Radiology Assistant

95+ Top Radiology Assistant Programs & Schools

A radiologist assistant (RA) enhances patient care by extending the capacity of the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment. Radiology assistants must have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact well with patients and physicians in a fast-paced environment. Students are able to use their advanced knowledge to compare the findings from various imaging techniques and determine the best course of action for proper diagnoses and treatment. Below are some of the best online radiology assistant degrees and related programs.

AS in Health IT	Hodges University. The Health Information Management associate degree program prepares graduates to find administrative jobs in medical facilities organizing, analyzing, and evaluating health information. Coursework includes training in using health information indexes, creating disease data registries, storing and retrieving health data for employment in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, clinics, and even insurance companies.
AOS in Radiography BS in Radiologic Sciences	Pima Medical Institute. Pima Medica Institute's AOS in Radiology program combines in-class knowledge and on-site practice to produce graduates ready to perform diagnostic imaging examinations in clinics and hospitals. The BS in Radiologic Sciences is a more advanced program designed to prepare graduates to advance their careers in radiology and health care administration.
BS in Radiologic Sciences	Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences. The BS in Radiologic Science from Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences provides working imaging professionals an expanded opportunity to learn the technical, medical and people skills they need for future career promotion. The curriculum is rich in science and math. The program is grounded in Christian principles and provides an excellent learning environment.
BS in Health Services AS in Medical Office Administration	Virginia College. The BS in Health Services degree at Virginia College online prepares graduates for mid-level positions in healthcare, from hospitals to insurance companies. Courses focus on management and communication skills, human resources and financial management. The AS in Medical Office Administration degree prepares students for entry-level office work in healthcare facilities.
AS in Medical Assisting	Herzing University. Intended for students seeking entry-level employment in Medical Assisting, the AS degree at Herzing University is designed to produce graduates ready to enter the working world. Graduates of this one to two year program are eligible to take both the Certified Medical Assistant exam and the Registered Medical Assistant exam.
BBA in Health Services	Strayer University. Strayer University's Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Services degree program prepares students for positions of authority in health services. Coursework includes management principles, marketing, information systems, HR management, and general studies courses, in addition to a capstone project. Students are able to complete the degree online.
AAS in Health IT	Rasmussen College. The Healthcare Technician Associate's degree program at Rasmussen college prepares students to store and retrieve medical information using Electronic Medical Records software. Graduates leave ready to take the RHIT exam and become valued employees of hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices, confident in the knowledge of the latest healthcare industry standards.
AAS in Health IT	Lincoln College. In just seventeen online health information courses, students graduate from Lincoln college with an AAS in Health Information Technology prepared to enter the workplace. Subjects include pharmacology, pathophysiology, health systems and procedures, and healthcare data applications, among others. This program also includes four internships allowing students to get real-world experience.
AAS in Health IT AAS in Health Administration	Carrington College. The AAS in Health Information Technology degree program at Carrington college focuses on training students to obtain, store, and retrieve patient health information quickly and securely. The AAS in Health Administration trains students to become ultrasound technicians and includes coursework in front-office skills which sets graduates apart from competing applicants.
AS in Allied Health Science	South University. The associate degree in Allied Health Science from South University focuses on exposing students to developing general skills and knowledge with a concentration on life science subjects such as anatomy, nutrition, physiology, pathophysiology, and chemistry. The program establishes a foundation of knowledge for students to accomplish their eventual, professional goals as radiographers.
BS in Health Services BS in Nursing	Baker College. The BS in Health Services from Baker College teaches the basic tenets and fundamentals of the occupational therapy profession through classroom work and in clinical settings. Graduates leave with a core foundation in basic healthcare and are competitive for a variety of healthcare jobs in the occupational field.
AS in Medical Assisting AA in Health Services	Keiser University. The online AS in Medical Assisting from Keiser University prepares students to perform medical assisting duties under the direction of a physician. Courses teach how to prepare examination rooms, take vital signs, assist in minor surgical procedures, give injections, perform venipuncture, assist in laboratory operations, and communicate with patients.
AAS in Health IT	Northwestern College. The AAS in Health Information Technology program at Northwestern College Online is accredited to prepare students to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician certification exam. Graduates are prepared for work as technicians who gather, update, and code patients' symptoms, tests and medical histories using state of the art databases.

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About the Duties of Radiology Assistants

Radiology assistants are trained radiologic technologists and work with x-rays and other imaging equipment to get the best possible image for nurses and doctors. You work under the supervision of a radiologist, although a radiologist is not necessarily with you for every imaging session with patients. Often radiology assistants help the radiologist with dealing with patients, final reports, and diagnosis. This helps remove some of the workload from radiologists, and also offers radiology assistants autonomy and independence in the workplace. Unlike other trained medical assistant jobs that require constant supervision when interacting with a patient, radiology assistants are regularly left alone and trusted to take the best possible images of a patient. Radiologists are able to move on with treatment and advanced procedures, since an assistant is handling the images, which offers shorter wait times for patients. It is a rewarding field that is quickly growing and allows a student to begin working with just a few years of training and the proper certification.

Can Anyone Become a Radiology Assistant?

