The radiology — or imaging — field of medicine employs radiologist physicians, X-ray technologists, and X-ray technicians. Despite the fact that these careers have a similar subject matter and work environment, the length and degree of educational preparation required for these positions can vary greatly. An associate’s degree, usually obtained through a community college or a vocational training facility, is usually required to qualify for certification as a radiology technician or a radiology technologist. A radiologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who has earned a bachelor’s degree, attended medical school, and completed a three- to four-year residency program. When deciding whether to become a radiologist, an X-ray technologist, or an X-ray technician, a student must consider a variety of factors, including grades, the ability to be admitted to required degree programs, financial resources or the availability of financial aid, and the amount of time he is willing to devote to earning one or more degrees.
Some experienced X-ray technicians and technologists without degrees have received certification and are qualified to practice under state or national “grandfather clauses,” which means they are exempt from current degree requirements because they have already worked in the field. New students, on the other hand, are more likely to start their careers after earning an associate’s degree in the field and passing a certification exam sponsored the national organization that oversees their specific practice. All states in the United States require licensure or certification based on organization or state-sponsored exams. Radiology technicians are the most entry-level of the three radiology professions, requiring the least amount of education, training, and specialization. These medical professionals position patients, protect themselves and their patients from excessive radiation exposure, and operate X-ray machines to obtain the clearest image possible.
Before starting their careers, X-ray technologists earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in their field. X-ray technologists, like technicians, position patients and operate imaging equipment according to a radiologist’s written orders. Technologists, on the other hand, have more training and experience with a much wider range of imaging equipment, if not specialization and additional certification. An X-ray technologist works with a variety of specialized equipment, including computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluoroscopy, mammography, and other types of X-ray machines. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists®, a national accreditation board in the United States, certifies technologists.
Investing the most time, money, and effort in becoming a radiologist is the most difficult of the three options. A radiologist is a physician who has earned a bachelor’s degree, attended medical school, and completed a radiology residency program. These specialized and board-certified physicians are well compensated, and this field is expected to grow rapidly. Radiologists in the United States are required to be licensed and board-certified examinations specific to the state in which they work.