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Diagnostic technician vs multi-modality technologist

The differences between diagnostic technicians and multi-modality 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 technician and a multi-modality technologist. Additionally, a multi-modality technologist has an average salary of $52,354, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.

The top three skills for a diagnostic technician include patients, patient care and CPR. The most important skills for a multi-modality technologist are patients, BLS, and multi.

Diagnostic technician vs multi-modality technologist overview

Diagnostic TechnicianMulti-Modality Technologist
Yearly salary$49,571$52,354
Hourly rate$23.83$25.17
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs70,08956,585
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 45%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

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 multi-modality technologist do?

Multi-modality technologists focus on the imaging needed for medical diagnosis. The task of a multi-modality technologist is to conduct radiology exams and other diagnostic procedures requested by doctors. A multi-modality technologist's main goal is to ensure that all diagnostic requests are accomplished accurately to help doctors give a prescription. In a healthcare facility, accurate testing and diagnosis is a necessity. It is the main reason why technologists are essential in many hospitals and laboratories.

Diagnostic technician vs multi-modality technologist salary

Diagnostic technicians and multi-modality technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Diagnostic TechnicianMulti-Modality Technologist
Average salary$49,571$52,354
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $77,000Between $28,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityFresno, CAAlhambra, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyWaymoEnbridge
Best paying industryTelecommunicationTransportation

Differences between diagnostic technician and multi-modality technologist education

There are a few differences between a diagnostic technician and a multi-modality technologist in terms of educational background:

Diagnostic TechnicianMulti-Modality Technologist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Associate Degree, 45%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachEmory University

Diagnostic technician vs multi-modality technologist demographics

Here are the differences between diagnostic technicians' and multi-modality technologists' demographics:

Diagnostic TechnicianMulti-Modality Technologist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 66.0% Female, 34.0%Male, 40.0% Female, 60.0%
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 diagnostic technician and multi-modality technologist 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

Multi-modality technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage paperwork including scanning into PACS to be interpret by radiologists.
  • Connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
  • Open and close department independently and also assist surgical staff by managing QC and providing radiopharmaceuticals as needed for procedures.
  • Complete duties such as electrocardiography and phlebotomy as well as basic patient care.
  • Perform EKG's, blood glucose monitoring, specimen collection, dressing changes, colostomy care and documentation of vital signs.
  • Complete MQSA inspections, ACR mammography accreditation's.
  • Show more

Diagnostic technician vs multi-modality technologist skills

Common diagnostic technician skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Patient Care, 16%
  • CPR, 13%
  • Radiology, 7%
  • Diagnosis, 4%
  • EEG, 2%
Common multi-modality technologist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • BLS, 11%
  • Multi, 8%
  • ARRT, 7%
  • MRI, 4%
  • Ultrasound, 4%

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