Radiographers and radiologists specialize in diagnostic medical imaging.
Radiographers, also called radiologic technicians, operate equipment that creates X-ray images, or radiographs, of patients' bodies. Radiologists are physicians trained in acquiring and interpreting numerous types of medical images, including radiographs, to diagnose medical conditions.
Education
Radiographers most often hold an associate degree in radiography, although bachelor's degree and certificate programs are options. Radiologists must complete four years of medical school after obtaining an undergraduate degree, followed by an internship and residency lasting up to eight years combined.
Credentials
Radiographers can obtain voluntary certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and licensing requirements vary by state. All radiologists in the United States must become licensed by passing the nationwide United States Medical Licensing Examination, or USMLE.
Employment Outlook
Radiographers can expect higher-than-average job growth of about 17 percent through 2018, reports the U.S. Department of Labor. Radiologists will experience even higher employment growth of roughly 22 percent.
Salary
Radiographers earned a mean yearly income of $53,230 in May 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, while radiologists earned significantly higher annual mean wages of $165,000.
Statistics
Radiographers accounted for about 214,700 jobs in the United States in 2008, reports the U.S. Department of Labor, while radiologists and other physicians held approximately 661,400 positions.
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