Radiology Technician vs. Technologist?

I see these terms interchanged all the time, but technician seem like it should be a step down from technologist. Correct? Like LPN is the level below RN. I've been looking at programs for radiology technologist and see technician all over the place with varying programs. None of them really go into specifics to know what the difference is. Thank you!

hey
i woulk like to go to school for one of these medical imaging program( radiology,cardiac sonography,general sonography)any idea which progam is good( good pay,easy program,.....)
thank you

jake in Boston, Massachusetts said: hey
i woulk like to go to school for one of these medical imaging program( radiology,cardiac sonography,general sonography)any idea which progam is good( good pay,easy program,.....)
thank you

If you've done any research at all on these, which it does not sound like you have, then you'd know none of these are easy programs. Almost all accredited schools require prereqs and/or course work in classes such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology 1 and 2, physics, chemistry, medical terminology, sociolgy, psychology - nevermind your general ed courses. Any easy program like basic x-ray, doesn't pay well. Good luck!

Looking4info in Homosassa, Florida said: If you've done any research at all on these, which it does not sound like you have, then you'd know none of these are easy programs. Almost all accredited schools require prereqs and/or course work in classes such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology 1 and 2, physics, chemistry, medical terminology, sociolgy, psychology - nevermind your general ed courses. Any easy program like basic x-ray, doesn't pay well. Good luck!

thank you, i ready took these classes(microbiology,anatomy and psychology.....)but i don't know which one of these...

jake in Boston, Massachusetts said: thank you, i ready took these classes(microbiology,anatomy and psychology.....)but i don't know which one of these...

Then I ask which one are you more interested in? Radiology deals with radiation imaging while the other two deal with ultrasound. Both have options and specialites you can go into. Both have standard programs of 2 years for an AS degree. You can find one and 4 year programs as well. It just depends on what you are looking for and what you feel like would be the better career fit for you. As for pay, that depends greatly on where you live. See if you can shadow someone in these positions if you're really not sure which you prefer. Those people will also be able to give you a better idea about pay in your area.

Curious in Palm Harbor, Florida said: I see these terms interchanged all the time, but technician seem like it should be a step down from technologist. Correct? Like LPN is the level below RN. I've been looking at programs for radiology technologist and see technician all over the place with varying programs. None of them really go into specifics to know what the difference is. Thank you!

Recently, I had a chance to attend the orientation for Radiologic Technology Program. There, I asked the same question that you are wondering about. It is true for people who are working in specific fields might not know the difference between technician and technologist. Before this orientation, I also thought technician maybe a step down from technologist. SIMPLY PUT: Radiologists=MDs, Technologists take x-rays, and Technicians fix machines.

Also check out this website for more info.

www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm

Good luck!

from my professionalism class in the Cal State Northridge Rad Tech Program, WE ARE TECHNOLOGISTS. technicians are classified to ppl with less than 2 years of core education in a specific field.

so is a technician a person who fixes machines or person with less than 2 years of core education?
what is a person that administers an M.R.I?
what is the difference between Radiology technician - radiology technology ?????

Hey X-ray isn't easy!....and sono as far as knowing anatomy is a little more detailed but they get paid the pay is the same as basic x-ray.....Cardiac Cath. & Interventional RT Is where you can find money.....6 figures is definitely possible.....become a doctor!!!! Anything besides MD your at hospitals mercy

ea in Dallas, Texas said: so is a technician a person who fixes machines or person with less than 2 years of core education?
what is a person that administers an M.R.I?
what is the difference between Radiology technician - radiology technology ?????

My professor made it clear that a we are I'n a program to become technologist. People that work on the equipment are technicians. ARRT stands for American Registry for Radiologic Technologist.

Curious in Palm Harbor, Florida said: I see these terms interchanged all the time, but technician seem like it should be a step down from technologist. Correct? Like LPN is the level below RN. I've been looking at programs for radiology technologist and see technician all over the place with varying programs. None of them really go into specifics to know what the difference is. Thank you!

I don't know if your question has been answered but a technician is the person who fixes the equipment. When your x-ray machine or developer is down, you call the technician. The technologist is the person who is involved with the patient, takes the x-rays, studies the human body, bones, organs etc.. Interactions with radiation and patients, the whole philosophy around it etc..

Essentially, a radiologic technologist is same as radiologic technician. It's just that most places do not refer to it as technician, it is more commonly known as radiologic technologist. The main responsibilities would be diagnostic body imaging, including X-rays, of people who have an underlying medical condition. <a href="campusdiscovery.com/colleges/profile/california-college-san-diego-campus">California College San Diego</a>, an accredited college, offers programs in healthcare with an emphasis in Radiology so do check out their website. Student reviews about the college and its programs can also be helpful, so I recommend visiting a California College San Diego review page.

Essentially, a radiologic technologist is same as radiologic technician. It's just that most places do not refer to it as technician, it is more commonly known as radiologic technologist. The main responsibilities would be diagnostic body imaging, including X-rays, of people who have an underlying medical condition. California College San Diego, an accredited college, offers programs in healthcare with an emphasis in Radiology so do check out their website. Student reviews about the college and its programs can also be helpful, so I recommend visiting a <a href="campusdiscovery.com/colleges/profile/california-college-san-diego-campus">California College San Diego review</a> page.