Cat scan technologist vs certified medical technician

The differences between cat scan technologists and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a cat scan technologist, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a cat scan technologist has an average salary of $61,874, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a cat scan technologist include patients, CT and ARRT. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Cat scan technologist vs certified medical technician overview

	Cat Scan Technologist	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$61,874	$38,859
Hourly rate	$29.75	$18.68
Growth rate	6%	5%
Number of jobs	51,880	164,424
Job satisfaction	3	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	2	12

What does a cat scan technologist do?

A cat scan technologist is a trained professional specializing in operating computed axial tomography equipment to scan and produce images that will help physicians diagnose illnesses and identify internal issues in a patient's body. They are in charge of assisting and preparing the patients by answering inquiries, discussing the extent of procedures to brief them on what they might feel or hear, and making them feel at ease on the entire process. Moreover, a cat scan technologist maintains an open communication line with physicians and nurses for an efficient workflow.

What does a certified medical technician do?

Certified Medical Technicians are specialists in medical diagnoses by performing laboratory testing and analysis for hospitals and physicians. Their duties include lab sanitization to prepare for testing and collection, recording medical samples for testing, specimen preparation, blood drawing for donation and testing, and assisting physicians with sample collection as well as equipment handling in surgical rooms. They must also understand how to use complex and sensitive testing equipment such as cell counters, analyzers, microscopes, and centrifuges.

Cat scan technologist vs certified medical technician salary

Cat scan technologists and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cat Scan Technologist	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$61,874	$38,859
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $109,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	-	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between cat scan technologist and certified medical technician education

There are a few differences between a cat scan technologist and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:

	Cat Scan Technologist	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Nursing
Most common college	Texas A&M University	University of Connecticut

Cat scan technologist vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between cat scan technologists' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

	Cat Scan Technologist	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 73.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 10.0% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between cat scan technologist and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Cat scan technologist example responsibilities.

Manage orders and workflow with GE Centricity RIS and Cerner software.
Perform QC and QA duties.
Order all supplies, independently perform all MRI procedures.
Use of PACS system as well as digital processors.
Document all calibrations and log them in the QA log book.
Follow OSHA safety regulations, HIPAA as well as CDC protocols.

Certified medical technician example responsibilities.

Maintain the cleanliness of storage areas, trays, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and work area.
Administer medications to patients according to their medication record as scheduled, as needed according to physician orders.
Perform laboratory test and procedures in areas including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, serology, and bacteriology.
Perform first aid and apply CPR when necessary.
Perform first aid or CPR during medical emergencies until paramedics arrive.
Assist the residents in their ADL needs and prepare their meals.

Cat scan technologist vs certified medical technician skills

Common cat scan technologist skills

Patients, 17%
CT, 14%
ARRT, 10%
Radiology, 9%
Ct Scan, 5%
Cat Scan, 5%

Common certified medical technician skills

Patients, 17%
Vital Signs, 12%
CPR, 8%
Administer Medications, 7%
Resident Care, 6%
HIPAA, 6%

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Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Cat Scan Technologist
Cat Scan Technologist vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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