Nearly anyone can become a radiology assistant. The biggest concern for employers is experience and proper certification and licensing. Most states require the same license to work as a radiology assistant, but some individual medical facilities may require you to work for a year or longer before hiring you full-time. This depends on the need for a radiology assistant at that facility. Radiology assistants usually attend two or four year programs. Several traditional schools and online programs offer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiology assistance. Those who currently work as radiological technicians can also become certified through training conducted at an area hospital. These programs typically revolve around a certain number of hours completed before a student can sit for the licensing exam. If a student works as a radiological technician, the facility they’re employed by will sometimes fund a radiology assistant associate or bachelor’s degree. There are far more two year programs in the United States for radiology assistants. Most schools offer an associate’s degree in the subject. The number of accredited bachelor’s degree programs is very limited.

Do I Need Certification to Work as a Radiology Assistant?

Most medical facilities require all radiology assistants be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The AART sets the rules and regulations for all radiographers and sets the standards for how protocol should run in any medical facility that takes images of patients. Certification should be in good standing when students apply to any higher education courses or additional training to practice advanced radiography methods. States require radiology assistants to renew their license every few years. The good thing about AART certification is it transfers from state to state. If you are trained and begin working in one state and make a big move, you will be able to utilize your skills and gain employment soon after.

Should I Work as a Radiological Technician First?

Ideally, the position of radiology assistant is an advanced version of the radiological technician. Some programs, such as four year bachelor’s degrees, do not require you to work in the medical field before entering the program. Others will require a student to have a year of experience as a radiological technician. Previously, the role of radiological technician was enough to assist patients and help radiologists on a daily basis. Because of a growing population and more patients who need imaging done, the job of radiology assistant has emerged. This is between a radiological technician and a radiologist. It does require more training and practices advanced techniques than a radiological technician, but assistants are not allowed to diagnose or treat patients like a radiologist can do. Radiology assistants may not always have a four year degree and it is not a prerequisite to obtain the position. Experience and proper licensing are the main concerns for radiology assistants. Radiological technicians and radiology assistants both need training and licenses in order to work, and it does help to have a background in radiology before beginning an assistant program.

What is a Radiological Technician?

This is the entry-level position in radiology. A radiological technician works positioning patients, conduct x-rays, mammograms and CT scans, as well as operate machinery properly. To become a radiological technician, one must enroll in a two-year program, which is offered online, through community colleges, trade, and vocational schools. Radiological technicians may also help with data input and patient paperwork. The main duty is to work to take the best possible images, so the physician can have a clear look at the area in question.

What is a Radiological Technologist?

Some facilities only hire radiological technologists, so it is the norm for technicians to train to become a technologist eventually. Technologists are able to perform all tasks done by a technician, but can also work in:

Sonography
Fluoroscopy
MRIs
Radiotheraphy

In many cases, a technologist has an area of expertise that they focus on while completing their studies. Technologists require certification and training in a two-year program. Many technologist programs require a student works as a radiological technician before they are accepted into these programs. The radiological technologist program is not designed to teach an assistant from scratch, but rather build upon their knowledge and experience working as a technician for at least a year. Overall, a technologist is more highly skilled than a technician and earns more money. Technologists train in areas such as:

Anatomy
Physiology
Math
Biology
Radiation physics
Medical ethics

What is a Radiology Assistant?

The position of radiology assistant is the last position that requires limited training. Beyond this position, it is required for a student to have a master’s degree or higher to work as a radiologist. Radiology assistants are the second in command and often oversee a team of technicians and technologists. Because this is a fairly new position, there are only a certain number of degree programs. Radiology assistants can help diagnose patients, although the final decision is left up to the doctor. Assistants work one on one with patients and the ability to assess the issue and offer treatment, much like a radiologist. For patients that may need to visit the office regularly, but only need ongoing treatment and do not need a new diagnosis, the radiology assistant may be the primary contact. As mentioned, this frees up the doctor to see new patients and treat them.

Do You Complete Clinicals to Become a Radiology Assistant?

For working in any area of radiology, clinicals are required. This is the case for two and four year programs from any school. Most employers will not consider candidates who have not completed the proper number of hours for clinicals. Once you complete your clinicals, you are allowed to sit for the ARRT exam. It is important to complete clinicals with enough time to sit for the exam when finishing school if you plan on working right after. You can also complete your program and continue with clinicals.

Many schools are affiliated with local hospitals, clinics, or doctors’ offices, which gives you the opportunity to conduct clinicals. The majority of programs have students complete course work during the first portion and move on to clinicals for the latter half. Because so many students who work in radiology have previous work experience, you may be able to set up your clinicals with a past employer. This has to be approved by your radiology assistant program, but most of the time, it is acceptable and students can continue to gain experience in an atmosphere they are comfortable with. For programs that are an extension of traditional schools, you may have a limited choice for where you complete clinicals, since established programs often work with only one or two facilities.

Online Radiology Assistant Programs

There are many online radiology assistant programs to choose from. Ensure that any school you look into is approved by the AART. If the program is not approved by this organization, you may have issues applying for their exam, which vastly improves your career opportunities. Many employers will not consider students who are not certified by the AART and there are separate certifications for all levels of radiology, including technician, technologist, assistant, and radiologist. Online radiology assistant programs are ideal for students who have experience working as a radiological technician or technologist. You may be able to set up clinicals with your previous or current employer and can attend courses online, which allows you to continue to work. Many students in radiology assistant programs have been in the work force for a number of years, which can make it difficult to return to school full time. Online courses offer the flexibility and ease for students who need to work full time, but also want to advance in their careers and increase their earning potential.