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Diagnostic technician vs dialysis technician

The differences between diagnostic technicians and dialysis technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a diagnostic technician, becoming a dialysis technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a diagnostic technician has an average salary of $49,571, which is higher than the $40,195 average annual salary of a dialysis technician.

The top three skills for a diagnostic technician include patients, patient care and CPR. The most important skills for a dialysis technician are patients, vital signs, and direct patient care.

Diagnostic technician vs dialysis technician overview

Diagnostic TechnicianDialysis Technician
Yearly salary$49,571$40,195
Hourly rate$23.83$19.32
Growth rate6%9%
Number of jobs70,089100,653
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 25%
Average age4344
Years of experience212

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.

What does a dialysis technician do?

A dialysis technician is responsible for the control and maintenance of a dialysis machine. Dialysis technicians' duties include monitoring the stable performance of the equipment, assisting patients on the dialysis process, and adhering to the safety standards and protocols on the dialysis operation all the time. A dialysis technician also reports to the respective doctors and nurses for any concerns and possible emergency scenarios. Dialysis technicians must also sterilize all equipment before usage to ensure its cleanliness, avoiding possible infection for patients.

Diagnostic technician vs dialysis technician salary

Diagnostic technicians and dialysis technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Diagnostic TechnicianDialysis Technician
Average salary$49,571$40,195
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $77,000Between $29,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityFresno, CAFresno, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyWaymoAmerican Mobile Healthcare
Best paying industryTelecommunicationHealth Care

Differences between diagnostic technician and dialysis technician education

There are a few differences between a diagnostic technician and a dialysis technician in terms of educational background:

Diagnostic TechnicianDialysis Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 25%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianNursing
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachUniversity of Connecticut

Diagnostic technician vs dialysis technician demographics

Here are the differences between diagnostic technicians' and dialysis technicians' demographics:

Diagnostic TechnicianDialysis Technician
Average age4344
Gender ratioMale, 66.0% Female, 34.0%Male, 25.1% Female, 74.9%
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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 8.9% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between diagnostic technician and dialysis technician duties and responsibilities

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

Dialysis technician example responsibilities.

  • Maintain national certification as CCHT and attain CE's as required.
  • Practice guidelines require by national standard and regulatory agencies and infection control when sterilizing equipment, catheter sites, puncture sites.
  • Initiate, monitor, and terminate dialysis treatments for individual patients through intravenous and/or catheter ports.
  • Observe patients during hemodialysis treatments and identify patient problems and/or complications and report any unusual findings to the nurse supervisor.
  • Operate hemodialysis machines, calculate fluid removal/replacement, monitor venous and arterial pressures, and check patients for adverse reactions.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory procedures and equipment functions to perform duties accurately; comply with standard procedures and cleanliness guidelines.
  • Show more

Diagnostic technician vs dialysis technician skills

Common diagnostic technician skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Patient Care, 16%
  • CPR, 13%
  • Radiology, 7%
  • Diagnosis, 4%
  • EEG, 2%
Common dialysis technician skills
  • Patients, 31%
  • Vital Signs, 13%
  • Direct Patient Care, 7%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Phlebotomy, 4%
  • Catheter, 3%

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