Diagnostic imaging machines have improved healthcare outcomes for more than 100 years since the discovery that radiation could be used to “see” inside the body. Instead of relying on external testing or surgery, these machines, including X-rays and MRI scanners, provide a noninvasive means of viewing the internal organs of the human body. They are critical in diagnosing illnesses and assessing injuries, from cancer to broken bones.
Radiologic technologists and technicians have expertise in operating diagnostic imaging equipment as well as a deep understanding of the human body and patient care. While their roles may appear similar, they have different job responsibilities and professional requirements, such as in the areas of education and expertise. Understanding these differences can help individuals determine whether a career as a radiologic technologist or technician best suits their strengths and aspirations.
What Is a Radiologic Technologist?
Radiologic technologists use diagnostic imaging equipment, such as X-ray and MRI machines and CT scanners, to perform patient examinations. Typically, radiologic technologists specialize in one or more of these imaging machines, as each functions differently and requires expertise for proper use.
Radiologic Technologist Duties and Responsibilities
In addition to operating these machines, radiologic technologists work closely with patients, answering questions about the exam and assisting with patient positioning. To produce clear images that provide the best means of diagnosis, patients’ bodies often need to be in positions that may be uncomfortable or painful for them to hold. These professionals manage the equipment and patients in such a way as to reduce that discomfort.
Radiologic technologists are also trained in analyzing and interpreting the results of diagnostic images and may either discuss those results with patients or with the patient’s healthcare team. They may also work on administrative duties, such as helping patients schedule appointments and ensuring that inventories of supplies remain stocked.
Radiologic Technologist Skills
Radiologic technologists should work to develop skills related to their key duties, such as assisting patients, analyzing exam results, and delivering results to both patients and their healthcare teams. These radiologic technologist skills may include the following:
Knowledge of anatomy. Technologists need to know what they are looking at when they work with diagnostic images and analyze results. A detailed understanding of the human body is also critical when positioning patients for a diagnostic image to be taken.
Communication. Technologists need to be able to instruct patients on how to position themselves properly while reducing discomfort so that an optimal image can be taken. Additionally, they must be prepared to discuss results with both patients and care providers, accounting for the need to provide patients with additional context and support.
Empathy. While differences exist between radiologic technologist and technician duties, all healthcare professionals must approach patient care empathetically by showing compassion and composure and adapting to the unique needs of their patients.
What Is a Radiologic Technician?
Radiologic technicians also work with and operate diagnostic imaging equipment. Radiologic technicians, similar to radiologic technologists, often specialize in a piece of equipment. For example, a radiologic technician specializing in X-ray machines may also be called an X-ray technician.
Radiologic Technician Duties and Responsibilities
Radiologic technicians operate their equipment based on the instruction of either a physician or a radiologic technologist, both of whom may act as supervisors during an imaging examination. They target specific areas directed by the patient’s healthcare team, adjusting both the equipment and the patient to ensure the best possible images. They then organize the images and submit them to a radiologic technologist or physician for analysis.
These technicians are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of their equipment.
Radiologic Technician Skills
Radiologic technicians should develop skills in maintaining and operating their diagnostic imaging machines, ensuring they are safely used and do not break down. Here are a few skills that are relevant to a radiologic technician career:
Technical knowledge: A radiologic technician should know exactly how their equipment works in order to get the best possible image. In addition to optimizing the positioning of the patient and the machine, they also need to tune the machine to ensure specific areas of the image will be clearly visible and easy to analyze. They should know how to identify signs of wear and dysfunction in their machine and be ready to make repairs when needed.
Safety knowledge: The use of radiation in diagnostic imaging is a potential safety concern for patients and professionals who may be exposed to it, especially repeatedly and over long periods. By informing all parties about proper safety equipment and positioning during examinations, technicians can help reduce or eliminate harmful effects associated with exposure to radiation.
Differences Between Radiologic Technologist vs. Radiologic Technician
A significant overlap exists between radiologic technologist vs. technician careers. The primary difference between these two careers is in their scopes, with technicians typically requiring less education, experience, and responsibility compared to technologists. Radiologic technologists, however, tend to have greater autonomy and often directly assist their patients.
Education
Radiologic technologists typically require a minimum of an associate degree. While radiologic technicians can pursue the same level of education, they may also seek out a certification from an accredited institution to fulfill the same educational requirements for state licensure to work. Often, technicians receive training on the job, while technologists require a more in-depth educational background.
An associate degree program is required for technologists as it provides the foundations of radiologic imaging, the operation of diagnostic imaging equipment, and how to work with patients from both a positioning and a safety perspective. It also provides training for analyzing and interpreting diagnostic images properly. Typically these programs allow students to work under the supervision of experienced professionals, providing them with hands-on clinical experiences that can help inform them of handling real-world scenarios.
Additionally, while radiologic technicians only need licensure from their state, technologists must earn certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), ensuring that they meet a minimum level of qualified knowledge and professional standards.
Responsibilities
A key difference between radiologic technologists and technicians involves how they handle patients. Technicians don’t have the same credentials as technologists, and aside from working with patients to take scans, they don’t discuss results with patients. Technologists, on the other hand, are trained to both analyze and interpret diagnostic images with patients.
Another key difference in responsibilities is in the maintenance of the equipment itself. While radiologic technicians ensure that their machines function properly and repair them if needed, technologists focus primarily on the operational aspects alone.
Radiologic Technologist vs. Radiologic Technician: Job Outlook
The employment outlook for both radiologic technologists and technicians is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth for these careers is 5% between 2022 and 2032, higher than the average 3% growth for all careers.
The BLS largely attributes this expected growth to the aging U.S. population, as older individuals are more likely to develop chronic diseases and experience internal injuries that are diagnosed using imaging exams.
Take Your First Step to a Radiologic Career
Diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in medical care, offering a range of career opportunities for those who are interested in this field. Whether you are considering a career as a radiologic technologist or technician, building a strong educational foundation is essential. The Fortis Radiologic Technology program, which leads to an associate degree, can be an excellent starting point for your career.
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