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Diagnostic technician vs pet/ct technologist

The differences between diagnostic technicians and pet/ct 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 pet/ct technologist. Additionally, a pet/ct technologist has an average salary of $63,923, 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 pet/ct technologist are PET, patients, and radiology.

Diagnostic technician vs pet/ct technologist overview

Diagnostic TechnicianPet/Ct Technologist
Yearly salary$49,571$63,923
Hourly rate$23.83$30.73
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs70,08969,241
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
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 pet/ct technologist do?

A Pet/CT Technologist performs examinations of patients of all ages for the purpose of assisting in the diagnosis of illnesses. They maintain a clean environment inside and outside of the mobile coach/facility.

Diagnostic technician vs pet/ct technologist salary

Diagnostic technicians and pet/ct technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Diagnostic TechnicianPet/Ct Technologist
Average salary$49,571$63,923
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $77,000Between $30,000 And $135,000
Highest paying CityFresno, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyWaymo-
Best paying industryTelecommunication-

Differences between diagnostic technician and pet/ct technologist education

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

Diagnostic TechnicianPet/Ct Technologist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianNuclear And Industrial Radiologic Technologies
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachTexas A&M University

Diagnostic technician vs pet/ct technologist demographics

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

Diagnostic TechnicianPet/Ct Technologist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 66.0% Female, 34.0%Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7%
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 pet/ct 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.
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Pet/ct technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage orders and workflow with GE Centricity RIS and Cerner software.
  • Adhere to ALARA protocol and site protocol.
  • Assist in ACR application process for accreditation.
  • Complete ACR accreditation process for various contract sites.
  • Key contributor of training staff on new PACS system and EHR.
  • Reconstruct FW radiology's imaging process for order physicians, by eliminating films and pushing for CD's.
  • Show more

Diagnostic technician vs pet/ct technologist skills

Common diagnostic technician skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Patient Care, 16%
  • CPR, 13%
  • Radiology, 7%
  • Diagnosis, 4%
  • EEG, 2%
Common pet/ct technologist skills
  • PET, 24%
  • Patients, 16%
  • Radiology, 7%
  • Radiation Safety, 7%
  • Patient Safety, 6%
  • Tomography, 5%

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