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Ekg technician vs ultrasound technologist

The differences between ekg technicians and ultrasound technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an ekg technician and an ultrasound technologist. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $35,160 average annual salary of an ekg technician.

The top three skills for an ekg technician include patients, BLS and patient care. The most important skills for an ultrasound technologist are patients, ARDMS, and ultrasound procedures.

Ekg technician vs ultrasound technologist overview

EKG TechnicianUltrasound Technologist
Yearly salary$35,160$84,702
Hourly rate$16.90$40.72
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs52,67952,198
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 27%Associate Degree, 55%
Average age4543
Years of experience22

What does an ekg technician do?

An EKG technician is responsible for conducting laboratory tests using advanced equipment and machines to diagnose and identify patients' conditions with cardiovascular problems. EKG technicians must have excellent knowledge of the process to discuss the procedures and respond to the patients' inquiries and concerns accurately. They help the doctors in diagnosing patients and developing treatment plans upon the interpretation of the results. An EKG technician inspects the stability and efficiency of the equipment regularly to prevent delays and inconsistencies with the results.

What does an ultrasound technologist do?

An ultrasound technologist is responsible for assisting medical professionals in operating high-end equipment to diagnose patients' illnesses and monitor health conditions. Ultrasound technologists regularly inspect the efficiency and reliability of the machine and report inconsistencies and defects for immediate repair or replacement. They record scan results and endorse the patient to appropriate medical staff for required medication and further observation. An ultrasound technologist must have excellent knowledge and extensive experience in the medical industry to provide quality care for the patients and address their needs and concerns.

Ekg technician vs ultrasound technologist salary

Ekg technicians and ultrasound technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

EKG TechnicianUltrasound Technologist
Average salary$35,160$84,702
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $43,000Between $51,000 And $140,000
Highest paying CitySpringfield, ORBoston, MA
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaVermont
Best paying companyUC MercedPioneers Memorial Healthcare District
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between ekg technician and ultrasound technologist education

There are a few differences between an ekg technician and an ultrasound technologist in terms of educational background:

EKG TechnicianUltrasound Technologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 27%Associate Degree, 55%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Technician
Most common collegeEmory UniversityDuke University

Ekg technician vs ultrasound technologist demographics

Here are the differences between ekg technicians' and ultrasound technologists' demographics:

EKG TechnicianUltrasound Technologist
Average age4543
Gender ratioMale, 23.5% Female, 76.5%Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between ekg technician and ultrasound technologist duties and responsibilities

Ekg technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist with placement and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
  • Assist physicians during codes by performing the ECG's and assisting with CPR.
  • Perform EKG and EEG examinations of patients to obtain graphic indications of heart activity
  • Conduct electrocardiogram and other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity using specialize electronic test equipment and recording devices.
  • Obtain ECG records of events; assist emergency situations by initiating and/or assisting in emergency procedures prescribe by hospital policies.
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Ultrasound technologist example responsibilities.

  • Perform ABIs while the vascular technologist perform the ultrasound to help with achieving a timely schedule.
  • Accomplish general ultrasounds centered on abdominal, OB-GYN, small parts, pelvic (male), and vascular.
  • Train new students how to perform PVR, segmental and ABI studies
  • Assist and independently perform 2D echo studies using m-mode, color flow, spectral and tissue Doppler, measurements and calculations.
  • Provide outpatient ultrasound studies in vascular, observe in echocardiogram
  • Perform a variety of procedures including abdomen, vascular and gynecology exams.
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Ekg technician vs ultrasound technologist skills

Common ekg technician skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • BLS, 9%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Electrocardiogram, 5%
  • CPR, 4%
  • ECG, 3%
Common ultrasound technologist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 11%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Pacs, 7%
  • Vascular Ultrasound, 6%

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