Dreambound
Blog

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Radiology Technician

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Radiology Technician

Want personalized insights?

Let Skipper help you discover new career pathways

coach

In the healthcare industry, there are a variety of career paths to choose from. Two popular options are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Radiology Technician. Both of these roles play a crucial role in patient care, but they have different responsibilities and require different education and training. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Radiology Technician, as well as their job descriptions, education and training requirements, career outlook, and salary.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant

To become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant, individuals must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program and pass a competency exam. These programs are typically offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities. The training program includes classroom instruction as well as supervised clinical experience.

Radiology Technician

To become a Radiology Technician, individuals must complete an accredited radiologic technology program. These programs are available at community colleges, universities, and vocational schools. The program typically takes two years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. After completing the program, individuals must pass a national certification exam to become a Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT).

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Radiology Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Career Outlook

Both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Radiology Technicians can expect to see job growth in the coming years due to an aging population and advances in medical technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The employment of radiologic technologists is also projected to grow 7 percent during the same period.

Salary

The salary for Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Radiology Technicians can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and level of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,850 in May 2020. The median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $63,710 in May 2020.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare industry is a rewarding decision, and both Acute Care Nursing Assistant and Radiology Technician offer fulfilling opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. While Acute Care Nursing Assistants focus on direct patient care and assistance, Radiology Technicians specialize in diagnostic imaging procedures. Consider your interests, skills, and future goals when deciding which career path is the right fit for you.

Discover Dreambound's programs, conveniently offered in various locations. Find out more about these two vocations by visiting:

Pia Yapjoco
Written by
Pia Yapjoco

Pia Yapjoco is part of the school growth and sales team at Dreambound. She helps facilitate school partnerships that expand educational opportunities for aspiring students in allied health and other trades. Beyond work, she curates her pup's Instagram, hunts for hidden coffee gems, and escapes into cozy gaming.

Share this post: