The establishment of an advanced clinical role for radiographers in the United States

Faced with growing personnel shortages and increasing patient demand, radiology and radiologic technology organizations in the United States began collaborating in the early 2000s to develop an advanced clinical role for radiographers. By 2005, the first radiologist assistants were nationally certified and working at facilities throughout the country. This paper traces the development of the radiologist assistant profession in the United States, examines its contributions to patient care, and explores its future as a solution to radiology's work force challenges.