How to Become a Pediatric Radiologist in 5 Steps

Updated on 11/6/2025

Pediatric radiology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents using advanced imaging technologies such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. If you've ever wondered what a pediatric radiologist is, this professional is a doctor trained to interpret these detailed images to detect illnesses or injuries in young patients.

Pediatric radiologists combine medical expertise with compassion, often working closely with families to explain test results and treatment options. Below, you'll find a step-by-step look at the education, certification, and career path required to enter this rewarding field.

What Does a Pediatric Radiologist Do?

Pediatric radiologists play a vital role in children's healthcare by identifying and monitoring medical issues through imaging. Their work includes interpreting scans to diagnose conditions like fractures, infections, and congenital disorders while ensuring the lowest possible radiation exposure for young patients. These specialists collaborate daily with pediatricians, surgeons, and other healthcare providers to plan care and confirm treatment success.

Beyond reading images, they also guide imaging technicians, train medical students, and communicate results to families with clarity and empathy. Most pediatric radiologists work in hospitals, children's clinics, or academic medical centers, where accuracy, teamwork, and patient comfort are top priorities.

Step-by-Step: How To Become a Pediatric Radiologist

Becoming a pediatric radiologist takes years of dedication and specialized training. The process includes earning a bachelor's degree, completing medical school, finishing a residency and fellowship, and obtaining board certification and state licensure.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Your journey starts with a bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Most students complete pre-med courses in anatomy, physiology, and organic chemistry to prepare for medical school admission. Maintaining a strong GPA, performing well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and gaining volunteer or research experience in healthcare can improve your chances of being accepted into a medical program.

Step 2: Complete Medical School

After earning your undergraduate degree, the next stage of your pediatric radiologist schooling is medical school, which typically lasts four years. During this time, you'll take courses in anatomy, pathology, radiologic science, and pediatrics, while completing clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics. Upon graduation, you'll earn either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, both of which prepare you to begin residency training.

Step 3: Complete a Residency in Diagnostic Radiology

Following medical school, you'll begin a four-year residency in diagnostic radiology. During this period, you'll learn to interpret imaging results, ensure patient safety, and manage complex diagnostic cases. Residents rotate through imaging specialties like MRI, CT, and ultrasound, working with both adult and pediatric patients to gain a broad foundation in radiologic practice.

Step 4: Complete a Fellowship in Pediatric Radiology

After residency, you'll move into a one- to two-year fellowship in pediatric radiology, where you'll focus exclusively on children's imaging needs. Fellows gain advanced skills in diagnosing pediatric conditions such as congenital heart disease, skeletal abnormalities, and neurological disorders. You may also participate in clinical research or teaching opportunities, which can strengthen your professional development and prepare you for certification exams.

Step 5: Obtain Board Certification and Licensure

Once your fellowship is complete, you'll need to earn board certification and obtain a state medical license to practice. Most pediatric radiologists pursue certification through the American Board of Radiology (ABR) in diagnostic and pediatric radiology. Each state also has its own medical licensure process, which generally includes passing national exams, submitting proof of education and training, and completing continuing education to maintain active status.

Licensing by State

All pediatric radiologists must hold a valid medical license, though requirements vary by state. Most states require passing scores on national exams such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Below are examples of how licensing works in five major states:

• California: Candidates must pass the USMLE or COMLEX and apply through the Medical Board of California. They are also required to renew their license every two years to remain in good standing.
• Texas: Physicians must obtain medical licensure through the Texas Medical Board. They are required to complete annual continuing education hours to maintain their license.
• Florida: Pediatric radiologists must apply for licensure through the Florida Department of Health. The process includes passing national board exams, completing background checks, and fulfilling continuing medical education (CME) requirements.
• New York: Candidates must apply through the New York Office of the Professions. They must verify completion of medical education and training and complete a state-specific ethics course.
• Illinois: Physicians must pass national medical exams and maintain active certification through the American Board of Radiology (ABR). They are required to renew their license every three years through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Education and Training Requirements

If you're wondering how long it takes to become a pediatric radiologist, the process typically spans 13 to 15 years after high school. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree, four years of medical school, four years of residency, and one to two years of fellowship training.

Some students also spend additional time in research or academic roles before certification. The extensive timeline reflects the depth of training required to safely diagnose and treat young patients using complex imaging technologies.

Key Skills for Pediatric Radiologists

Success as a pediatric radiologist requires both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. You'll need diagnostic precision, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of pediatric anatomy and imaging methods.

Empathy and communication are equally important since you'll often explain procedures and results to anxious children and their families. Many radiologists also develop leadership and teaching skills as they work with medical students, residents, and imaging technicians in clinical settings.

Pediatric Radiologist Salary and Job Outlook

According to recent national data, pediatric radiologists are among the highest-paid medical professionals. The average pediatric radiologist technician salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typically ranges from $200,000 to over $400,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and work setting.

Employment for radiologists overall is expected to grow steadily as the population increases and imaging technologies become more advanced. Specialists in pediatric care may see particularly strong demand in children's hospitals and academic medical centers.

FAQs About Becoming a Pediatric Radiologist

Many students considering pediatric radiology want to know how long the path takes, what degrees are required, and what the career outlook looks like. Below, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about becoming a pediatric radiologist.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Pediatric Radiologist?

If you're wondering how long it takes to become a pediatric radiologist, the process usually takes 13 to 15 years after high school. This includes four years of college, four years of medical school, four years of residency, and one to two years of fellowship training. Some students may take additional time for research, academic study, or exam preparation before earning certification.

Do Pediatric Radiologists Need a Medical Degree?

Yes, pediatric radiologists must earn an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school. These programs provide the scientific and clinical foundation needed to diagnose and treat medical conditions in children using imaging technologies. Without a medical degree, you cannot qualify for residency, fellowship, or board certification.

What Is the Difference Between a Radiologist and a Pediatric Radiologist?

A general radiologist interprets imaging for patients of all ages, while a pediatric radiologist focuses solely on infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric specialists receive extra training in children's anatomy, growth patterns, and developmental diseases. This expertise helps them identify subtle differences that may not appear in adult imaging, ensuring more accurate diagnoses for young patients.

Is Pediatric Radiology a Competitive Specialty?

Yes, pediatric radiology is considered competitive due to the small number of fellowship programs and the demand for specialists in children's hospitals. Candidates often strengthen their applications by excelling in medical school and completing research in radiology or pediatrics. While competitive, the specialty offers rewarding work for those passionate about helping children through advanced diagnostic care.

Are Pediatric Radiologists in Demand?

Yes, pediatric radiologists remain in steady demand across hospitals, clinics, and academic medical centers. The continued advancement of imaging technologies and the need for specialized pediatric care contribute to strong job stability. As healthcare systems expand pediatric services, career opportunities for radiology specialists are expected to stay strong in the years ahead.

Explore Pediatric Radiology and Medical Programs

Start your path toward a career in pediatric radiology by exploring accredited programs on Learn.org. You can find pre-med, medical, and fellowship options that lead to certification and a rewarding future in diagnostic imaging for children.