Radiology

Competitiveness: High

Radiologists use imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients. Radiology is an exciting specialty that offers many subspecialty options. Applicants must start their careers in Diagnostic Radiology before further specialization. Basic training in Radiology lasts 6 years. There are two main types of programs: Categorical (6 years full residency training) and Advanced (begins at PGY-2 level). Most Diagnostic Programs are Advanced and require a Preliminary Intern Year (PGY-1) before candidates can begin the program. Radiology’s competitiveness level fluctuates but generally remains high. Candidates looking to apply to Radiology programs will need to be well rounded and have high USMLE scores (+240), strong clinical rotations, research experience, good Letters of Recommendation, a well-written Personal Statement, and a personality suited for Radiology.

ENTER YOUR CREDENTIALS Customize your Radiology program list

IMG Profile

Diagnostic Radiology

Average Stats for a Matched US IMG in 2020:

  • USMLE Step 1 score: 241
  • USMLE Step 2 CK score: 247
  • Research: 2.4
  • Abstracts/Presentations/etc: 3.3
  • Work: 2.9
  • Volunteer: 4.0

Average Stats for a Matched Non-US IMG in 2020:

  • USMLE Step 1 score: 239
  • USMLE Step 2 CK score: 242
  • Research: 3.0
  • Abstracts/Presentations/etc: 16.2
  • Work: 5.1
  • Volunteer: 3.3

Specialty Factors

Every specialty has unique factors they want each candidate to have in their residency application. NRMP conducts regular Program Director surveys to identify which parts of the residency application are most important in differing specialties. Among the information gathered, Program Directors were asked to cite factors they used to select candidates for interviews. They were also asked to rate each factor on a scale from 1 (least important) to 5 (most important).

The Top 5 Most Important Radiology Application Factors

Percentage of Programs Citing Each Factor

  1. USMLE Step 1 score (100%)
  2. MSPE/Dean’s Letter (93%)
  3. Class ranking/quartile (89%)
  4. Personal Statement (89%)
  5. Any failed attempt in USMLE (81%)

Average Importance Rating for Each Factor (scale of 1 to 5)

  1. Any failed attempt in USMLE (4.8)
  2. Applicant was flagged with Match violation by the NRMP (4.6)
  3. Evidence of professionalism and ethics (4.5)
  4. Audition elective/rotation within your department (4.4)
  5. Consistency of grades (4.4)

Fast Facts

Total Training 5 years
Average Residency Salary $64,600
Average Physician Salary $403,500
Average Work Week 58 Hours
Peak Interview Months November, December
Key Organizations and Societies: American Board of Radiology
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)
Association of University Radiologists (AUR)
  • Anyone who wishes to specialize in any of the subspecialty areas must first certify in Diagnostic Radiology
  • Radiology is one of the major consultation specialties which requires a widespread knowledge base, research skills, and the ability to keep up with new modalities
  • The most competitive locations for Radiology are California, Boston, New York, and Seattle

Match Statistics

Main Residency Match and Post-Match Stats

34

IMGs Matched

33 /
123

Number of Programs/Positions

7

Post-Match SOAP Unfilled Positions

Main Residency Match

PGY-1
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Post-Match SOAP

Program Track PGY-1
Participating Programs 4
Filled Programs 4
Positions Available 7
Filled Positions 7

Subspecialties

  • Abdominal Radiology
  • Cardiothoracic Radiology
  • Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
  • Musculoskeletal Radiology
  • Neuroradiology
  • Nuclear Radiology
  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Vascular And Interventional Radiology