Post job

Ct scan technologist vs diagnostic technician

The differences between ct scan technologists and diagnostic 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 ct scan technologist and a diagnostic technician. Additionally, a ct scan technologist has an average salary of $60,480, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.

The top three skills for a ct scan technologist include patients, ct scan and ARRT. The most important skills for a diagnostic technician are patients, patient care, and CPR.

Ct scan technologist vs diagnostic technician overview

CT Scan TechnologistDiagnostic Technician
Yearly salary$60,480$49,571
Hourly rate$29.08$23.83
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs66,34870,089
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 59%Associate Degree, 41%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a ct scan technologist do?

A CT scan technologist operates computed tomography equipment to scan and take images of patients' bodies, which helps doctors diagnose and treat internal injuries or illnesses. In addition to setting up and maintaining equipment, a CT scan technologist is assists patients, prepares patients for the procedure, and helps the patients feel at ease. They must also maintain an active and transparent communication line with nurses and physicians.

What does a diagnostic technician do?

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.

Ct scan technologist vs diagnostic technician salary

Ct scan technologists and diagnostic technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

CT Scan TechnologistDiagnostic Technician
Average salary$60,480$49,571
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $108,000Between $31,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City-Fresno, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Waymo
Best paying industry-Telecommunication

Differences between ct scan technologist and diagnostic technician education

There are a few differences between a ct scan technologist and a diagnostic technician in terms of educational background:

CT Scan TechnologistDiagnostic Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 59%Associate Degree, 41%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeTexas A&M UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Ct scan technologist vs diagnostic technician demographics

Here are the differences between ct scan technologists' and diagnostic technicians' demographics:

CT Scan TechnologistDiagnostic Technician
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 52.0% Female, 48.0%Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between ct scan technologist and diagnostic technician duties and responsibilities

Ct scan technologist example responsibilities.

  • Used EMR software to manage patient records and files while ensuring patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
  • Impute patient demographics and exam details from RIS into PACS and archive data/images to assure exam integrity within the system.
  • Conduct comprehensive interviews with patients to obtain their medical history and identify any contradictions.
  • Perform daily QA and troubleshooting any equipment issues.
  • Train to use the PACS system which is used hospital-wide.
  • Provide assistance in diagnostic radiology when need.
  • Show more

Diagnostic technician example responsibilities.

  • Establish work procedures for the radiology staff.
  • Perform EKG testing on both inpatients and outpatients.
  • Assist in daily maintenance and troubleshooting of PACS.
  • Perform RNA and DNA extraction by using Qiagen kit.
  • Perform cardiology and EKG procedures as directed by medical staff.
  • Operated/Manage ECG, a, and DCG as needed per MD orders.
  • Show more

Ct scan technologist vs diagnostic technician skills

Common ct scan technologist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Ct Scan, 15%
  • ARRT, 11%
  • Radiology, 8%
  • Ct-Scan, 8%
  • Patient Care, 7%
Common diagnostic technician skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Patient Care, 16%
  • CPR, 13%
  • Radiology, 7%
  • Diagnosis, 4%
  • EEG, 2%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs