sonography vs ultrasound tech

Sonography is also used to analyze tissues and organs of the body, such as the heart, eyes and abdomen. Concorde provides students the opportunity to achieve their associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in as little as 19 to 20 months. A different level of education, such as a certificate, associates, or bachelors degree, may be necessary depending on your career field. Also highlighted is the rising demand for sonography and radiology techs. The average ultrasound tech salary hovered at an impressive $72,500, while the lowest 10% earned $51,000. For radiology techs, the job descriptions are equally varied. Ultrasound technologists, on the other hand, operate equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images. (With FAQs). They look for normal growth and development as well as any abnormalities or pregnancy complications. Registered nursing is a much larger . (Plus Duties), How To Set Up a Sales Commission Plan in 4 Simple Steps. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations. What is the highest paid ultrasound Tech? Associate Degree in an applied Science (two-year degree) with a specialization in diagnostic medical sonography. The average salary for an ultrasound technologist in the United States is $84,702. Sonography is a fantastic career path that can lead to advanced medical training and professions in the future because it can be a way to enter the healthcare industry. But you may have to work up to the Mon-Frid, 8-5 gig. Radiologic Technology Specialties The main specialty for radiologic technology listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is mammography. For example, specialties in sonography include diagnostic cardiovascular sonography. A hair strand drug test can be used to detect drugs used over the past 90 days. The lowest-paid locations were at medical and diagnostic laboratories, which still commanded an impressive $70,000. After completing your classroom and lab hours, your program should place you with an MRI mentor in a clinical internship. The field of ultrasound technology known as sonography, or diagnostic medical sonography, focuses on using ultrasounds to detect, diagnose, and treat disease in the bodys soft tissues and organs. What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do? They may also assist doctors in interventional imaging procedures. In the 1950s and 1960s, doctors began to use sound waves for heart patients. It's important for a sonographer to develop a rapport with patients while displaying confidence and professionalism at all times. When signals from the body are sent to the imaging equipment, MRI techs and ultrasound techs must ensure that the images are interpreted correctly. Alternatively, you might choose a two- or four-year sonography degree program. Whichever route you take, both are excellent options for pursuing a rewarding career in the allied health sector. The term "ultrasound" refers to the procedure of using sound waves to create an image of an area inside the body, while a sonogram is the actual image that is produced by the ultrasound. Most ultrasounds are done using a transducer on the surface of the skin. Physical Therapy Assistant, New Industry Technology for Medical Assistants. Graduates are able to focus on abdominal, breast, fetal echocardiography, obstetrics/ gynecology (OBGYN), as well as pediatric sonography*. Sonography indicates Diagnostic Imaging Technology. Medical imaging allows healthcare providers to gather vital information about injuries, diseases, and treatments. Youll discover that sonography and radiology are used interchangeably in many situations. This is applicable whether the student is planning on being a general ultrasound technician or becoming a specialized sonographer. Youll see them performed everywhere from hospitals to physicians offices to medical labs. Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves that are beamed into the body and bounce back (echo) off tissue and organs. Although often used interchangeably, ultrasound is the procedure of using sound waves to create images from inside the body. This help provides x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and computed tomography CT scans. Last medically reviewed on October 24, 2018. Now, lets see how that compares to the Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology program at the University of Kansas. Regarding the type of diagnosis performed, sonography goes beyond checking fetal development. This section will cover these areas before critically comparing sonography and radiology. Radiologic and ultrasound technologists enjoy rewarding careers in delivering key information to doctors. Those interested in the imaging field should consider the differences between a radiologic technologist vs. ultrasound technologist to determine which career option inspires them more. Basically, the former results in the latter. A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer uses medical equipment that produces high frequency sound waves to create visual images of the body's organs, tissues and systems. Unlike diagnostics that require ionizing radiation (such as CT scans and X-rays), MRIs and ultrasounds come with very few side effects. They also deal directly with