A radiologist assistant is a qualified person who helps the radiologist in performing various functions in the field of diagnostic imaging. Computed tomography, imaging scanning, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography are just some of the complex activities in radiology. Typically, a radiologist assistant mainly provide patient care and management and other tasks and functions related to radiology. The diagnosis and the written report is the still the responsibility of the radiologist. Therefore, the duties of a radiologist assistant is like an advanced radiographer.
Under the direct supervision of the radiologist, he or she may assist in patient care and management though assessing a patient’s condition and reviewing medical records, perform radiologic functions and follow-up a patient’s evaluation.
A career as a radiologist assistant is the next level if you are already working as a radiographer. The following conditions must be met to work as a radiologist assistant.
If you are considering a career as a radiologist assistant, you must enroll in an accredited school although program admission requirements differ in each school or institution. You can earn your bachelor’s degree in any of the 10 schools that offer the radiologist assistant program in the US. Both full-time and part-time study options are offered.
A combination of classroom teaching and web instruction is used. However, ‘clinical preceptorship’ must be completed outside the campus with at least 1,792 clinical hours required. These programs are completed in 24 months.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is responsible for granting certification as radiologist assistants. A candidate who successfully passes the exam becomes a registered radiologist assistant (RRA). Such exams are conducted 3 times a year. From your initial application, you have 3 attempts to pass the exam within a 3 year period. Furthermore, at least 50 credits of continuing education every 2 years is required to retain certification.
According to the data from the American Medical Association, a registered radiologist assistant earn a median salary of $102,972 per year and as much as $112,615 per year.
Diagnostic imaging is a field that is undergoing rapid changes. The origin of the radiologist assistant position was to address the increasing demand for radiology services and the shortage of radiologists. Equally, these positions also aim to develop the field of radiologic technology by providing radiographers with the potential to grow a step further in their careers.
The job outlook is looking great, as job growth is projected to grow even more. The increasing needs in medical diagnosis are strongly tied to retirement and an aging population. In this regard, there will be more people needing health care with a corresponding increase in the need for medical tests and exams, the majority of which will be in diagnostic imaging. With such demand, radiologist assistants will have no problems finding lucrative and well-paying jobs.