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Ultrasound technologist vs vascular technician

The differences between ultrasound technologists and vascular technicians 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 technician. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $79,763 average annual salary of a vascular technician.

The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for a vascular technician are patients, ARDMS, and RVT.

Ultrasound technologist vs vascular technician overview

Ultrasound TechnologistVascular Technician
Yearly salary$84,702$79,763
Hourly rate$40.72$38.35
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs52,19820,252
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 46%
Average age4345
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 technician do?

Typically working together with physicians and nurses, a vascular technician specializes in performing imaging and diagnostic examinations to assess a patient's vascular health. Their responsibilities usually include gathering and analyzing patient information and medical history, operating diagnostic equipment, performing adjustments, discussing the extent of procedures to patients, and assisting them, making them feel comfortable every step of the way. Moreover, an avascular technician must produce and summarize findings, submitting them to physicians in a prompt and organized manner.

Ultrasound technologist vs vascular technician salary

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

Ultrasound TechnologistVascular Technician
Average salary$84,702$79,763
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $140,000Between $48,000 And $130,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAAlbany, NY
Highest paying stateVermontNew York
Best paying companyPioneers Memorial Healthcare DistrictDignity Health
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between ultrasound technologist and vascular technician education

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

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

Ultrasound technologist vs vascular technician demographics

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

Ultrasound TechnologistVascular Technician
Average age4345
Gender ratioMale, 18.3% Female, 81.7%Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
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, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%8%

Differences between ultrasound technologist and vascular technician 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 technician example responsibilities.

  • Facilitate physician to help achieve ICAEL accreditation status.
  • Train to perform nuclear stress tests, treadmill stress echo, and ECG's.
  • Assist the lead echocardiographer with ARDMS certification.
  • Execute EKG's and procedure reports for physician's interpretation.
  • Handle audit request by ICAEL and maintain appropriate documentation, etc.
  • Initial patient vitals including ECG, weight, height and blood pressure.
  • Show more

Ultrasound technologist vs vascular technician skills

Common ultrasound technologist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 11%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Pacs, 7%
  • Vascular Ultrasound, 6%
Common vascular technician skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • ARDMS, 9%
  • RVT, 8%
  • Vascular Technologist, 7%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • Test Results, 3%

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