With the growing demand for veterinary radiology, it’s no wonder that this is one specialty with a constant backlog. The AVMA reports there are not enough board-certified radiologists to meet everyone’s needs – which means those in need may have to wait an extended period before they can get seen!
A veterinary radiologist is in high demand, and the trend is only going to continue as more and more people adopt pets.
The role of a radiologist is vital when it comes to ruling out severe illnesses like cancers which often manifest themselves early enough, not only through abnormal tests results.
In veterinary medicine, there are many specialties that a DVM can learn and become board certified. Some of these include oncology, dermatology, exotic animals, and surgery. Usually, a student will focus on a specific discipline after graduating from veterinary school.
During your veterinary school, you will take classes related to various disciplines. If there is one discipline in particular that you like, you can focus your attention on that area while you are still in school.
There are many different radiologists, and each has its focus. Some may specialize in oncology, some in surgery, and some in exotic animals. Some general radiologists cover all areas. Typically, when patients come into the clinic with an unknown illness, the veterinarian takes images and sends them to a board-certified radiologist for review.
In some cases, a radiologist may diagnose a problem just by looking at an image. In other cases, they may need to do additional tests to make a diagnosis. The radiologist is an integral part of the medical team in either case.
What Are The Duties Of A Veterinary Radiologist?
Experienced radiographers are invaluable to the veterinary team. Veterinary radiologists specialize in reviewing images of diseases revealed on ultrasonic examinations, CT scans, and MRIs.
Some veterinary radiologists will perform the diagnostic tests themselves, while others interpret the results that other veterinary professionals provide them with. Some larger veterinary hospitals have in-house board-certified radiologists and veterinary technician diagnostic imaging specialists. Whereas smaller veterinary clinics will send their diagnostic images out, so board-certified veterinary radiologists can interpret the images.
Can A Veterinary Radiologist Work From Home?
A veterinary radiologist is an excellent opportunity for a veterinary work-from-home job. There are plenty of vet recruiters who have job listening in the veterinary telemedicine field.
One big area of veterinary telemedicine is the veterinary radiologist specialty. The board-certified radiologist will log into a portal to view images, write up their interpretation/review, and then send them back with a written report. Some veterinary radiologists even consult with DVMs over the phone or skype, where they will diagnose an animal by looking at imaging.
Whether or not it can become a good side hustle for a veterinarian will depend on the number of radiographs you have to interpret each day. It can be a full-time career if the veterinary radiologist has a large caseload of images to solve. On the other hand, if there are only a few cases a day, it could be done as a side hustle.
Diagnostic Imaging For Veterinary Technicians – Is This A Good Career?
There is an organization, The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging; VTS-DI, Veterinary Technician Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging, that provides training and certifications for veterinary technicians who want to specialize in diagnostic imaging. The organization is dedicating its mission to advancing the knowledge and skills of veterinary technicians interested in diagnostic imaging.
After a vet tech passes their exam, they will remain certified for five years. In the field of diagnostic imaging, continuing education classes are also available for maintaining your status as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). If being an animal x-ray tech is a dream, check out the organization.
How To Become An Animal X-Ray Tech
- Have an interest in diagnostic imaging.
- Already be a CVT (must graduate from an accredited education program in Veterinary Technology). Through The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging, the steps are as follows:
- Complete a minimum of forty continuing education (CE) hours in the veterinary diagnostic imaging field. You must complete them before you begin the application process.
- Fill out an application.
- Pass a skills assessment test. Your skills test will be monitored and signed off by either a DVM who is a Diplomate of the ACVR, a DVM who is a board-certified specialist, or an AVTDI member.
- Pass a written test.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Hardcover Book
- Thrall DVM PhD, Donald E. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 10/13/2015 (Publication Date) - Saunders (Publisher)
What Exactly Is The American College of Veterinary Radiology?
The ACVR is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1961 by veterinarians committed to advancing diagnostic imaging for animal health.
Over 600 accredited radiologists are members, undergoing rigorous post-graduate training and following an examination at the end, to be certified as a member of the ACVR. This college is among 22 veterinary specialties recognized internationally as worthy enough to deserve its recognition.
Under the guidance of the American College of Veterinary Radiology, there are two-part exams to pass, internships, and continuing education to maintain your active status as a board-certified veterinary radiologist.
How Long Does It Take To Become an Animal Radiologist?
After high school, it takes at least 12 years of college, internships (how many internships should you apply for?), and residencies to become an animal radiologist. You must complete four years of undergrad, four years of veterinary school, 1 year of internship. Finally, a three to four-year residency program to become a certified animal radiologist. However, every vet student learns radiology in vet school so that all veterinarians can read radiographs.
Additionally, an ACVR Board-Certified Radiologist (ACVR Diplomate) is a veterinarian who goes through advanced training to help diagnose diseases through diagnostic imaging.
Is There A Residency For Veterinary Radiologists?
Yes, the ACVR, American College of Veterinary Radiology, will place you in a residency program. Residencies are available at universities, private practices, and large animal hospitals.
If your focus is on radiology, you will need a 3-4 year residency before being accredited. On the other hand, if your interest lies in radiation oncology, the Residency Programs are 2 – 3 years.
How Many Veterinary Radiologists Are There?
The ACVR says that there are over 600 board-certified veterinary radiologists out there.
How To Become A Veterinary Radiologist?
- Gain animal experience, preferably at a veterinary clinic; this can even be a summer job with animals.
- Graduate with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in animal or biological sciences.
- Graduate from a veterinary school with a DVM degree.
- Pass the NAVLE and any additional state licensing exams itopractice veterinary medicine.
- Work within a veterinary internship for at least 1 year.
- Apply to an ACVR Residency Program that will last 2-4 years.
- Pass one of the Board Certification Examinations, depending on your specialty: ACVR Radiology or Radiation Oncology.
- If you pass, you are now an ACVR Diplomate and board-certified under the ACVR.
How Do I Become A Veterinary Radiologist In Canada?
You must follow the same ACVM guidelines for the US and get into a veterinary program first.
- Gain animal experience, preferably at a veterinary clinic; this can even be a summer job with animals.
- Graduate with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in animal or biological sciences.
- Graduate from a veterinary school with a DVM degree.
- Pass the NAVLE, and any additional state licensing exams to practice veterinary medicine.
- Work within a veterinary internship for at least 1 year.
- Apply to an ACVR Residency Program that will last 2-4 years.
- Pass one of the Board Certification Examinations, depending on your specialty: ACVR Radiology or Radiation Oncology.
- If you pass, you are now an ACVR Diplomate and board-certified under the ACVR.
Veterinary Radiologist Salary
The current 2022 average salary for a veterinary radiologist in the US is $135,000. However, it can vary state by state; for instance, in New York City, the average salary is $176,580. The veterinary radiologist’s salary can also increase in some cases based on production.
Final Thoughts on What Is A Veterinary Radiologist
Veterinary radiologists play an essential role in helping to diagnose and treat diseases in animals. As technology advances, so does the field of veterinary radiology, making it an exciting area of study for those passionate about animal health. Becoming a veterinary radiologist is long and rigorous, but the end result is a rewarding career with a high salary. So if you want to help fill a demand for certified veterinary radiologists, check out this exciting career path!
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