Technologists and Radiologists: Knowing the Difference
There’s a whole team involved in making sure your imaging experience goes smoothly. In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look into the roles of our technologists and radiologists, so you know who’s who at Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian.
Technologist
An imaging technologist (or ‘tech’) is the licensed healthcare professional who performs your imaging exam. They are the ones who you interact with during your visit and who:
Explain what you can expect during the scan
Position you correctly in the scanner
Ensure your comfort
Capture your images
Technologists are certified experts in handling imaging equipment and ensuring the best image quality. The next person who sees these images is the radiologist.
Radiologist
A radiologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO). They are the ones behind the scenes who:
Review your medical history and prior imaging
Inform techs of which images to take
Interpret the images taken during your scan
Write a detailed report
Though you might not always meet them in person, radiologists play a crucial role in your care.
How They Work Together
Here’s an easy way to think about it:
The technologist is your expert guide during the scan who takes your images.
The radiologist is the expert doctor who interprets your images and writes your report.
While radiologists and technologists are different, together they help deliver high-quality imaging that supports informed decisions about your health.