What's the difference?

One may wonder what the difference is between an x-ray tecnhnologist and an x-ray technician if any. The term x-ray tech is overused in the profession and can confuse some people with regards to our roles and responsibilities. In Canada, training requires either a three year diploma or a four year bachelor programs as discussed in Education.

There are many programs throughtout Canada integrated into either trade schools or universities. Upon successful completion of a national exam you become a certified radiological technologist. This allows you to take diagnostic images of persons for the purpose of diagnosis. In the early years of the profession nurses actually were the ones performing the diagnostic imaging examinations without much formal training. Technician became an accpeted term until the 1960's when it was replaced with technologist. This change was implemented to place emphasis on education and professionalism.

References:

American Society of Radiologic Technologists. (2009). Who are Radiologic Technologists? Retrieved from: www.asrt.org/content/about/abouttheprofession.

Ellis-Christensen, T. (2009). What Does an X-ray Technician Do? Retrieved from: http://www.wisegeek.com.