Cat scan technologist vs mri technologist

The differences between cat scan technologists and mri 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 an mri technologist. Additionally, an mri technologist has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $61,874 average annual salary of a cat scan technologist.

The top three skills for a cat scan technologist include patients, CT and ARRT. The most important skills for an mri technologist are patients, ARRT, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Cat scan technologist vs mri technologist overview

	Cat Scan Technologist	MRI Technologist
Yearly salary	$61,874	$77,257
Hourly rate	$29.75	$37.14
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	51,880	53,125
Job satisfaction	3	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 63%	Associate Degree, 56%
Average age	43	45
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 an mri technologist do?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists are medical professionals who manage everything involved in the MRI machine. They operate the machines to get scans of the patients' brain, spinal cord, or muscles, which would help doctors identify or diagnose clients' illnesses and diseases. They help the patients prepare for the MRI scans and ensure that they are properly protected. They also carefully take direction from attending physicians to ensure that they scan the correct body part needed for the diagnosis. MRI technologists are also in charge of maintaining the MRI machine and working on repairs whenever needed.

Cat scan technologist vs mri technologist salary

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

	Cat Scan Technologist	MRI Technologist
Average salary	$61,874	$77,257
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $109,000	Between $42,000 And $138,000
Highest paying City	-	Modesto, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Siemens Healthineers
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between cat scan technologist and mri technologist education

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

	Cat Scan Technologist	MRI Technologist
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 63%	Associate Degree, 56%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Medical Technician
Most common college	Texas A&M University	Texas A&M University

Cat scan technologist vs mri technologist demographics

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

	Cat Scan Technologist	MRI Technologist
Average age	43	45
Gender ratio	Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6%	Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4%
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, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 10.4% White, 69.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	8%	12%

Differences between cat scan technologist and mri 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.

Mri technologist example responsibilities.

Manage and direct the ALARA program for the diagnostic imaging flight.
Contribute significantly to department's continuous quality improvement process; achieve ACR certification.
Position patients with superb quality care, professional courtesy & compassion.
Register, image, process, QC, and finalize all patient exams for specialist and radiologist review.
Perform routine MRI procedures, maintain daily QA, computer documentation, & screen patients for MRI safety.
Obtain and record weight, height, temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and document in EMR system.

Cat scan technologist vs mri technologist skills

Common cat scan technologist skills

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

Common mri technologist skills

Patients, 19%
ARRT, 11%
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 10%
Radiology, 8%
Magnetic Resonance, 7%
CPR, 7%

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Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Cat Scan Technologist
Cat Scan Technologist vs MRI Technologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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