Radiologist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: ABR board certification, State medical license (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: PACS workstations; CT, MRI and ultrasound scanners; voice recognition software; interventional equipment
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Radiologist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Follow radiation safety and ALARA
Screen for MRI safety
Check contrast allergies and kidney function
Use sterile technique for procedures
Shadow an experienced radiologist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: read a chest x-ray systematically
Supervised practice: communicate a critical result
Supervised practice: choose the right imaging study
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Interpret medical images: independently
Diagnose disease and injuries: independently
Consult with other physicians: independently
Perform image-guided procedures: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, ABR board certification)
Discuss the career path: Radiology Resident → Radiologist → Subspecialist
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Read a Chest X-Ray Systematically
Communicate a Critical Result
Choose the Right Imaging Study
Image interpretation
Anatomy
CT and MRI physics
Interventional procedures

How to measure onboarding success

Days until the new hire works without a preceptor
Competency sign-offs completed on time
Documentation or charting error rate
90-day retention

How Radiologist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Radiologist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Radiologist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Radiologist Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Radiologist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)