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Diagnostic radiologic technologist vs cat scan technologist

The differences between diagnostic radiologic technologists and cat scan 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 diagnostic radiologic technologist and a cat scan technologist. Additionally, a cat scan technologist has an average salary of $61,874, which is higher than the $54,476 average annual salary of a diagnostic radiologic technologist.

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

Diagnostic radiologic technologist vs cat scan technologist overview

Diagnostic Radiologic TechnologistCat Scan Technologist
Yearly salary$54,476$61,874
Hourly rate$26.19$29.75
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs66,72151,880
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 58%Associate Degree, 63%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a diagnostic radiologic technologist do?

A diagnostic radiologic technologist specializes in operating radiologic equipment such as X-rays and CAT scans, vital in helping physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions among patients. They function under the supervision of a radiologist, and their responsibilities often include assisting patients by giving them instructions, answering inquiries, helping them understand the procedures, preparing them for what they are about to feel, and making them feel comfortable during the entire process. Moreover, a diagnostic radiologic technologist must maintain an active communication line with team members to deliver efficient and quick results.

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.

Diagnostic radiologic technologist vs cat scan technologist salary

Diagnostic radiologic technologists and cat scan technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Diagnostic Radiologic TechnologistCat Scan Technologist
Average salary$54,476$61,874
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $89,000Between $34,000 And $109,000
Highest paying CityBakersfield, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyCarestream-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between diagnostic radiologic technologist and cat scan technologist education

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

Diagnostic Radiologic TechnologistCat Scan Technologist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 58%Associate Degree, 63%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeTexas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University

Diagnostic radiologic technologist vs cat scan technologist demographics

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

Diagnostic Radiologic TechnologistCat Scan Technologist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 40.1% Female, 59.9%Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6%
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 diagnostic radiologic technologist and cat scan technologist duties and responsibilities

Diagnostic radiologic technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage imaging databases and relate processes including image file compression and EMR implementations.
  • Travel between client sites to perform c-arm imaging for surgery centers, pain management cases, and cadaver training labs.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of radiation protection standards by selecting technical factors and making necessary exposures of patients.
  • Perform limit in-house lab tests, perform EKG's.
  • Register with A.R.R.T., member A.S.R.T, current CPR certification.
  • Experience with film as well as DR and CR equipment.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Diagnostic radiologic technologist vs cat scan technologist skills

Common diagnostic radiologic technologist skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • ARRT, 8%
  • Radiologic Technologist, 7%
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 6%
  • Diagnostic Radiology, 5%
  • Patient Care, 5%
Common cat scan technologist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • CT, 14%
  • ARRT, 10%
  • Radiology, 9%
  • Ct Scan, 5%
  • Cat Scan, 5%

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