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The differences between ultrasound technologists and nurse technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an ultrasound technologist, becoming a nurse technician takes usually requires 1-3 months. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $33,005 average annual salary of a nurse technician.
The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for a nurse technician are patients, CPR, and vital signs.
| Ultrasound Technologist | Nurse Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $84,702 | $33,005 |
| Hourly rate | $40.72 | $15.87 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 52,198 | 195,553 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 3 |
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.
Nurse technicians, also known as nursing aides, assistants, or attendants, usually work in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Primarily, they help a registered nurse by providing essential mobility, care, and support to patients. Everyday routine duties include maintaining patients' hygiene and moving them using wheelchairs or stretchers around the facility for their meals, treatment, events, and other activities. They do tasks that help improve a patient's comfort level and become their caregivers in the long run. This job requires a high school diploma along with the completed certified nursing assistant (CNA) program.
Ultrasound technologists and nurse technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Ultrasound Technologist | Nurse Technician | |
| Average salary | $84,702 | $33,005 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $140,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District | Carondelet High School |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an ultrasound technologist and a nurse technician in terms of educational background:
| Ultrasound Technologist | Nurse Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Nursing |
| Most common college | Duke University | - |
Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and nurse technicians' demographics:
| Ultrasound Technologist | Nurse Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7% | Male, 16.9% Female, 83.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 7% |