放射线助理（RA）是一名高级放射技术人员，在放射线医生的指导下工作。RA的主要作用是通过协助放射科医生进行患者评估，患者管理和放射学程序来增强患者护理。RA还对诊断图像进行了初步观察，但没有以书面报告的形式提供官方解释（高级实践咨询小组，2002年）。RA必须是经ARRT认证的放射线照相师，并且必须成功完成高级学术课程，其中包括国家认可的放射线医师辅助课程和放射线医师指导的临床指导（高级实践咨询小组，2002年）。有关此令人振奋的新医疗保健事业的其他信息，请参阅美国放射技术专家注册处和美国放射技术专家协会
A radiologist assistant (RA) is an advanced practice radiologic technologist who works under the supervision of a radiologist. The primary role of an RA is to enhance patient care by assisting the radiologist with patient assessment, patient management and radiological procedures. The RA also makes initial observations of diagnostic images but does not provide an official interpretation in the form of a written report (Advanced Practice Advisory Panel, 2002). An RA must be an ARRT-certified radiographer who has successfully completed an advanced academic program encompassing a nationally recognized radiologist assistant curriculum and a radiologist directed clinical preceptorship (Advanced Practice Advisory Panel, 2002). For additional information regarding this new and exciting healthcare career, see the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and American Society of Radiologic Technologists.