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Pet/ct technologist vs x-ray technician

The differences between pet/ct technologists and x-ray technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a pet/ct technologist and an x-ray technician. Additionally, a pet/ct technologist has an average salary of $63,923, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.

The top three skills for a pet/ct technologist include PET, patients and radiology. The most important skills for an x-ray technician are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.

Pet/ct technologist vs x-ray technician overview

Pet/Ct TechnologistX-Ray Technician
Yearly salary$63,923$51,642
Hourly rate$30.73$24.83
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs69,24160,780
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%Associate Degree, 62%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

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.

What does an x-ray technician do?

The job of X-ray technicians, or X-ray technologists, is to detect medical issues that may need urgent medical treatment using cutting-edge imaging methods. The pictures they generate aid physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses with better accuracy. They use a wide range of imaging technologies such as the traditional X-ray machines, computerized axial tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. X-ray technicians may also perform some office work that includes preparing work schedules, managing radiologic departments, and setting up physicians' stations.

Pet/ct technologist vs x-ray technician salary

Pet/ct technologists and x-ray technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pet/Ct TechnologistX-Ray Technician
Average salary$63,923$51,642
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $135,000Between $32,000 And $81,000
Highest paying City-Fresno, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Stability Healthcare
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between pet/ct technologist and x-ray technician education

There are a few differences between a pet/ct technologist and an x-ray technician in terms of educational background:

Pet/Ct TechnologistX-Ray Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%Associate Degree, 62%
Most common majorNuclear And Industrial Radiologic TechnologiesMedical Technician
Most common collegeTexas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University

Pet/ct technologist vs x-ray technician demographics

Here are the differences between pet/ct technologists' and x-ray technicians' demographics:

Pet/Ct TechnologistX-Ray Technician
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 40.3% Female, 59.7%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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%10%

Differences between pet/ct technologist and x-ray technician duties and responsibilities

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

X-ray technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage day-to-day operation of PACS equipment including image archiving.
  • Train personnel in triage, first aid, and CPR.
  • Put patients into rooms, pull charts, and learned EMR as the office transition to electronic records.
  • Input patient information in to the EMR, room patients, assist the doctor in all in office procedures.
  • Provide mobile x-rays and EKG's for nursing homes, state hospital, and patients unable to leave their homes.
  • Produce quality images using c-arm during surgical procedures.
  • Show more

Pet/ct technologist vs x-ray technician skills

Common pet/ct technologist skills
  • PET, 24%
  • Patients, 16%
  • Radiology, 7%
  • Radiation Safety, 7%
  • Patient Safety, 6%
  • Tomography, 5%
Common x-ray technician skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • ARRT, 9%
  • Radiologic Technologist, 6%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Pacs, 3%

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