UK radiology: FRCR and the radiologist shortage
Clinical radiology is one of the UK’s most under-staffed specialties relative to rising scan demand, and internationally-qualified doctors — who already make up a large share of the radiology workforce — typically enter it through the Royal College of Radiologists’ FRCR examinations.
Last updated 2026-07-11 · figures are indicative snapshots — confirm current values with the source
How do international doctors enter UK radiology, and is it in demand?
The route runs through the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR): the First FRCR (anatomy and physics), the Final FRCR Part A (two written papers) and the Final FRCR Part B (clinical reporting). Demand is acute — the College’s 2024 census reported a 29% shortfall in the clinical radiology workforce, projected to reach 39% by 2029 without action.
This is free information only, for internationally-qualified doctors who, of their own accord, want to understand the UK registration route. GeraClinic (Gera Services Ltd) is a telemedicine platform, not a recruitment agency: we do not place doctors into UK jobs, we do not actively recruit from countries on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List (which includes Pakistan and Bangladesh), and we never charge you a fee for finding work. You always apply to UK employers yourself, on your own account.
The FRCR exams
FRCR is the fellowship examination of the Royal College of Radiologists and is taken in stages across UK clinical radiology training. It is also one of the postgraduate qualifications that can support GMC registration.
- First FRCR: anatomy (image-viewing) and physics (multiple-choice) modules.
- Final FRCR Part A: two written papers of ~120 single-best-answer questions covering the core curriculum.
- Final FRCR Part B: a clinical exam of reporting and practical skills.
Source: Royal College of Radiologists — FRCR (Clinical Radiology)
Why radiology is in demand
Imaging demand is growing far faster than the radiologist workforce, and internationally-qualified doctors already fill a large share of these roles — which is why NHS employers actively recruit them (doctors apply directly).
- The UK had a 29% clinical radiology workforce shortfall in 2024, projected to reach 39% by 2029 if unaddressed.(Royal College of Radiologists — 2024 clinical radiology workforce census)
- In 2024 the consultant radiologist workforce grew only ~4.2% while CT and MRI scan volumes grew ~8%, widening the gap.
- 38% of clinical radiology consultants gained their primary medical qualification outside the UK — evidence of how central IMGs are to the specialty.
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Frequently asked questions
What exam do I need to work in UK radiology?+
The FRCR from the Royal College of Radiologists — the First FRCR (anatomy and physics), the Final FRCR Part A (two written papers) and the Final FRCR Part B (clinical reporting). It is central to UK radiology training and can support GMC registration.
Is there a radiologist shortage in the UK?+
Yes. The Royal College of Radiologists’ 2024 census reported a 29% workforce shortfall, projected to reach 39% by 2029, with scan demand growing much faster than the consultant workforce.
Earn as a telemedicine doctor while you plan your move
GeraClinic is a telemedicine platform where licensed doctors consult patients online. It is free to apply, with no signup or monthly fees — you set your own hours and fee and keep 85% of every consultation while you work through the pathway above.