Radiographers are licensed healthcare professionals- not 'techs'- and their title should reflect that. 

Background:

Radiologic Technologists (RTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who complete rigorous education, extensive clinical training (often as many as, or more than, the clinical hours required in other frontline healthcare roles), and national board certification through the ARRT. RTs are personally liable for radiation dose, imaging safety, contrast administration, and diagnostic image quality under federal and state regulations.

Despite this, the U.S. continues to use the title “technologist,” a term that no longer reflects the education, scope of practice, responsibilities, or clinical authority required of modern medical imaging professionals.

The Problem:

In today’s healthcare environment, professional titles matter. The word “tech” is widely and inaccurately associated with support or task-based roles, leading to:

-            Undervaluation of RT education and licensure

-            Lower professional recognition compared to similarly trained clinicians

-            Persistent pay and respect disparities

-            Misunderstanding of RTs’ scope and legal responsibility

These issues persist despite comparable education, independent licensure, and liability comparable to that of other frontline healthcare professionals.

Radiologic Technologists are not equipment operators- they are clinicians. They make independent, real-time decisions that directly affect diagnostic accuracy, radiation dose, patient safety, and long-term health outcomes. The current title does not align with the profession’s true role or responsibility.

Healthcare has already recognized the importance of language through similar changes (e.g., Physician Assistant changed to Physician Associate). Medical imaging deserves the same modernization.

Proposed Solution:

We respectfully call on the ARRT and relevant professional organizations to explore a professionally accurate rebranding that removes the word “technologist” and adopts a title that reflects clinical authority and responsibility, such as:

-            Registered Radiographer (RR) (similar to Registered Nurse (RN))

-            Shorthand “Rad” (e.g., MRI Rad, Cardiac Rad, CT Rad, Interventional Rad, Nuclear Medicine Rad, Mammo Rad, Sonography Rad, etc.)

This change would not alter the scope of practice or licensure but would modernize the profession’s identity, improve public understanding, and promote equity and respect within the healthcare team.

Conclusion:

Titles matter. Language shapes perception. Radiologic professionals are clinicians, not technicians. Updating the professional title of Radiologic Technologists is a necessary step toward accurately representing the education, liability, and clinical expertise required in modern medical imaging.