Radiology has long been a field of medical science dedicated to diagnosing and treating medical conditions with the use of specialized imaging equipment. Within the field of radiology, there are a few specialized roles that are important to understand in order to provide the best care possible to patients. Two of these roles include radiologist and radiation therapist. Radiologists and radiation therapists have very different roles and responsibilities in the field of radiology, and it is important to understand the differences between these two roles in order to appreciate the essential role each plays in providing quality medical care to patients. In this blog post, we will take a look at the differences between a radiologist and a radiation therapist and their respective responsibilities, as well as how both impact patient care.
What is a radiologist?
A radiologist is a type of doctor who specializes in using imaging methods to diagnose and treat illnesses and other health issues, such as computed tomography (CT), x-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, they collaborate closely with the patient’s primary care physician or other healthcare providers that they are seeing. Radiologists might carry out certain procedures and consult with patients about their findings.
What is a radiation therapist?
An expert in treating patients with malignant tumors by using high-energy radiation to eradicate or control the spread of cancer cells is a radiation therapist. Radiation therapists collaborate with a team that includes a radiation oncologist, dietician, and nurses, unlike radiologic technicians. They control the development of cancer using advanced imaging technology. Radiation therapy uses high doses of x-rays or gamma rays to target cancer cells in a patient’s body in an effort to kill them, reduce their pain, or both.
Radiation therapists earn qualifications after studying radiation therapy. A radiation oncologist selects the best type of therapy for each patient. There are two types of radiation therapy:
What are the differences between a radiologist and a radiation therapist?
Despite the fact that the duties of both professions are essentially the same, the paths to becoming either one differ greatly in terms of education, training, and working conditions:
Salary
Education
Following the successful completion of their respective studies, radiation therapists and radiologists both receive certifications. It typically takes 13 years of study and training to become a radiologist. A radiology student must enroll in medical school after earning a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine or a related field of study, followed by residency training. Since residency training aims to provide students with the practical knowledge and experience needed to begin working, it can be compared to an internship program.
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy is required for those who want to work as radiation therapists. The likelihood of obtaining a full-time position after graduation may be increased by completing an additional certificate program. A bachelor’s degree includes an internship program designed to give students practical work experience in the field.
Work environment
Radiologists work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities with a variety of radiation equipment and patients with a range of problems. They typically have an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift. m. to 5 p. m. , Monday through Friday, but depending on the demands of the facility where they work and any emergencies a patient may be having, it may be necessary for them to work after hours, on-call, and holidays.
Hospitals, doctor’s offices, universities, colleges, and outpatient facilities all employ radiation therapists. Depending on the type of treatment being provided to a patient, their daily tasks may change. Additionally, they typically follow a set schedule and collaborate closely with other radiation therapists and oncology team members.
Training
Students studying radiology must complete a five-year radiology residency program after graduating from medical school. The majority of residency graduates enroll in a one-year subspecialty fellowship program. When pursuing an associate’s degree, radiation therapists receive extensive training to give them practical experience.
Duties
Radiologists perform the following duties and responsibilities:
Cancer and other illnesses are identified and treated by radiation therapists. Radiation therapists do things like:
Common professions associated with radiology and radiation therapy
If you’re interested in a career in radiology or radiation therapy, check out the following list of professions:
MRI Technician
MRI technicians, also called magnetic resonance imaging technologists, use MRI scanners to diagnose patients and take images. They give medical professionals clear imaging results for precise diagnosis and treatment. MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of a patient’s internal organs.
Pediatric radiologist
Children, from infants to young adults, are subjected to radiologic examinations by pediatric radiologists or radiographers. Pediatric radiographers perform routine radiological tasks but specialize in child health because children need special care and handling. Additionally, they utilize MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine equipment.
Interventional radiologist nurse
The individuals in this position are employed by a radiology team. They use image-guided procedures through tiny body openings to help medical professionals treat heart disease and stroke They monitor patient health and administer medication. They also offer post-operation assistance to patients. A nursing associate or bachelor’s degree is frequently a prerequisite for employment as an interventional radiologist nurse.
Cardiovascular technologist
Radiologists with specialized training in imaging and examining heart and lung issues are known as cardiovascular technologists. They prepare patients for invasive surgeries in addition to monitoring their blood pressure, heart rate, and other conditions. For this position, many employers demand that applicants finish specialized training in both invasive and non-invasive cardiology.
Mammography technologist
When scanning patients for breast diseases, mammographers use radiation processes and equipment to create breast images. They produce clear images so the doctor can make a precise diagnosis. Mammography technologists receive a certification to begin working after completing specialized mammography coursework.
CT scan technologist
The bodies of patients are depicted in computed tomographic images by CT scan technicians. A doctor can identify specific points of infection by using three-dimensional images that have been angulated to various degrees. A radiologic technology associate degree is required for aspiring CT scan technologists.
Radiation Oncologist
Doctors who oversee the treatment and care of patients receiving radiation therapy are known as radiation oncologists. They inform the patient about the course of the treatment, including the advantages and drawbacks. After successfully completing a master’s degree and four years of residency training, they must study radiation oncology, which includes a year of general medical training.
Dosimetrist
Advanced planning software is used by a dosimetrist to schedule radiation oncologists’ treatment procedures. Additionally, they determine the number of radiation doses required to eradicate the cancer cells that have been highlighted while still protecting healthy body tissues. Regular radiation therapists who want to specialize in dosimetry can do so with extensive training or by enrolling in a two-year program.
Dietitian
A dietitian is a doctor who assists patients in maintaining their nutritional status. They educate patients about nutrition, give them recipes and supplements to help them with their nutritional status, which may be impacted by radiation treatment. Following the completion of a bachelor’s degree, they must complete a one-year internship program.
Day in the Life: Radiation Therapist – Paulina Nguyen
FAQ
Is radiation therapy a good career choice?
Cancers are located, staged, and diagnosed using radiology techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic imaging procedures. High doses of targeted energy are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells and reduce tumor size.
Are radiation therapists rich?
Radiation therapist salaries tend to be highly favorable. The average salary across all occupations in the U. S. is $38,640. The average salary, even for the lowest paid 10% of radiation therapists, is around $56,360 Across all radiation therapists, the average yearly salary is $82,330.
