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.
Computed tomography technologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computed tomography technologist resumes:
- 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.
- Prep equipment and patient for exam.
- Work with CR and digital equipment.
- Assist with daily QA of mammography equipment using MSQA guidelines.
- Perform daily QC and make necessary parties know of any issues with equipment.
- Assist in diagnostic radiographic MRI procedures; process, document, and transmit images.
- Perform the scan using radiation safety dosing protocols of ALARA to obtain optimal images for diagnostic interpretation.
- Use the following types of equipment; mobile x-ray unit, mobile EKG unit, and holter monitors.
- Assist nursing with EMR duties such as entering refill requests and following up on outstanding orders and referrals.
- Maintain accurate patent records for all procedures perform, maintain patient confidentiality, and adhere to all HIPAA standards.
Computed tomography technologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Computed Tomography Technologists are proficient in Patients, CT, and ARRT. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Interpersonal skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Computed Tomography Technologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 23%
Facilitated and assisted during sales presentations with prospective clients and created various visual media for distribution to physicians and patients.
- CT, 16%
Demonstrated advanced utilization and workstation processes with Philips Brilliance CT scanners to administrators and physicians nationwide.
- ARRT, 11%
Followed radiation safety measures and used radiation protection devices in accordance with ARRT standards and governmental regulations.
- CPR, 8%
Utilized training in both basic life support (BLS) and CPR as needed or required.
- Power Injectors, 5%
Experience with multiple medical imaging vendor equipment and power injectors.
- Patient History, 3%
Order examinations, obtain patient history and verify laboratory values.
Most computed tomography technologists use their skills in "patients," "ct," and "arrt" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computed tomography technologist responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a computed tomography technologist to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "radiologic and mri technologists must follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses." Computed tomography technologists often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "obtained detailed patient history in relation to exams being performed. "
Interpersonal skills. Many computed tomography technologist duties rely on interpersonal skills. "radiologic and mri technologists work closely with patients who may be stressed or in pain," so a computed tomography technologist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways computed tomography technologist responsibilities rely on interpersonal skills: "interacted with patients, using interpersonal communication skills to explain procedures, alleviate concerns. "
Math skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of computed tomography technologists is math skills. This skill is critical to many everyday computed tomography technologist duties, as "radiologic and mri technologists may need to calculate the proper amount of radiation or magnetic resonance emitted in imaging procedures." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "scanned and performed quantitative analysis of studies for r/e of cardiac patients. "
Physical stamina. A big part of what computed tomography technologists do relies on "physical stamina." You can see how essential it is to computed tomography technologist responsibilities because "radiologic and mri technologists often work on their feet for long periods during their shift and must be able to lift and move patients who need help." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computed tomography technologist tasks: "provide care for the psychological and physical needs of patients for ct scans. "
Technical skills. A commonly-found skill in computed tomography technologist job descriptions, "technical skills" is essential to what computed tomography technologists do. Computed tomography technologist responsibilities rely on this skill because "radiologic and mri technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery." You can also see how computed tomography technologist duties rely on technical skills in this resume example: "perform a qa phantom scan completing measurements for contrast resolution, noise and other technical data. "
See the full list of computed tomography technologist skills
The three companies that hire the most computed tomography technologists are:
- Accountable Healthcare Holdings Corp.259 computed tomography technologists jobs
- Med Travelers212 computed tomography technologists jobs
- Anders Group35 computed tomography technologists jobs
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Compare different computed tomography technologists
Computed tomography technologist vs. Radiology supervisor
Diagnostic Technicians are specialists in the inspecting, maintenance, and repair of equipment or service. Diagnostic Technicians can be working in the automotive sector, inspecting and repairing cars, to performing ultrasound procedures in the healthcare industry. Their duties include analyzing and collecting data, calibrating equipment, performing diagnostic tests and repairs, and organizing work records and reports. A Diagnostic Technician must have sound knowledge in using technical equipment and adheres to safety regulations when handling any tools.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computed tomography technologist responsibilities require skills like "ct," "cpr," "power injectors," and "patient history." Meanwhile a typical radiology supervisor has skills in areas such as "ultrasound," "interventional radiology," "quality patient care," and "nuclear medicine." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
On average, radiology supervisors reach higher levels of education than computed tomography technologists. Radiology supervisors are 5.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computed tomography technologist vs. Diagnostic technician
The job of X-ray technicians, or X-ray technologists, is to detect medical issues that may need urgent medical treatment using cutting-edge imaging methods. The pictures they generate aid physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses with better accuracy. They use a wide range of imaging technologies such as the traditional X-ray machines, computerized axial tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. X-ray technicians may also perform some office work that includes preparing work schedules, managing radiologic departments, and setting up physicians' stations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computed tomography technologist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ct," "arrt," "power injectors," and "patient history." Meanwhile, a diagnostic technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "patient care," "radiology," "diagnosis," and "eeg." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Diagnostic technicians earn a lower average salary than computed tomography technologists. But diagnostic technicians earn the highest pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $75,136. Additionally, computed tomography technologists earn the highest salaries in the health care with average pay of $62,446 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Diagnostic technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than computed tomography technologists. In fact, they're 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computed tomography technologist vs. X-ray technician
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computed tomography technologist resumes include skills like "ct," "invasive procedures," "epic," and "patient flow," whereas an x-ray technician is more likely to list skills in "radiologic technologist," "customer service," "radiation safety," and "specimen handling. "
X-ray technicians earn the highest salary when working in the health care industry, where they receive an average salary of $55,344. Comparatively, computed tomography technologists have the highest earning potential in the health care industry, with an average salary of $62,446.x-ray technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to computed tomography technologists. Specifically, they're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computed tomography technologist vs. Mammographer
Even though a few skill sets overlap between computed tomography technologists and mammographers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a computed tomography technologist might have more use for skills like "ct," "cpr," "power injectors," and "post processing." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of mammographers require skills like "patient care," "radiology," "customer service," and "mqsa. "
In general, mammographers hold similar degree levels compared to computed tomography technologists. Mammographers are 1.9% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of computed tomography technologist
Updated January 8, 2025
