Radiology Assistant vs. Radiology Technician: What Are the Differences?

Radiology assistants and radiology technicians are both important members of the radiology team. They work together to provide quality patient care and diagnostic imaging services. Though their roles are similar, there are several key differences between these positions. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between radiology assistants and radiology technicians, and we provide information on how to become either one.

What is a Radiology Assistant?

Radiology Assistants are trained medical professionals who work alongside Radiologists to provide patient care. They prepare patients for diagnostic imaging procedures, explain the procedures to patients, and help position them on the imaging table. Radiology Assistants also maintain and operate imaging equipment, and they may assist in minor interventional procedures. They may also perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records and billing insurance companies. Radiology Assistants must be able to maintain a calm and professional demeanor in fast-paced and sometimes stressful environments.

What is a Radiology Technician?

Radiology Technicians are medical professionals who specialize in imaging tests and procedures, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. They work closely with patients to explain the procedure and ensure they are comfortable before starting. Radiology Technicians position patients and equipment to get the best possible images while minimizing exposure to radiation. They also monitor patients during procedures and report any changes to the Radiologist. Radiology Technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics or private practices.

Radiology Assistant vs. Radiology Technician

Here are the main differences between a radiology assistant and a radiology technician.

Job Duties

Although both radiology assistants and radiology technicians have contact with patients, the types of work they do differs. Radiology assistants perform diagnostic imaging procedures under the supervision of a radiologist. They may prepare patients for exams, assist them during exams and communicate the results to doctors.

In contrast, radiology technicians perform various tasks related to different types of radiology scans. Depending on their job duties, they may operate radiology equipment, manage and maintain medical records or clean examination rooms.

Job Requirements

Radiology assistants typically need to earn an associate degree from a radiologic technology program before they can enter the field. These programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools. They usually take two years to complete, although some students may be able to finish in less time if they attend school full time. During their studies, radiology assistants learn about medical ethics, patient care and how to operate X-ray machines.

Radiology technicians also need to complete an accredited radiologic technology program. However, these programs usually take longer to finish than those for radiology assistants. That’s because radiology technicians often pursue a bachelor’s degree instead of an associate degree. Some of these programs might even take four years to complete. During their studies, radiology technicians learn about human anatomy, medical imaging and radiation safety.

Work Environment

Radiology assistants and technicians work in different environments. Radiology assistants typically work in hospitals, medical offices or other healthcare facilities. They may travel with radiology technologists to various locations for their job duties.

Radiology technicians usually work in hospitals, but they can also find employment in private practices, imaging centers or research institutions. Some radiology technicians work as independent contractors, traveling from location to location to perform their job duties.

Skills

Both radiology assistants and radiology technicians use patient care skills when working with patients. This includes interacting with patients to help them feel comfortable during their procedures, answering any questions they have and providing emotional support. They also need to be able to follow instructions from radiologists and other medical professionals to ensure the safety of both the patient and themselves.

Radiology assistants benefit from having strong administrative skills as they often are responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records and handling billing and insurance paperwork. Radiology technicians typically do not need to have as many administrative responsibilities, but they must be able to keep accurate records of the images they take and the procedures they perform.

Both radiology assistants and radiology technicians need to have excellent communication skills. Radiology assistants often act as a liaison between the patient and the radiologist, so they need to be able to explain procedures in layman’s terms and answer any questions the patient has. Radiology technicians need to be able to communicate clearly with the radiologist to ensure they understand the specific images that are being requested.

Salary

Radiology assistants can earn an average salary of $75,458 per year, while radiology technicians can earn an average salary of $57,916 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the state in which you work, the size of the company you work for and your level of experience.