Key Points

• Median Annual Salary: A radiology technician's median salary is $77,660, compared to $62,830 for a surgical technician.
• Job Growth (2024-2034): Employment for radiology technicians and surgical technicians is projected to grow by 4%.
• Typical Education: Most roles require an associate's degree. Radiology technology programs often take around 24 months, while surgical technology programs can be completed in about 18 months.
• Work Environment: Radiology technicians typically work in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers. Surgical technicians work almost exclusively in the high-paced environment of operating rooms.

Job Duties and Daily Responsibilities

Understanding the day-to-day tasks of each role is crucial for making an informed decision.

Radiology Technician

Radiology technicians, or radiologic technologists, are experts in creating diagnostic images that help physicians identify and treat illnesses and injuries.

• Prepare and position patients for imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
• Operate and maintain sophisticated imaging equipment to capture clear, high-quality images.
• Ensure patient safety and comfort during procedures.
• Collaborate with radiologists and other physicians to review images.
• Keep detailed patient records while upholding confidentiality.

Surgical Technician

Surgical technicians, also called surgical technologists, are an integral part of the surgical team, ensuring the operating room is safe, sterile, and efficient.

• Prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile supplies.
• Assist the surgical team by passing instruments and other sterile items during procedures.
• Maintain the sterile field to prevent infection.
• Help prepare patients for surgery and assist with post-operative cleanup.
• Manage and organize surgical equipment before, during, and after operations.

Work Environment and Patient Interaction

The setting and nature of patient contact differ significantly between these two professions.

• Radiology Technician: The work environment is often a hospital, outpatient clinic, or imaging center with a structured schedule. Patient interaction is direct but typically brief, focused on explaining procedures, ensuring proper positioning, and providing comfort.
• Surgical Technician: The work environment is the operating room, which can be a high-pressure, fast-paced setting. Patient interaction is limited, as patients are usually anesthetized during procedures. The role is highly collaborative, requiring constant communication and teamwork with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists.

Education and Training

Both careers require specialized postsecondary education and certification, but the pathways differ in length and focus.

Radiology Technician

To become a radiology technician, you typically need to complete an accredited radiologic technology program, which usually results in an associate's degree. These programs, like the one at Rasmussen University, take about 24 months to complete and include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Most states require licensure or certification to practice.