Ultrasound technologist vs physical therapist assistant

The differences between ultrasound technologists and physical therapist assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $53,035 average annual salary of a physical therapist assistant.

The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for a physical therapist assistant are patients, rehabilitation, and home health.

Ultrasound technologist vs physical therapist assistant overview

	Ultrasound Technologist	Physical Therapist Assistant
Yearly salary	$84,702	$53,035
Hourly rate	$40.72	$25.50
Growth rate	10%	24%
Number of jobs	52,198	80,018
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 55%	Associate Degree, 67%
Average age	43	39
Years of experience	2	-

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.

What does a physical therapist assistant do?

A physical therapist assistant's role is to provide treatments that will help a patient improve physical movements while under a physical therapist's supervision. Their responsibilities revolve around regularly observing a patient's reaction and progress to the treatment, operating various machines such as treadmills and trainers, and giving instructions to families on how to take care of the patient while at home. Furthermore, they must coordinate with a physical therapist to meet all of the patient's needs and give the best treatment possible.

Ultrasound technologist vs physical therapist assistant salary

Ultrasound technologists and physical therapist assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Ultrasound Technologist	Physical Therapist Assistant
Average salary	$84,702	$53,035
Salary range	Between $51,000 And $140,000	Between $40,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Vermont	Alaska
Best paying company	Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District	Children's Hospital Colorado
Best paying industry	Health Care	Professional

Differences between ultrasound technologist and physical therapist assistant education

There are a few differences between an ultrasound technologist and a physical therapist assistant in terms of educational background:

	Ultrasound Technologist	Physical Therapist Assistant
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 55%	Associate Degree, 67%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Physical Therapy
Most common college	Duke University	Northwestern University

Ultrasound technologist vs physical therapist assistant demographics

Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and physical therapist assistants' demographics:

	Ultrasound Technologist	Physical Therapist Assistant
Average age	43	39
Gender ratio	Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
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, 7.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 8.6% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	6%	7%

Differences between ultrasound technologist and physical therapist assistant duties and responsibilities

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.

Physical therapist assistant example responsibilities.

Manage a diverse caseload including, but not limit to CVA's, cardiac care, Alzheimer's and sub acute orthopedics
Provide patients at a SNF with ROM exercises, transfer and gait training as well as balance and bed mobility exercises.
Provide physical therapy treatment as directed by physical therapist as PRN PTA for inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation and community hospital settings.
Care of patients in acute and ICU settings.
Work with adult, geriatrics, burns, ulcers and ICU patients
Prepare iontophoresis patches, give cervical and/or lumbar hot packs to clients.

Ultrasound technologist vs physical therapist assistant skills

Common ultrasound technologist skills

Patients, 17%
ARDMS, 11%
Ultrasound Procedures, 11%
Patient Care, 8%
Pacs, 7%
Vascular Ultrasound, 6%

Common physical therapist assistant skills

Patients, 26%
Rehabilitation, 15%
Home Health, 11%
PTA, 7%
Physical Therapy Treatment, 5%
Quality Care, 4%

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Ultrasound Technologist
Ultrasound Technologist vs Physical Therapist Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

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