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Ultrasound technologist vs ultrasonographer

The differences between ultrasound technologists and ultrasonographers 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 an ultrasonographer. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $79,249 average annual salary of an ultrasonographer.

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

Ultrasound technologist vs ultrasonographer overview

Ultrasound TechnologistUltrasonographer
Yearly salary$84,702$79,249
Hourly rate$40.72$38.10
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs52,19813,346
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 54%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

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 an ultrasonographer do?

Ultrasonographers are medical professionals who use ultrasound and imaging equipment to form images of many parts of the body to help doctors diagnose and treat many medical conditions. These sonographers must ensure that the quality of images is excellent by operating imaging equipment and reviewing those images so that they can be useful for diagnosis. They are required to prepare patients for ultrasound exam procedures while providing proper education throughout the exam. Ultrasonographers must also review the medical history of patients and coordinate care with various departments within the hospital.

Ultrasound technologist vs ultrasonographer salary

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

Ultrasound TechnologistUltrasonographer
Average salary$84,702$79,249
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $140,000Between $47,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MABoston, MA
Highest paying stateVermontCalifornia
Best paying companyPioneers Memorial Healthcare DistrictBlessing Hospital Emergency Room
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between ultrasound technologist and ultrasonographer education

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

Ultrasound TechnologistUltrasonographer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 54%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Ultrasound technologist vs ultrasonographer demographics

Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and ultrasonographers' demographics:

Ultrasound TechnologistUltrasonographer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 18.3% Female, 81.7%Male, 14.6% Female, 85.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between ultrasound technologist and ultrasonographer 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.
  • Show more

Ultrasonographer example responsibilities.

  • Prepare and achieve ACR accreditation for the department with an almost perfect score.
  • General ultrasound, vascular, small parts, biopsies and amniocentesis.
  • Perform diagnostic scans including all vascular studies, ABD, GYN and small parts imaging.
  • Perform ob-gyn, small parts, breasts, general and vascular exams including bedside/portable exams.
  • Experience in ABD, OB/GYN, endovaginal, small parts, invasive procedures, portable studies and all vascular imaging.
  • Assist in amniocentesis and paracentesis.
  • Show more

Ultrasound technologist vs ultrasonographer skills

Common ultrasound technologist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 11%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Pacs, 7%
  • Vascular Ultrasound, 6%
Common ultrasonographer skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Patient Care, 12%
  • Radiology, 6%
  • OB-GYN, 6%
  • RDMS, 5%
  • Ultrasound Exams, 5%

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