Surgical tech vs radiology tech: Which career path to pick?

I'm interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, but can't decide which path to take. Can someone provide some insight on the differences between a surgical tech and a radiology tech in terms of job responsibilities, education, and career growth?

Surgical Tech:

Job Responsibilities: Surgical techs, also known as operating room technicians or surgical technologists, play a vital role in the operating room alongside surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Their primary responsibilities include preparing the operating room, setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterilizing surgical tools, assisting in putting on gowns and gloves, passing instruments to surgeons during the procedure, and ensuring patient safety.

Education: To become a surgical tech, you need to complete a certificate or associate's degree program in surgical technology. These programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities, typically taking 12-24 months to complete. After completing the program, you may also need to become certified through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or another accreditation organization, depending on your state's requirements.

Career Growth: Surgical techs can advance their careers by specializing in a specific surgical area, such as neurosurgery or heart surgery or by moving into a leadership role, such as a surgical assistant or operating room supervisor. Additionally, with further education, a surgical tech can become a nurse, physician assistant, or another medical professional.

Radiology Tech:

Job Responsibilities: Radiology techs, also known as radiologic technologists or radiographers, are responsible for accurately positioning patients and using specialized medical imaging equipment, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to capture images used for diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions. They also ensure patient safety by adhering to proper radiation protection procedures.

Education: To become a radiology tech, you will need to complete an associate's or bachelor's degree program in radiologic technology or a related field. As with surgical techs, these programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. The programs typically take two to four years to complete. Upon graduating, you will need to obtain certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or another regulatory board, depending on your state's requirements.

Career Growth: Radiology techs have several options for career advancement, such as specializing in a specific type of imaging (e.g., mammography, nuclear medicine, or sonography), management, or education. Some radiology techs may choose to pursue further education to become a radiologist assistant or another medical professional.

In summary, the primary differences between a surgical tech and a radiology tech are the job responsibilities, work environments, and the specific skills and knowledge needed for each role. Surgical techs have more hands-on involvement with surgical procedures, while radiology techs focus on diagnostic imaging. When choosing between the two, consider factors such as your interests, desired level of patient interaction, and the work environment you prefer.