Cat scan technologist vs computed tomography technologist

The differences between cat scan technologists and computed tomography technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cat scan technologist and a computed tomography technologist. Additionally, a cat scan technologist has an average salary of $61,874, which is higher than the $60,749 average annual salary of a computed tomography technologist.

The top three skills for a cat scan technologist include patients, CT and ARRT. The most important skills for a computed tomography technologist are patients, CT, and ARRT.

Cat scan technologist vs computed tomography technologist overview

	Cat Scan Technologist	Computed Tomography Technologist
Yearly salary	$61,874	$60,749
Hourly rate	$29.75	$29.21
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	51,880	51,721
Job satisfaction	3	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 63%	Associate Degree, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

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 computed tomography technologist do?

Computed tomography (CT) technologists use CT equipment to take images of a patient's body. CT technologists locate any possible internal injuries and diagnose related diseases. They prepare patients for examinations by answering questions then by positioning them for minimum radiation exposure. To perform their job well, they are using radiation safety practices and industry-standard techniques. It is also part of their job to provide patients with direct care and enforce improvement procedures.

Cat scan technologist vs computed tomography technologist salary

Cat scan technologists and computed tomography technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cat Scan Technologist	Computed Tomography Technologist
Average salary	$61,874	$60,749
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $109,000	Between $34,000 And $106,000
Highest paying City	-	Oakland, CA
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Philips Medical Systems
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between cat scan technologist and computed tomography technologist education

There are a few differences between a cat scan technologist and a computed tomography technologist in terms of educational background:

	Cat Scan Technologist	Computed Tomography Technologist
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 63%	Associate Degree, 57%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Medical Technician
Most common college	Texas A&M University	Texas A&M University

Cat scan technologist vs computed tomography technologist demographics

Here are the differences between cat scan technologists' and computed tomography technologists' demographics:

	Cat Scan Technologist	Computed Tomography Technologist
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6%	Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1%
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, 5.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 73.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between cat scan technologist and computed tomography technologist 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.

Computed tomography technologist example responsibilities.

Achieve professional certification from the ARRT in the modality of compute tomography.
Used EMR software to manage patient records and files while ensuring patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
Start iv's, use epic and IMPAX.
Qualify ACLS and BLS provider.
Assist surgery department when needing intra-operative ultrasound.
Maintain QA records daily and monthly.

Cat scan technologist vs computed tomography technologist skills

Common cat scan technologist skills

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

Common computed tomography technologist skills

Patients, 23%
CT, 16%
ARRT, 11%
CPR, 8%
Power Injectors, 5%
Patient History, 3%

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Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Cat Scan Technologist
Cat Scan Technologist vs Computed Tomography Technologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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