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Ultrasound technologist vs vascular sonographer

The differences between ultrasound technologists and vascular sonographers 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 vascular sonographer. Additionally, a vascular sonographer has an average salary of $84,915, 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 vascular sonographer are patients, RVT, and patient care.

Ultrasound technologist vs vascular sonographer overview

Ultrasound TechnologistVascular Sonographer
Yearly salary$84,702$84,915
Hourly rate$40.72$40.82
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs52,1988,139
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 46%
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 a vascular sonographer do?

It is the responsibility of a vascular sonographer to check the vascular systems of patients through specialized medical equipment for signs of disease or obstruction. Vascular sonographers are medical imaging specialists supervised by a vascular system specialist or physician. They examine blood vessels using ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment of any vascular system-related disease. Typically, they work in hospitals, laboratories, and doctor's offices. They are required to have a bachelor's degree in cardiovascular technology or diagnostic medical sonography.

Ultrasound technologist vs vascular sonographer salary

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

Ultrasound TechnologistVascular Sonographer
Average salary$84,702$84,915
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $140,000Between $56,000 And $127,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASacramento, CA
Highest paying stateVermontCalifornia
Best paying companyPioneers Memorial Healthcare DistrictDoctors Community Hospital
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between ultrasound technologist and vascular sonographer education

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

Ultrasound TechnologistVascular Sonographer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 46%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Ultrasound technologist vs vascular sonographer demographics

Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and vascular sonographers' demographics:

Ultrasound TechnologistVascular Sonographer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 18.3% Female, 81.7%Male, 26.2% Female, 73.8%
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 vascular sonographer 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

Vascular sonographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and operate the daily operations and supervision of the radiology ultrasound departments.
  • Perform ABI, segmental pressure and oxygen tension studies.
  • Work independently providing quality images for radiologists while maintaining a high level of care and compassion for the patient.
  • Perform abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, and small parts ultrasound examinations.
  • Perform a wide variety of obstetrics and gynecology ultrasounds in perinatal department.
  • Ensure private and safe environment for patients and ensure patient safety regulations are followed consistently while providing compassionate customer service.
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Ultrasound technologist vs vascular sonographer skills

Common ultrasound technologist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 11%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Pacs, 7%
  • Vascular Ultrasound, 6%
Common vascular sonographer skills
  • Patients, 25%
  • RVT, 11%
  • Patient Care, 9%
  • Doppler, 8%
  • Vascular Ultrasound, 8%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 5%

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