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X-ray technician vs multi-modality technologist

The differences between x-ray technicians and multi-modality technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an x-ray technician and a multi-modality technologist. Additionally, a multi-modality technologist has an average salary of $52,354, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.

The top three skills for an x-ray technician include patients, ARRT and radiologic technologist. The most important skills for a multi-modality technologist are patients, BLS, and multi.

X-ray technician vs multi-modality technologist overview

X-Ray TechnicianMulti-Modality Technologist
Yearly salary$51,642$52,354
Hourly rate$24.83$25.17
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs60,78056,585
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 62%Associate Degree, 45%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does an x-ray technician do?

The job of X-ray technicians, or X-ray technologists, is to detect medical issues that may need urgent medical treatment using cutting-edge imaging methods. The pictures they generate aid physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses with better accuracy. They use a wide range of imaging technologies such as the traditional X-ray machines, computerized axial tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. X-ray technicians may also perform some office work that includes preparing work schedules, managing radiologic departments, and setting up physicians' stations.

What does a multi-modality technologist do?

Multi-modality technologists focus on the imaging needed for medical diagnosis. The task of a multi-modality technologist is to conduct radiology exams and other diagnostic procedures requested by doctors. A multi-modality technologist's main goal is to ensure that all diagnostic requests are accomplished accurately to help doctors give a prescription. In a healthcare facility, accurate testing and diagnosis is a necessity. It is the main reason why technologists are essential in many hospitals and laboratories.

X-ray technician vs multi-modality technologist salary

X-ray technicians and multi-modality technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

X-Ray TechnicianMulti-Modality Technologist
Average salary$51,642$52,354
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $81,000Between $28,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityFresno, CAAlhambra, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyStability HealthcareEnbridge
Best paying industryHealth CareTransportation

Differences between x-ray technician and multi-modality technologist education

There are a few differences between an x-ray technician and a multi-modality technologist in terms of educational background:

X-Ray TechnicianMulti-Modality Technologist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 62%Associate Degree, 45%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeTexas A&M UniversityEmory University

X-ray technician vs multi-modality technologist demographics

Here are the differences between x-ray technicians' and multi-modality technologists' demographics:

X-Ray TechnicianMulti-Modality Technologist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 40.3% Female, 59.7%Male, 40.0% Female, 60.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 73.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage10%8%

Differences between x-ray technician and multi-modality technologist duties and responsibilities

X-ray technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage day-to-day operation of PACS equipment including image archiving.
  • Train personnel in triage, first aid, and CPR.
  • Put patients into rooms, pull charts, and learned EMR as the office transition to electronic records.
  • Input patient information in to the EMR, room patients, assist the doctor in all in office procedures.
  • Provide mobile x-rays and EKG's for nursing homes, state hospital, and patients unable to leave their homes.
  • Produce quality images using c-arm during surgical procedures.
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Multi-modality technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage paperwork including scanning into PACS to be interpret by radiologists.
  • Connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
  • Open and close department independently and also assist surgical staff by managing QC and providing radiopharmaceuticals as needed for procedures.
  • Complete duties such as electrocardiography and phlebotomy as well as basic patient care.
  • Perform EKG's, blood glucose monitoring, specimen collection, dressing changes, colostomy care and documentation of vital signs.
  • Complete MQSA inspections, ACR mammography accreditation's.
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X-ray technician vs multi-modality technologist skills

Common x-ray technician skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • ARRT, 9%
  • Radiologic Technologist, 6%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Pacs, 3%
Common multi-modality technologist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • BLS, 11%
  • Multi, 8%
  • ARRT, 7%
  • MRI, 4%
  • Ultrasound, 4%

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