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!