Radiologic Technologist vs. Radiation Therapist: What Are the Differences?

Radiologic technologists and radiation therapists are both medical professionals who use radiation to treat patients. Though they share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two roles. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between radiologic technologists and radiation therapists, and we provide helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in either field.

What is a Radiologic Technologist?

Radiologic Technologists, also called Radiographers, use x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other imaging equipment to capture diagnostic images of patients’ bones, organs and tissues. They position patients and the imaging equipment to minimize exposure to radiation while still capturing high-quality images. Radiologic Technologists also prepare diagnostic reports for Radiologists to interpret. They may specialize in a particular imaging modality, such as x-ray, CT or MRI. Radiologic Technologists typically work in hospitals, medical offices or diagnostic imaging centers.

What is a Radiation Therapist?

Radiation Therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation therapy. They work closely with Radiation Oncologists to develop and implement treatment plans. Radiation Therapists use linear accelerators and other machines to target radiation at specific areas of the patient’s body. They position patients on the treatment table and verify the target area using imaging techniques. Radiation Therapists monitor the patient’s condition during treatment and keep detailed records of the patient’s progress. They also provide emotional support to patients and their families.

Radiologic Technologist vs. Radiation Therapist

Here are the main differences between a radiologic technologist and a radiation therapist.

Job Duties

One of the biggest differences between these two professions is the type of work they perform. Radiologic technologists operate medical imaging equipment to help physicians diagnose and treat patients. They are not authorized to provide any form of treatment themselves, but they may assist radiation therapists in treating patients.

Another key difference is that radiologic technologists only work with images, while radiation therapists can work with both images and patients. This means that a radiologic technologist may only work with a patient for a short period of time, while a radiation therapist may work with them for an entire course of treatment.

Job Requirements

Radiologic technologists typically need an associate degree from an accredited program to enter the field. Some radiologic technologists pursue a bachelor’s degree, which can lead to more advanced positions and higher salaries. Radiation therapists must have at least a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy, although some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

Both professions require licensure or certification. Radiologic technologists can earn certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To become certified, they must pass an exam and meet ARRT’s ethical standards. Radiation therapists can earn certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the American Board of Radiology (ABR). They must also pass an exam and meet the organization’s ethical standards.

Work Environment

Radiologic technologists and radiation therapists work in different environments. Radiologic technologists typically work in hospitals, clinics or private practices. They may also work for companies that provide radiology services to other facilities. Radiation therapists usually work in medical centers, but they can also find employment at cancer treatment centers.

Both professions require professionals to work long hours on their feet. However, radiologic technologists often have more physically demanding jobs because of the heavy equipment they use.

Skills

Both radiologic technologists and radiation therapists use technical skills to perform their jobs. They need to be able to operate complex machinery and understand how to position patients for treatment. They also must follow safety protocols when working with dangerous materials.

Radiologic technologists benefit from having customer service skills when working with patients. Skills like communication, empathy and patience enable them to understand patients’ needs and build long-term relationships. Radiation therapists also need to have excellent interpersonal skills as they often work closely with patients to develop treatment plans. In addition, radiation therapists need to have strong decision-making skills as they often make recommendations about treatments.

Both of these professionals need to have a strong attention to detail to ensure that they are providing accurate information and following all safety protocols.

Salary

Radiologic technologists earn an average salary of $76,938 per year, while radiation therapists earn an average salary of $89,677 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the state in which you work, the type of employer you work for and your level of experience.