Radiologist Assistant
Radiologist Assistant
The designation of Radiologist Assistant is a recently added position with its own specific certification and educational standards that have been set by the ARRT. A radiologist assistant is not a physician (m.d); however, they are considered the most advanced radiology position your can obtain short of being an actual radiologist physician.
A radiologist assistant works closely with the physician on complex imaging and therapeutic techniques. They are able to use their advanced levels of knowledge to correlate the findings from various imaging techniques and determine the best course of action for proper diagnoses and treatment. To become an RA, you must complete a radiology masters degree program and pass an ARRT exam designed specifically for the RA position. Read more about this new and exciting position that is gaining prominence in the medical imaging community.
Find Schools Offering Radiologist Assistant Programs
Browse our list of radiology schools offering a masters degree in radiologic sciences or begin on the path towards obtaining an RA designation by enrolling in a bachelors degree program in radiology.
Radiologist Assistant Job Description
As a radiologist assistant, you will work closely with a physician in a high level role, performing advanced techniques to diagnose illness. Job duties include:
- Performing pre and post procedure evaluations of the patient to a greater degree than a standard rad tech post ion in order to alleviate the time pressures of the physician.
- Assisting radiologists (m.d's) with invasive or complex radiology procedures.
- Performing fluoroscopy or non-invasive procedures under the physicians supervision.
- Acting as a bridge of communication between the referring physician and the radiology department. This would normally be done by the physician; however the RA position allows for this expanded duty.
- Performance of advanced procedures such as feeding tube placements and venous diagnostic exams.
- Assisting the physician with diagnosis; although the formal diagnosis must still be signed off by the radiologist m.d.
The American College of Radiology describes the Radiologist Assistant role this way:
The radiologist assistant is identified as an advanced-level radiologic technologist who works under the supervision of a radiologist to enhance patient care by assisting the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment.
The Radiologist Assistant is not a radiologist nor a physician assistant but rather a valuable addition to the radiology team who can enhance quality patient care by performing advanced level radiological services under the supervision of a radiologist.
Radiologist Assistant Salary
Radiologist Assistants have the highest salaries of all radiology positions with exception of radiologist m.d.'s. According to the American Medical Association, in 2008, radiologist assistants made $102,972 on average. Here's a look at RA salary at a glance:
| Radiologist Assistant Salary | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist Assistant (R.A.) | $90,076 | $102,972 | $112,615 |
Radiologist Assistant Job Outlook
There has been an ongoing shortage of radiologist MD's, which has been a source of great concern. Heavy workloads and average procedures performed per physician continues to grow according to recent studies. In order to alleviate the effects of this shortage, the position of radiologist assistant has been added by the ARRT.
The demand of skilled radiology assistants is very high according to the American College of Radiology and will continue to be high until the shortage of radiologist physicians can be filled. There has never been a better time to find positions paying over 100K per year in the field of radiology. Entering into a radiology masters program is not only a rewarding experience, but one that will take your career and salary level to significantly greater heights.
Radiology Programs:
Concorde
Campus Locations:
AuroraGet your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown College
Campus Locations:
FentonGet the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Keiser University Campus
Campus Locations:
MelbourneKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Lincoln Technical Institute
Campus Locations:
Saint PetersburgLincoln Technical Institute provides career-focused, hands-on training programs with industry experienced instructors. Get the skills for a rewarding in-demand career.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
Programs offered:
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
Windsor MillLooking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs offered:
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus Locations:
Las VegasDon't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
St. Joseph's College of Maine
Campus Locations:
StandishMany adult learners are enrolled in courses worldwide and are active in distance learning courses at Saint Joseph's College and are in enrolled in programs such as business, education, health care administration, general studies, nursing, and theology.
Programs offered:
Anthem College
Campus Locations:
AuroraGet the hands-on training you need to enter the exciting health care or criminal justice fields at Anthem College. Learn from our outstanding professional faculty in a hands-on, real-world environment. We offer financial aid for those who qualify, outstanding student services, placement assistance for graduates, and more.
Carrington College
Campus Locations:
PhoenixCarrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Programs offered:
Argosy University
Campus Locations:
Saint PaulAt Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.
Programs offered:
MedVance Institute
Campus Locations:
Lake WorthAdvance your health care career with MedVance Institute. We offer programs in various areas of the health care field and students can graduate in as little as a year.
"For consumer information: http://www.medvanceedu.info/"
Programs offered:
California College San Diego
Campus Locations:
San MarcosCalifornia College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.
American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
CliftonAdvance your career with American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our program can be completed in as little as 16 months. We offer program specializations in general or cardiac sonography, both of which include vascular ultrasound training.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
Garden CityGet everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Brown Mackie College
Campus Locations:
LouisvilleWork to meet your full potential with a career-focused education from The Brown Mackie College system of schools. Choose from a range of diploma, certificate, associate's and bachelor's degree programs in the fields of Accounting and Business, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Technology. Small classes, flexible schedules, and plenty of personal attention.
