Ultrasound technologist vs radiation therapist

The differences between ultrasound technologists and radiation therapists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an ultrasound technologist and a radiation therapist. Additionally, a radiation therapist has an average salary of $84,981, which is higher than the $84,702 average annual salary of an ultrasound technologist.

The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for a radiation therapist are patients, patient care, and radiation oncologist.

Ultrasound technologist vs radiation therapist overview

	Ultrasound Technologist	Radiation Therapist
Yearly salary	$84,702	$84,981
Hourly rate	$40.72	$40.86
Growth rate	10%	6%
Number of jobs	52,198	39,384
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 55%	Associate Degree, 40%
Average age	43	42
Years of experience	2	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 radiation therapist do?

A radiation therapist is a medical professional who works in hospitals or cancer treatment centers and treats cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments. Radiation therapists are required to explain the treatment plans to patients as well as conduct x-ray tests on patients to determine the exact location of the area that requires treatment. They must examine radiation machines to ensure that they are safe and working properly. Radiation therapists must also follow safety procedures to protect patients and themselves from overexposure.

Ultrasound technologist vs radiation therapist salary

Ultrasound technologists and radiation therapists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Ultrasound Technologist	Radiation Therapist
Average salary	$84,702	$84,981
Salary range	Between $51,000 And $140,000	Between $63,000 And $113,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	Vermont	Mississippi
Best paying company	Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District	Cedars-Sinai
Best paying industry	Health Care	-

Differences between ultrasound technologist and radiation therapist education

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

	Ultrasound Technologist	Radiation Therapist
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 55%	Associate Degree, 40%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Ultrasound technologist vs radiation therapist demographics

Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and radiation therapists' demographics:

	Ultrasound Technologist	Radiation Therapist
Average age	43	42
Gender ratio	Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%	Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.5% White, 69.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	6%	17%

Differences between ultrasound technologist and radiation therapist 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.

Radiation therapist example responsibilities.

Manage all payroll, accounts receivable and payable, and maintain complete records of equipment and staff.
Manage daily clinical staffing needs by appropriately deploying PRN therapist when need, which save company from employing an additional FTE.
Perform SBRT and SRS, and IMRT treatments under the supervision of the physician.
Set up patients on treatment machine, port films and IGRT to line up patients.
Ensure treatment plans are consistent with oncologist's prescriptions and verify EMR for daily treatment delivery.
Monitor patients records through EMR, maintain weekly and monthly reports for the company, maintain and order supplies.

Ultrasound technologist vs radiation therapist skills

Common ultrasound technologist skills

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

Common radiation therapist skills

Patients, 28%
Patient Care, 9%
Radiation Oncologist, 8%
Patient Treatment, 6%
Dosimetry, 4%
Treatment Planning, 4%

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Ultrasound Technologist
Ultrasound Technologist vs Radiation Therapist

Updated January 8, 2025

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