Radiologic technologists and technicians both work with patients.
Radiologic technologists and technicians both work in the field of radiology, and they may both assist a radiologist, which is a medical doctor who specializes in the field of radiology. Professionals in each of these fields work with highly specialized equipment that's used for diagnostic purposes. You can identify whether or not the professional you're dealing with is a radiologic technologist or technician by paying attention to their job duties and asking a few key questions.
Instructions
1. Ask about the official title of the professional, which will most likely include the word technologist or technician. Radiologic technicians are also known as radiographers.
2. Find out what type of imaging modalities the professional uses. A radiologic technician uses primarily x rays, which is a type of imaging examination. A radiologic technologist will use different modalities, including mammography, computed tomography and fluoroscopy.
3. Determine if the professional has a specialty or not. Radiologic technologists tend to complete more complex, advanced procedures and often have specialties associated with those procedures, such as computed tomography, or CTs, mammography, or magnetic resonance imaging, or MRIs. Radiologic technicians don't typically have specialties.
4. Pay attention to whether or not the professional completes tasks such as removing jewelry and other metal items to prep the patient, explaining the procedure before it's done and placing radiation protection devices on the patient. These tasks will be completed by a radiologic technician, not a technologist.
5. Ask if the professional has a license. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed, but not radiologic technicians. A voluntary license through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists can also be attained by technologists, but not technicians.
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