and ramparts, offering historic walks in a peaceful setting just under an hour and a half from Paris. Qualifications Radiologist licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the French Order of Radiologists. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected]. Job posting reference: 12846 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in onboarding healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your new role: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
See all available offers for this category