Diagnostic Imaging Technician vs. Interventional Radiologist: What’s the Difference?
In the dynamic field of oncology, diagnostic imaging technicians and interventional radiologists each play an integral role, often facilitating the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of many types of cancer. However, these rewarding career paths differ significantly in terms of their educational requirements, responsibilities and scope of practice. In essence, diagnostic imaging technicians capture medical images while interventional radiologists utilize imaging technologies to perform medical procedures.
Diagnostic imaging
Diagnostic imaging technicians use advanced medical imaging equipment to take detailed images—such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, ultrasound scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans—which are often used by physicians during the diagnostic process. High-quality images can help a physician visualize internal organs, tissues and other bodily structures, allowing them to identify tumors, masses, fractures, infections and other medical issues. In addition to keen attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, precise radiological images are often essential for a physician to reach an accurate diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment.
Diagnostic imaging technicians also have other responsibilities, including:
- Preparing patients for imaging tests
- Ensuring patient safety throughout the testing process
- Assisting physicians in analyzing and interpreting medical images
- Maintaining patient records
While diagnostic imaging technicians follow specific protocols and physician instructions, they do not make medical decisions on their own or directly provide treatment to patients.
To become a diagnostic imaging technician in Florida, a candidate must:
- Complete an accredited two-year radiologic technology program for general radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists or radiation therapists
- Pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam or the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) exam
- Submit a completed application for certified radiologic technologist or basic X-ray machine operator
- Complete 12 hours of general professional education each year
Interventional radiology
On the other hand, interventional radiologists utilize medical imaging technologies when performing minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, including many types of cancer. Using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, these medical specialists can precisely place a catheter, wire or another medical device into the proper position and then use the device to perform a medical procedure, such as a biopsy, cryotherapy, embolization, stenting, angioplasty, thrombolysis or image-guided thermal ablation. As medical doctors (MDs) with 10-15 years of training, interventional radiologists are responsible for making critical decisions about cancer treatments and procedures, often working directly to remove or reduce tumors.
Typically, the path to becoming an interventional radiologist includes:
- Four years of undergraduate education
- Four years of medical school
- One year of internship
- Four or five years of residency in diagnostic radiology
- One or two years of fellowship training in interventional radiology
Consider a career in radiology at Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt’s comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging Program is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in CT, MRI, ultrasound and PET-CT. Additionally, we are an ACR-accredited breast imaging center of excellence and lung cancer screening site. Our highly subspecialized radiologists are certified by the ABR or the American Board of Nuclear Medicine and fellowship trained in a specialty, such as breast imaging, nuclear medicine, body imaging or interventional radiology. Our interventional radiologists specialize in using advanced medical imaging to perform minimally invasive procedures to treat a wide range of cancers.
If you would like to join the fight against cancer as a diagnostic imaging technician or interventional radiologist, Moffitt encourages you to join our dedicated team. Apply today; we accept applications and welcome new team members year-round.