Radiologic technicians take X-rays and other diagnostic images.
Radiologists and radiography technicians are experts on the use of radiation in health care, but they differ significantly in terms of job duties, required education and pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of available jobs for radiologic technicians is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. Jobs for radiologists on the other hand are expected to grow 22 percent.
Job Description
One primary way in which radiologic technicians differ from radiologists is in terms of the actual jobs that they perform. Radiologic technicians are diagnostic imaging professionals trained in the use of specialized equipment like X-rays that use radiation to produce the image. Radiologists, on the other hand, are physicians who specialize in the use of radiation therapies to treat diseases in the body. Radiologists also use images produced through radiologic means, but they also diagnose and treat diseases, whereas radiologic technicians mainly take the images as ordered by a physician.
Education
A radiologic technician can get started in his career much faster than a physician. Radiologic technicians typically complete an associate degree program, although one-year certificate programs and bachelor's degree programs in radiography are also available. Radiologic technicians are generally introduced to basic and advanced imaging techniques, basic science knowledge and general education courses in areas like English and speech. A radiologist, on the other hand, must complete four years of medical school beyond a bachelor's degree and a medical residency. Residencies are required periods of hands-on training following medical school that typically take a minimum of three additional years to complete.
Certification
Both radiologic technicians and radiologists both obtain certification as part of their jobs. Radiologists must be licensed as physicians in the state in which they practice medicine and typically obtain board certification also. Board certification is a voluntary process, but many physicians seek board certification because it indicates that they have met the highest standards possible in the medical profession. Licensing requirements for radiologic technicians vary by state. Some require that radiologic technicians obtain certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Compensation
Another major difference between radiologists and radiologic technicians is in terms of the compensation each receives. Physicians in general are compensated much better because of their qualifications, licensing and insurance requirements. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median salary for physicians was $166,400 in 2009. Radiologic technicians on the other hand made a median salary of $53,240 in 2009.
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