Continuing your education can help you advance in your radiology career.
Registered radiographers looking to increase their experience and income can advance their career by becoming a Radiologist Assistants (RA). The ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) suggests that although the RA position is a new addition to the diagnostic radiology team, it is a well-paid addition. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) reports that the average salary for practitioners is $102,972, and the average salary of the top five percent of earners is $112,615. Currently, there are ten radiologist assistant programs in the country, six of which offer master’s degrees. The AMA website details that all educational programs for RAs are established at the baccalaureate degree or higher, and require that RAs be certified as radiographers by the ARRT. These programs are two- to three-year programs; however, many of these programs have online educational options. Following these steps will show you find the graduate radiology program that is best for you.
Instructions
1. Decided on a post-radiologic technologist path. The master’s level of radiologic technology is radiologic assistant (RA). RAs come in two levels; the mid-level radiology practitioner assistants (RPAs) and the upper-level registered radiologist assistants (RRAs). According to AAPA.org, RPAs are certified by the Certification Board of Radiology Practitioner Assistants and work in the radiology department of hospitals and imaging centers. They are responsible for radiologic patient assessments and management in addition to separating normal images from the abnormal. RPAs can advance their degree by pursing an RPA to RRA track program; however, it is not required to have had an RPA to become an RRA. The primary requirements are that the candidate must first complete a bachelor’s degree or higher, in addition to being a registered radiographer. ASRT.org suggests that RRAs are responsible for many of the duties formerly performed by the radiologist to free them up for diagnosis. It is important to determine which level RA you wish to pursue when searching for a graduate radiology program.
2. Research available programs. According to RadiologyInfo.org, there are only six master’s programs in the nation. Some of these programs being offered by institutions such as Bloomburg University of Pennsylvania and Loma Linda University. You can search for these programs and others on the web by typing "radiologist assistant program" into your favorite search engine. Make a list of all the RA programs you locate on the web and investigate which program works best for you. You can also contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists to request a list of accredited radiologic master’s programs.
3. Contact interesting programs. Visit the program websites and contact a representative from the department in which the degree is offered. Ask for further program details and necessary enrollment requirements. Keep in mind that the actual degree awarded is a Master's of Science in Radiologist Assistant (MSRA). Be sure that the program you select awards the MSRA.
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