Rad Tech vs. X-Ray Tech?

Question

What's the difference between a Radiologic Technologist and an X-Ray Tech? Please check out this site (http://www.ccsce.org/home.html) and help me figure this out!? I was under the impression they were the same thing, but if you look at the requirements for each they are totally different. Which is better as far as salary and job opportunities? Also, anyone know how I can find out which hospitals near me might offer a hospital based program to become certified in either of the two areas? Thanks.

Answer 1

There are different terms/names thrown around for those of use who perform x-ray exams. Your link does not work, so I am going to tell you what I know, rather than comment on that site.

A radiologic technologist (which is probably the one you saw which requires more schooling) is a person who can do all types of x-ray examinations. These include portable x-rays, fluoroscopic studies, surgical studies, DEXA scans, CT scans and with an additional license (and no additional schooling), mammography.

A limited technician can only do certain examinations. You can get a limited license to do extremity imaging, for example. This type of tech. would be very limited to working in a podiatrist or orthopedic office. A hospital would not hire a limited tech. because they can't do many of the examinations which are done at a hospital. A limited tech. also makes far less money. I have never worked in a department or facility which hires limited techs.

You can either go to an accredited hospital based program or a 2 or 4 year college program. Once you graduate, and pass your licensing examinations, a prospective employer will never ask where you went to school. They don't care where you went to school....they only care that you are licensed. I went to a hospital based program and earned a certificate. I make just as much money as the technologists who spent 4 years and a whole lot more money on a college education......

You can go to the following site and search "radiography" and your state for all of the accredited radiologic technology programs in your area. There are links provided where you can get additional information:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/home-pregnancy-tests/PR00100

You can also find the average salary for a RT in your state at this site....as you can see, with additional licensing, the pay goes up!

http://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/research/wss2007/wss07annualcompensation.pdf

Best wishes....

Answer 2

Wrong link Lissacal! http://arrt.org/index.html?content=http://www.arrt.org/nd/listOfSchools.ndm/listSchools&iframe=yes Otherwise she's exactly right :)

Also, the asker's link didn't work because of the parenthesis: http://www.ccsce.org/home.html