The RA or radiologist assistant is similar to a radiography technician, though they have completed additional certifications and requirements. They can do some of the more advanced imaging jobs, and they do not require supervision. More often than not, the radiologist assistant will not be working under a radiologist, but rather under a licensed physician.

The radiologist assistant represents a new field today, and there are fewer than fifty courses to take today. More and more universities are expected to follow suit as radiology assisting becomes more accepted. Right now, more and more universities are beginning to offer RA courses. These courses, being new to the allided medical professions are obviously still in development.

It is important that you seek out a course recognized by the ARRT, or American Registry of Radiologic Technologist.

In 2010, 11 programs are being offered for the radiologist assistant program. These will of course involve degrees of either Master’s or Bachelor’s. There are no degree levels which are lower than a Bachelor’s degree available for the radiology assistant and currently no certificate programs exist.

In order to become a radiology assistant, you are required to complete the course and graduate in good standing in your class. Only those who are already a radiography technologist or technician, and who have several years of experience as a working technician are eligible to enroll in the accredited RA programs.

The curriculum of the degree programs for a radiologist assistant program typically require about two years of study to finish components of study will include: assessment of the patients, care and treatment plans, testing and diagnosis, information management, radio-biology, clinical radiology, pharmacology, legal aspects of health care and medical ethics.

If you choose to go with the Master’s Degree level, then you will need to write a master’s thesis before graduation. Even when you have been certified, you might find that you need to carry our some continuing education.

Aside from the graduation of an accredited degree program for your profession, the radiologist assistant must also take and pass an examination in order to practice. The state might not demand you obtain state licensing, but your accreditor will have the final say. That being said, there are some states that require a state license, which currently takes place in11 different states.

There is a certification examination which is offered by the ARRT that must be taken in order to acquire your Registered Radiology Assistant certification.

While you are only a Radiology Assistant, the ARRT still requires that you become certified in Advance Cardiac Life Support which is a certification provided by the American Heart Association just like other medical profession such as nurses and physician assistants.

Your radiologist assistant licensing and registration must be renewed each year and you must maintain your radiology technician certification by renewing it every two years.

The renewal is a condition of your job retention. Renewal fees must also be paid for your technician certification every two years. In order to perform as a radiologist assistant you must also be a radiologic technologist.

As a radiologist assistant, you will be performing many of the same procedures which are typically only done by the radiologist, who must be a licensed MD. You will typically assist or perform invasive techniques such as fluoroscopy, MRI, x-rays, and other examinations. The radiologist assistant will typically conduct these tests and then report the results to a licensed radiologist, who will make all final decisions as to the testing outcome.

The need for new graduate radiology assistants, according to the ASRT is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade. Right now there is a huge calling for radiologists and radiologists assistants, but that need is not being met. There are a number of people out there who need diagnostic testing, and as a result, the field will grow considerably over the next few years.

In 2009 and 2010, the American Medical Association stated that the need for radiologists is growing along with their popularity in the medical community. They further state that as of 2008, the licensed radiologist assistant can expect to receive about $100,000 USD per year in compensation for this employment position, depending on the geographic area in which they are practicing.