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Cardiovascular sonographer vs pulmonary function technician

The differences between cardiovascular sonographers and pulmonary function technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cardiovascular sonographer and a pulmonary function technician. Additionally, a cardiovascular sonographer has an average salary of $80,456, which is higher than the $50,458 average annual salary of a pulmonary function technician.

The top three skills for a cardiovascular sonographer include patients, BLS and RDCS. The most important skills for a pulmonary function technician are patients, respiratory care, and patient care.

Cardiovascular sonographer vs pulmonary function technician overview

Cardiovascular SonographerPulmonary Function Technician
Yearly salary$80,456$50,458
Hourly rate$38.68$24.26
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs13,17450,955
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Associate Degree, 44%
Average age4545
Years of experience22

What does a cardiovascular sonographer do?

A cardiovascular sonographer specializes in operating non-invasive imaging equipment to help physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular issues. They conduct imaging test procedures and assist patients by answering questions, preparing them for the tests, helping them understand the process, providing step-by-step instructions, and making them feel at ease the entire time. They are also responsible for evaluating the images, utilizing their knowledge to sort out abnormalities detected. Moreover, as a cardiovascular sonographer, it is essential to produce accurate results, all while maintaining a transparent and open communication line with physicians and nurses.

What does a pulmonary function technician do?

Pulmonary Function Technologists generally pay around $77K per year and require skills in respiratory care, spirometry, RRT, and understanding test results. In addition to a high school diploma, most employers will require anyone who chooses this career to have an associate degree in respiratory therapy or NBRC certification. This will be needed in a career that calls for setting up and running respective patients' respiratory tests for identifying lung diseases or disorders and conducting tests and collaborating with medical staff for possible diagnoses of lung disease.

Cardiovascular sonographer vs pulmonary function technician salary

Cardiovascular sonographers and pulmonary function technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cardiovascular SonographerPulmonary Function Technician
Average salary$80,456$50,458
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $117,000Between $33,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between cardiovascular sonographer and pulmonary function technician education

There are a few differences between a cardiovascular sonographer and a pulmonary function technician in terms of educational background:

Cardiovascular SonographerPulmonary Function Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Associate Degree, 44%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Southern California

Cardiovascular sonographer vs pulmonary function technician demographics

Here are the differences between cardiovascular sonographers' and pulmonary function technicians' demographics:

Cardiovascular SonographerPulmonary Function Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 23.7% Female, 76.3%Male, 52.0% Female, 48.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between cardiovascular sonographer and pulmonary function technician duties and responsibilities

Cardiovascular sonographer example responsibilities.

  • Facilitate physician to help achieve ICAEL accreditation status.
  • Obtain full patient history, vital signs, EKG s and verify patient medication.
  • Complete patient intake, including: EKG, vitals, medications, and patient history.
  • Fast pace work environment, independently perform ultrasound examinations on patients with cardiovascular disease.
  • Develop strong relationships with cardiologists and cardiac anesthesiologist, supporting each professional's unique style and needs.
  • Prepare patients for various examinations by reviewing requisitions and case history as well as explaining procedures to patients.
  • Show more

Pulmonary function technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Perform arterial blood gas analysis, routine spirometry, DLCO, and lung volume test.
  • Monitor client's heart rate while exercising on EKG.
  • Perform, monitor, record and interpret electrocardiogram tests.
  • Attend all high risk deliveries, arterial puncture, ventilator management, and EKG's.
  • Administer six minute walk test, Oximetry pulse studies , 02 therapy, and Nebulizer treatment.
  • Show more

Cardiovascular sonographer vs pulmonary function technician skills

Common cardiovascular sonographer skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • BLS, 8%
  • RDCS, 8%
  • Echocardiogram, 8%
  • Echocardiography, 7%
  • Patient Care, 7%
Common pulmonary function technician skills
  • Patients, 25%
  • Respiratory Care, 11%
  • Patient Care, 10%
  • Spirometry, 8%
  • Respiratory Therapy, 6%
  • Test Results, 5%

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