Radiography vs. Radiology: What Are the Differences?
There are varying educational routes for aspiring medical doctors. Likewise, the field itself is threaded through with confusing abbreviations. Such as the similarity between radiology vs. radiography.
What is radiography? What is radiology? What are X-rays, MRIs, and CAT scans?
In this short article, we’re breaking down the answers to these questions and more. Here’s what you need to know.
Level of Training
Radiation therapy and radiology are two separate but related fields of medicine. Both use ionizing radiation to diagnose and treat diseases.
Radiography generally refers to the actual image produced by an x-ray. While radiology refers to the study and interpretation of those images. Both radiographers and radiologists must have a thorough understanding of the human body and how it reacts to x-rays to produce and interpret high-quality images.
The level of training required for each field is also different. Radiographers need to complete an accredited two- or four-year program. While radiologists must complete a four-year residency program after completing medical school. Radiologists must also pass a licensure exam before they can start practicing.
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Terms of Applicability
Radiography and radiology are two medical specialties that share procedures and terminology. Both of them use X-rays and radioactive materials to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Radiography focuses on producing diagnostic images, while radiology focuses on interpreting them. Radiographers work in hospitals or clinics.
Radiologists may work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private offices, and research facilities.
Radiography applies to various diagnostic imaging modalities, including X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Radiology applies to a wider range of diagnostic and treatment modalities. This includes:
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Nuclear medicine
- Interventional radiology
Salary
Radiographers are technicians of the medical imaging world. They operate the imaging equipment and produce the images that radiologists study.
Radiographers need an associate’s degree or certification from a specialized program. And the median salary for this career is over $60,000 per year.
Radiologists are the doctors who examine the images produced by radiographers. They use these images to diagnose and treat patients. Radiologists need to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree. 4 years of medical school and a 1-3 year residency. The median salary for this career is over $300,000 per year.
Both radiographers and radiologists use imaging technology to help patients. There are some significant differences between these two careers. Radiographers have less training and earn a lower salary than radiologists.
Radiography vs. Radiology: Make a Choice
Regarding radiography vs. radiology, both play critical roles in the field of medicine.
Radiographers use x-ray equipment to produce images of the human body. While radiologists interpret these images to diagnose and treat patients. Though both professions are essential to healthcare.
They are quite different from one another. If you’re interested in a career in the medical field, be sure to do your research to find the best fit for you.
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