Thinking about a career in radiologic technology but feeling overwhelmed by the options? Understanding the distinctions between Radiologic Technologists (RTs) and Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists (LMRTs) can help you decide which path aligns with your career goals. Below, we’ll outline the core differences and similarities between the two roles to help you find your next steps.
Key Insights:
- Salary Comparison: RTs typically have the potential to earn higher salaries than LMRTs due to a broader scope of practice and advanced certifications.
- Career Growth: Both RTs and LMRTs have clear pathways for advancement, with opportunities to specialize, pursue leadership roles, or continue their education for higher earning potential.
- Scope of Responsibilities: RTs perform advanced imaging procedures, such as fluoroscopy and CT scans, while LMRTs focus on X-rays of the bony anatomy, providing essential diagnostic support in outpatient and specialty clinics.
In This Article:
1. Range of Responsibilities
Radiologic Technologists (RT), sometimes referred to as X-ray techs or X-ray technologists, use specialized medical equipment to document X-ray images that a radiologist will interpret and analyze to identify or manage a diagnosis. Alternatively, Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists (LMRT) perform X-rays of all bony anatomy and have a more limited scope of work.
Though both roles are essential in providing accurate diagnostic imaging, they differ in their scope of practice, training, and responsibilities. Below, we’ll explore what these roles share and how they differ to help you make an informed choice.
Overlapping Responsibilities
RTs and LMRTs share several foundational responsibilities in patient care and diagnostic imaging. Both roles involve:
- Properly positioning patients and equipment to produce high-quality X-ray images.
- Using X-ray technology to assist healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing patient conditions.
- Maintaining patient safety by monitoring radiation exposure and following strict safety protocols.
- Communicating effectively with patients to ensure their comfort and understanding of the procedure.
- Understanding and using medical terminology to collaborate with the healthcare team.
What Can Radiologic Technologists Do?
While both RTs and LMRTs work closely with patients and perform essential imaging tasks, RTs often take on more complex procedures and responsibilities, such as performing fluoroscopy and administering contrast agents, which fall outside the LMRT scope. These additional responsibilities can include:
- Obtaining vitals from patients.
- Administering contrast media agents to enhance imaging results.
- Performing fluoroscopy procedures, often used during diagnostic and interventional treatments.
- Operating advanced imaging technologies such as computed tomography (CT) and mammography.
- Maintaining and calibrating complex imaging equipment to ensure consistent quality.
- Applying advanced techniques for imaging soft tissues, in addition to skeletal anatomy.
What Can Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists Do?
LMRTs focus exclusively on X-rays of the bony anatomy within a defined scope of practice. They are qualified to:
- Perform X-rays of extremities, the skull, facial bones, vertebral column, and chest.
- Specialize in skeletal imaging for routine diagnostic needs in outpatient or clinical settings.
LMRTs do not perform advanced imaging tasks such as fluoroscopy, CT scans, or mammography, nor do they administer contrast agents. If these things interest you, you can begin with an LMRT with MA Skills Certificate Program and then continue into a Radiologic Technology Degree Completion Program to enhance your X-ray skills and knowledge as you become an RT.
2. Work Environments
RTs and LMRTs both contribute significantly to healthcare teams across a variety of settings. Shared work environments include:
- Outpatient Imaging Centers: Both RTs and LMRTs are employed in outpatient facilities, assisting in diagnostic imaging for patients who don’t require hospitalization.
- Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinics: These settings rely on both roles for high-quality imaging to diagnose fractures, joint injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Urgent Care Centers: In fast-paced urgent care environments, RTs and LMRTs perform X-rays to support the diagnosis of non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
- Occupational Medicine Clinics: In these clinics, both RTs and LMRTs provide imaging services focused on workplace-related injuries like sprains, fractures, and repetitive strain injuries.
Regardless of the setting, both RTs and LMRTs play an essential role in creating the images healthcare providers need to deliver accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
Radiologic Technologists
RTs have a broader scope of practice, which allows them to work in more specialized and high-demand settings. These include:
- Hospitals: RTs often work in radiology departments, emergency rooms, and surgical suites, performing advanced imaging procedures, such as fluoroscopy and CT scans. Their expertise is critical in trauma situations or inpatient care.
- Specialized Imaging Departments: RTs can pursue advanced roles in areas such as mammography or interventional radiology, expanding their career opportunities within hospital systems or standalone imaging facilities.
- Surgical Centers: RTs may assist with intraoperative imaging to guide surgeons during procedures.
RTs’ ability to perform complex imaging tasks and use advanced technologies makes them indispensable in high-acuity healthcare settings.
Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists
LMRTs tend to work in environments where their defined scope of practice aligns with patient needs. These include:
- Satellite Outpatient Clinics: LMRTs frequently work in outpatient clinics affiliated with hospitals, performing limited-scope X-rays, such as extremities and chest imaging.
- Ambulatory Care Centers: In these facilities, LMRTs handle routine imaging needs for patients with non-complex conditions.
- Specialty Clinics: LMRTs often work in orthopedic or urgent care facilities, focusing on X-rays that fall within their limited scope, such as imaging bones and joints.
While LMRTs typically don’t work directly in hospital radiology departments or perform advanced imaging, they are vital to outpatient and specialty care settings that rely on efficient diagnostic imaging services.
3. Timeline and Education
Pursuing a career as an RT or LMRT requires dedication and planning. Each path offers unique timelines and educational requirements tailored to your career goals. Understanding these timelines can help you choose the option that aligns best with your aspirations and schedule.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RT or LMRT?
