What is the difference between a radiology practitioner assistant and a radiologist assistant?

A radiology practitioner assistant and radiologist assistant may have some job duties in common. Both with assist a radiologist and interact with patients before and after procedures. The main difference is in education and certification-level. A radiology practitioner assistant (RPA) has more credibility than a radiology assistant and is qualified to provide more patient services at a higher level of clinical assistance to the radiologist. A radiologist may give an RPA more opportunities to operate independently without direct supervision. However, regulations for physician or radiologist oversight vary, so in some states, RAs and RPAs may perform similar tasks.