Radiology Technician vs Radiologist: What is the Difference?

Vandana Thakur

Updated On: December 20, 2024 07:06 PM

In Radiologist Technicians vs Radiologists, the difference is that one is proficient in handling medical image interpreting machines while the other is a professional in interpreting medical images like X-rays and MRIs. Know more!

Radiology Technician vs Radiologist

Radiology Technician and Radiologist are the two professions that are completely different but work in alignment with one another in the medical field. A Radiology Technician is a well-trained professional to operate medical imagery devices. On the other hand, a Radiologist is a medical professional who is well-trained to interpret X-rays and MRI images and create medical reports based on their interpretation. A Radiologist is senior to the Radiology Technician who supervises the technician while they scan the medical images. In contrast, a Radiology Technician is a trained professional who helps the Radiologist and a team of medical doctors. To be a Radiology Technician students must have acquired a 12th pass with 50% marks in the Science stream from a recognized board and their age must be at least 17 years and not more than 25 years.

On the other hand, to become a Radiologist students must have completed BSc in Radiology from a recognised university. A Radiology Technician can be specialised in one of the Radiology fields such as MRI, Cardiovascular Imaging, Mammography etc. While a Radiologist is a Radiology Specialist. A Radiology Technician is responsible for fixing medical imaging equipment errors, working with patients and their medical conditions keeping detailed patient records, working with Physicians and more. In contrast, a Radiologist is responsible for studying the medical images, understanding the medical conditions, interpreting the outcomes, advising the patients while depicting the possible scenarios and more. Scroll down and find out more on Radiology Technician vs Radiologist.

Radiology Technician vs Radiologist: Comparative Analysis

differences betweenHere is a quick analysis of Radiology Technician vs Radiologist:

Parameter

Radiology Technician

Radiologist

Definition

  • Associate-level professionals who are trained in imaging procedures, equipment and tests
  • Medical doctors who are responsible for interpreting and diagnosing medical images

Education Requirements

  • Either a Diploma in Radiology or BSc/ MSc/ PhD in Radiology
  • After MBBS they need to pursue a PG level degree in Radiology. Most common one is Doctor of Medicine (MD)/ Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in Radiodiagnosis

Skills

  • Examination Skills
  • Safety and Medical Knowledge
  • Communication Skills
  • Technological Skill
  • Imaging Interpretation
  • Radiation Safety
  • Equipment Operation
  • Medical Coding and Billing
  • Emotional Resilience
  • Communication Skills

Eligibility Criteria of Radiology Technician and Radiologist

To be a Radiology Technician, students must complete 10+2 from a recognized board with PCM stream and 50 per cent marks. On the other hand, to become a Radiologist, students must also have a BSc in Radiology degree from a recognized university after completing of 10+2 in science stream with 50%. Students can find the detailed eligibility criteria for both careers below.

Particulars

Radiologist

Radiology Technician

Eligibility Criteria

  • Students must pass 10+2 from a recognised board in the PCM stream with 50% marks.
  • Students must pass a Bachelor of Radiology from a recognised university in India.
  • Students must pass 10+2 with 40% marks in the PCB/PCM stream from a recognised board.
  • Students belonging to other streams must have 50% marks in 10+2 from a recognised board.

Radiology Technician vs Radiologist: Job Responsibilities

Though a Radiologist and a Radiology Technician work in the same medical environments there is a difference in their job responsibilities. Find out more below:

Particulars

Radiologist

Radiology Technician

Job Responsibilities

  • Provide consultation by referring to a physician
  • Interpret the outcome of diagnostic imaging procedures
  • Correlate results of diagnostic imaging procedures with other exams or tests then provide consultations.
  • Align with healthcare professionals and create a healthcare plan
  • Oversee and Direct Radiology Technology
  • Radiology Technicians must adjust, operate, maintain and fix medical imaging equipment like X-ray machines, MRI machines etc.
  • Take the patient's medical history and work with them.
  • Position patients & equipment to get the correct image while shielding exposed areas that are not required to be captured.
  • Work with physicians to analyse images and guess if additional patient images must be captured or not.

Radiology Technician vs Radiologist: Career Prospects

A Radiologist is required to be a strong communicator and team player while a Radiology Technician must have collaboration skills, good listening skills, and good patient-facing. Students can find Radiology Technician vs Radiologist career prospects below.

Particulars

Radiologist

Radiology Technician

Career Prospects

Annual Salary: Rs. 99,174

Annual Salary: 2,35,436

Sectors

Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Oncology etc

Hospitals, Medical labs, Doctors' offices, Outpatient centres, Private imaging centres, Emergency Clinics, Forensic Labs etc.

Industry Growth

12.11%

10.3%

Study Radiology at Virohan

Virohan Paramedical Institute was established in 2017 and is an educational technology platform that offers numerous opportunities to build a career as a Radiology Technician and Radiologist. Virohan acts as an intersection of education & healthcare while targeting to brush students' skills required to build a career in the radiology field. It trains & helps aspiring students to prepare for various job roles. It offers numerous medical specializations such as Radiology Technician, Radiologist, Medical Lab Technician, Operation Theatre Technician, Hospital Administration and also Optometry courses. Students can take part in radiology courses and learn the necessary skills to be a Radiologist or a Radiology Technician. Virohan Institute of Health & Management Sciences also offers ample internship opportunities for students to start their careers at hospitals, clinics etc. Students get step-by-step assistance during their training & also get dedicated support from their mentors at Vurohan Paramedical Institute. Virohan is UGC certified institute and students will get a training completion certificate after they complete their course training.

For any queries regarding the differences between Radiology vs Radiology Technician log on to our CollegeDekho QnA Zone or contact our toll-free helpline number 18005729877.

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FAQs

What are the eligibility criteria for a Radiologist vs a Radiology technician?

To be a radiologist, students must have a BSc in Radiology along with a 10+2 in the science stream. On the other hand, to become a radiology technician, students must complete 10+2 in the science stream with 40% marks or 50% marks if from other streams

 

Which is the highest paying job among Radiologists vs Radiologist Technician?

Among Radiology technicians vs Radiologist technicians, the radiology technician job pays a better salary. The salary of Radiologist Technician average salary is Rs. 2,35,436 annually.

 

What is the main difference between Radiologist and Radiology Technician?

The main difference between a radiology and a radiologist technician is that a radiologist interprets a medical image while a radiologist technician looks after the process of taking medical images.

 

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