Whats the difference in a radiologist and a radiologist tech??

Question

im in the 10th grade and decided that i either want to be a radiologist or a radiologist tech. whats is the difference in these two jobs. (schooling, work hours, pay, ect.) also what are some jobs in radiology, do i have to have different degrees to do x-rays or to work with cancer patients using radiology?

Answer 1

To become a Radiologist requires more school than becoming a rad tech does. Hours aren't too flexible for a Rad [a Rad I know works four tens], schooling still requires four years of undergrad, four years of med school, internship (first year of residency), residency...

Radiologists read all types of things. X-rays, ultrasounds, mammograms, CTs, etc. Some also do biopsies, some work with veins. It all depends, really. Certain Rads are very sub-specialized; it all depends on what you want to do.

Rad techs mainly take the x-rays (ultrasounds, etc.), help the patients change into the gowns, tell them where to go, tend to spend more time with the patients, assist the Doc while they do a procedure... and so on.

Pay is good. Definitely good, but you shouldn't take up the job solely for that reason.  

Answer 2

The radiologist is a medical doctor, the technician is trained to use the machines.