The journey to becoming an RT or LMRT varies in duration and depth of study:
- LMRT Program Timeline: When you choose a certificate program such as the LMRT with MA Skills program at The College of Health Care Professions, you have the opportunity to become an LMRT in as few as 58 weeks—a little over a year. This program aims to provide training in the foundational knowledge and skills in radiologic technology to help prepare you for entry-level positions.
- RT Completion Program Timeline: After completing the LMRT with MA Skills program and obtaining the necessary certification, you’ll be eligible to pursue CHCP's Radiologic Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree Completion Program, which takes approximately 64 weeks. This advanced training focuses on education designed to help expand your competencies, enabling you to perform a broader range of imaging procedures.
Upon completing either program, you must pass a state licensing exam and obtain licensure before beginning your career as an LMRT or RT. Additionally, CHCP offers opportunities to further your education with degrees such as a Bachelor’s in Radiologic Science Management or Healthcare Administration, which can prepare you to pursue leadership roles in healthcare.
Balancing part-time work with your studies is often manageable; however, it's essential to commit to study time and accommodate practical training in your schedule. Pursuing education requires a temporary lifestyle adjustment, especially for those already in the workforce. Staying dedicated to these changes is crucial for successfully completing the program.
Courses and Instruction
At CHCP, both our LMRT with MA Skills Certificate Program and the Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree Completion Program aim to provide students with the opportunity to train in essential knowledge and hands-on experience in their respective roles. The programs may overlap; however, the following provides a brief overview of how these two paths may vary in education.
- LMRT Courses: As an entry-level program, the LMRT curriculum focuses on introducing you to radiology to help prepare you to sit for state licensing exams and pursue entry-level roles. Courses may include:
- HIPAA/OSHA/Infection Control
- Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, and Medical Terminology
- Radiologic Math and Calculations
- Radiologic Protection & Safety
- Radiographic Image Production and Exposure
- Radiologic Positioning
- RT Completion Program Courses: This program aims to build upon LMRT training, offering the opportunity for advanced education to help enhance your expertise as a radiologic technologist. Courses may include:
- Psychology, English Composition, and College Math
- Introduction to Surgery/Trauma/Mobile X-Ray
- Radiologic Imaging and Physics
- Advanced Positioning and Anatomy
- Advanced Imaging - Fluoroscopy
Both programs combine online classroom instruction with laboratory coursework, followed by externships where you have the opportunity to apply your learning hands-on in local hospitals or clinics partnered with the school.
4. Certifications and Licensing
In Texas, both Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists and Radiologic Technologists must meet specific certification and licensing requirements to practice. Here's an overview of the pathways for each role:
LMRT Certification and Licensing
RT Certification and Licensing
- Certification Exam: RTs must pass certification through the ARRT, a comprehensive certification that demonstrates expertise in all areas of radiologic technology, including advanced imaging modalities like fluoroscopy and computed tomography.
- State Licensing: In Texas, RTs also apply for licensure through the TMB. Similar to LMRTs, this includes passing the JP exam to ensure compliance with state-specific regulations.
Ongoing Certification and Renewal
Both LMRTs and RTs must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their certifications. The ARRT requires professionals to earn continuing education credits every two years and periodically renew their credentials to ensure they stay up to date with advancements in the field.
Whether you pursue LMRT or RT certification, achieving and maintaining these credentials demonstrates your commitment to delivering safe, high-quality patient care while adhering to state and national standards.
5. LMRT vs. RT Salary, Career Paths, and Outlook
Salaries for radiologic technologists vary based on education, experience, and work environment. Understanding the earning potential for each role can help you determine the right path for your goals.
- Radiologic Technologists:
RTs with additional certifications in advanced modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) or mammography, may earn higher salaries and qualify for specialized positions.
- Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists:
While specific salary data for LMRTs is not provided by the BLS, their earnings are generally lower than those of RTs due to the more limited scope of practice. Entry-level LMRTs often work in outpatient or urgent care settings, with wages typically aligning with other entry-level healthcare positions.
Career Next Steps
Regardless of which path you choose, both LMRTs and RTs have opportunities to advance their careers:
- For LMRTs:
- Gain Experience: Build your expertise by working in outpatient clinics, urgent care facilities, or orthopedic offices.
- Advance Your Education: Transition to an RT role by enrolling in CHCP’s RT Completion Program, where you can expand your scope of practice and qualify for higher-paying positions.
- Pursue Specializations: Consider certifications in specific imaging techniques, like bone densitometry, to increase your value in the job market.
- For RTs:
- Specialize in Advanced Modalities: Gain additional certifications in areas like CT, MRI, or mammography to access higher-paying roles and work in specialized departments.
- Pursue Leadership Roles: With experience and advanced education, you can position yourself to move into management positions, such as Radiology Department Supervisor or Imaging Center Manager.
- Continue Your Education: CHCP’s online bachelor’s programs in Radiologic Science Management or Healthcare Administration can prepare you to pursue leadership or administrative roles in healthcare.
Take the Next Steps on Your Path to Becoming an RT or LMRT
At CHCP, we believe in empowering compassionate individuals like you to make a difference in healthcare. With flexible learning options, practical training, and a history of preparing students for meaningful careers, CHCP is here to help you take the first step toward becoming an RT or LMRT. Ready to start your journey? Explore our programs or apply today to begin your healthcare career.
