Enjoy a Promising Career as a Radiologist Assistant

An invaluable aid to the radiologist, a Radiologist Assistant (RA) works closely with radiologists to perform radiologic examinations--imaging procedures like x-rays, MRIs, CT and CAT scans. Taking some of the workload off the radiologist, RAs may initially evaluate the quality of imaging scans and forward these observations to the radiologist. These initial observations are not official written interpretations. RAs often evaluate patients before and after an imaging procedure. They may also perform non-invasive fluoroscopy (multiple timed x-rays) and similar procedures under the radiologist’s supervision.

RAs are also involved in patient management and evaluation, and they may help radiologists with certain invasive procedures. Under the direct supervision of a radiologist, RAs may even perform selected radiology procedures.

As in most medical professions, you must be courteous to patients who may be suffering from severe illness or injury. You'll also need to work efficiently and safely with complex and powerful imaging systems--like x-ray units, fluoroscopic systems, mammography and MRI systems.

The position of RA is a relatively new one. There are approximately 10 RA programs in the country, with about half a dozen offering Master's Degrees. To become an RA, you'll need an undergraduate degree in the physical sciences, complete an academic program and a radiologist-supervised clinical internship. To work as an RA, you'll need to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

The rising number of radiology procedures conducted across the country has created a big demand for RAs. Medical institutions have been known to actively recruit for the radiology field, which includes radiologist assistants, technologists and technicians. According to the ASRT's 2007 Wage and Salary Survey, RAs can expect to earn between $80,000 and $100,000 annually.

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.