Radiologist assistant: best fit for medical imaging.

The radiologist assistant (RA) is an emerging mid-level provider who can benefit radiologists, technologists, radiology departments, patients, and the healthcare system in the United States. A review of the peer-reviewed literature published from 2005-2013 revealed a moderate amount of research about these benefits, which was supplemented with research on collaborative relationships and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). As an advanced practice radiologic technologist, the RA has a strong technically based, patient-centered background and is the ideal mid-level provider in an imaging-centered clinical environment.