When choosing which one to take, you should have in mind that it takes a lot longer to become a radiologist than it does to become an ultrasound technician. More than 75 percent of states have licensing laws covering the practice of radiologic technology. Both involve radiation, although magnetic resonance imaging, another area of radiologic technology, does not. How to Become a Radiology Tech. Before deciding on this type of career, it's important to look at it from all angles. The American College of Radiology describes the Radiologist Assistant role this way: The radiologist assistant is identified as an advanced-level radiologic technologist who works under the supervision of a radiologist to enhance patient care by assisting the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment. Welcome to the Radiology Assistant Educational site of the Radiological Society of the Netherlands by Robin Smithuis MD If you have a long-term plan of working as a radiologist, you will want to look at tech programs first. Moreover, what are your criteria for what you consider to be superior? A radiologic technologist’s job ends after capturing the image they need: Though radiologic techs are responsible for taking x-rays or performing MRIs, their involvement doesn’t stop there. They ensure the quality of the images captured, maintain imaging equipment and … This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled medical radiation technologists from overseas to work in New Zealand. A radiology technologist is a vital part of any medical team, providing non-invasive imaging work that helps medical professionals diagnose diseases and injuries. In those states, you must obtain a state license before you can work as a radiologic technologist. You would be responsible for maintaining and calibrating radiologic imaging equipment, as well as making sure patients are prepared for imaging procedures to ensure radiologist get the exact images they need. People outside the field of radiology confuse the difference between a radiologic technologist and radiology technician. The correct term is radiologic technologist or radiographer, but we are also called x-ray tech., x-ray technician, radiology tech. More importantly, the person in this role also helps evaluate the images, discusses them with physicians and educates patients on the imaging process while putting them at ease. A new and evolving career for Radiologic Technologists is that of the Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) How Much Does a Radiologic Technologist Make? Radiation Therapy | Everyday Life …Radiologic Technology Vs. In addition, many states use ARRT exam scores and/or credentials when making licensing decisions. Whether you see yourself as a Radiology tech vs MRI tech, know that you will be making a difference in either profession. As a radiology assistant, you'd perform radiologic examinations, evaluate images and provide conclusions to radiologists. To become a radiologist, you need to earn an undergrad degree and attend four years of med school. Radiologic techs are more likely to work evening or night shifts, weekends, and holidays or to take calls. A residency in radiology is usually four years and includes studying radiation safety and interpreting imaging scans. a radiology nurse prepares patients for imaging procedures and administers medications they need before, during or after the procedure. Salary estimates are based on 3,319 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Radiologic Technologist/Medical Assistant employees. The most common way to enter the radiology technician profession is to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in radiologic technology or radiography. This is the most misunderstood concept that I see on a regular basis. The downside to becoming a radiology technician may be attributed to the following negative aspects in the job: Competition is fierce; depending on the state the profession is practiced in, per diem jobs are also hard to come by. A career as a Medical/Laboratory Technologist versus a Radiologic Technologist? The difference between an X-ray technician and a radiologist is that an X-ray technician can only perform the X-rays while the radiologist gets the images from the technician and analyzes them, making a diagnosis. Radiology has many different areas you can choose to focus on: Diagnostic, Oncology, Neuroradiology, Nuclear Radiology, and Pediatric Radiology to mention a few. The Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA or RA) profession is reaching an unprecedented need in the radiology world. Radiology technicians have the opportunity to work closely with the general public and provide a valuable service. Becoming a radiology tech vs ultrasound tech is more comparable. In addition, radiologist assistants are a much-needed bridge of communication between the radiologist, the radiology department, and the patients. If you’re ready to pursue a travel position as a Radiology tech or an MRI tech, apply today! They are both integral parts of medical practice. Radiology Assistant and Radiology Practitioner Assistant does not even come close to being "pretty much like a PA". Studies are also different. Radiation Therapy by Beth Greenwood. Radiologic Technologist Pay The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of May 2012, radiologic technologists earned an average annual wage of $56,450, equal to $27.14 an hour. Radiology techs vs MRI techs are similar in theory, but distinct. At the same time, this job carries with it a few negatives that you need to be aware of. Associate of Applied Science in Radiology. The NCTC Radiologic Technology Program is a two-year, 60-hour curriculum leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree that prepares students to assume the role of a radiologic technologist, sometimes called rad tech or x-ray tech. The field of radiography offers continuous expansion from a Medical Assistant with Limited Scope X-Ray Tech all the way up to Radiologist M.D. However, you can begin working within the field as a radiology technician with as little as an associate degree, typically offered from community colleges and technical schools. Ultrasound techs make an average of $67,332, according to the same website. Because radiologic technologists use a greater variety of methods than sonographers, they are more often known by their specialties such X-ray technologist or computed tomography technologist. Radiologic Technologist. That means four years of undergrad, followed by four years of medical school and a residency program, reports the BLS. Career advancement is limited though possible for radiology technicians with plenty of additional learning. I have been working in radiology for over fifteen years. When a radiologic technologist is monitored for occupational radiation exposure, they are aware of the consequences of their method of practice and adherence to institutional protocols. Or a career as a Pathologist versus a Radiologist? They have advanced skills and qualifications that allow them to perform a range of duties related to patient care that do not require a radiologist… Programs can result in certificate, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Radiologic Technology Vs. Some radiologic techs specialize in mammograms. This title is defined as an advanced Radiology Technician/Technologist. The best-paid 25 percent earned $66,550 or more, with the top 10 percent making $77,160 or higher. the role is very very different than the radiology tech. who is an experienced Technologist- not a Physician Assistant- who has completed additional education, training and has passed exams to function as radiologist extenders. The national average salary for a Radiologic Technologist/Medical Assistant is $29,182 in United States. they also do the assessment before and after, make sure the patient understand the procedure, makes sure the consent is signed. Radiologic technologist vs. radiologist: Education requirements. Although the formal diagnosis needs to be signed and authorized by the radiologist, the assistant plays a crucial role in assisting with the diagnosis and communicating it to all involved parties. And includes studying radiation safety and interpreting imaging scans and the patients, apply today in United.. 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