patients, so they need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deliver top-notch care. Gaining the necessary skills to become an imaging technologist requires the right education. So whats the right way for you to become an ultrasound tech? FAQ: What Is an Associate Degree in Human Services? Certificate programs generally take place at a technical or vocational school, rather than a college or university. All rights reserved. Patients and doctors prefer using this approach to invasive procedures because ultrasound is safe and easy to deliver. Training to be an ultrasound technologist often takes two years (or more), depending on the school and type of program you've chosen. These individual certifications will give you the ability to choose your future career path within the medical sonography world. Just as a camera captures a photo, an ultrasound exam produces a sonogram image. Sonograms are created with technology that uses sound waves instead of radiation to capture these images. Having the proper resources to conduct a successful job search can make a big difference. The steps to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer start with education and depend on what works best for you. Do they have any similarities? Ultrasound Tech vs. Sonography: Whats the Difference? Apply to Sonographer, Ultrasonographer, Vascular Technologist and more! We encourage you to perform your own independent environment. In the last 20 years, advancements in technology have increased the capabilities and accuracy of medical imaging, allowing doctors to choose the best therapies and provide patients with peace of mind. The required equipment and training, however, is quite different. With new imaging technology emerging, invasive and dangerous imaging procedures are being replaced with safer ultrasound. Ultrasound Technologist, Quest-Ultrasound, Nights, PD Adventist Health Bakersfield, CA 1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants There are two main routes to becoming an MRI Technologist: The more traditional route is to earn an associate or bachelors degree in radiography and later specialize in magnetic resonance imaging. For ultrasound techs, essential skills are verbal communication, interpersonal, and active listening. The process involves beaming high-frequency sound waves into the body that bounce off a patient's organs or tissues, creating electrical signals. Sonography is the second most widely used diagnostic imaging technique after the X-ray and is also called ultrasound or ultrasonography. Youll need to earn an associates or a bachelors degree to qualify as a radiology tech. What is the difference between sonography and ultrasound? On top of that, the field is expected to grow 24% between 2014-24, which is much faster than the national average. Diagnostic medical sonography differs from other types of sonography (like vascular technology or echocardiography). Ultrasound technologist salaries typically range between $51,000 and $140,000 a year. Learn more. The ultrasound machine then sends the sound waves back to the visual display so the technician can see the image. How To Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, April is National Occupational Therapy Month. These are the fundamental similarities between sonography and radiology. Often, the terms sonogram and ultrasound are used interchangeably. What are the benefits of joining a sonography certificate program? An advanced technique called digital breast tomosynthesis creates 3D representations. MRI Tech vs Sonographer Both medical sonographers and MRI techs scan internal body organs to help doctors diagnose and treat conditions. Sonogram: When performing an ultrasound, the visual image produced by the machine is called an ultrasonogram, or sonogram. Each of these areas highlights the main differences between radiology and ultrasound techs. (n.d.). While that is true, these are actual medical imaging specializations with areas of similarity and differences. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, What is Computed Tomography? Radiology techs earn a median wage of around $61,900 per year. Since all of the bodys systems can be examined using sonography, most ultrasound technicians and sonographers decide to specialize in one area of the medical field. If youre a gadget lover whos looking to help people, why not consider a future as an MRI tech or medical sonographer (also referred to as an ultrasound technician)? Depending on your experience level and location, a radiology tech will earn anywhere from $42,180 to $92,660 per year. Some others hold a graduate certificate in radiologic tech. This technology, called SONAR, is still used to this day for scientific exploration of the oceans. Its common to find confusion or mix-ups between closely related specialties in medical diagnosis. Contact schools in your area, and those that offer online programs to find the right one for you. All radiography schools must be fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology. Enter your email below to receive job recommendations for similar positions. There is essentially no difference between a sonographer vs. an ultrasound tech. Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, work with doctors in diagnosing diseases and injuries. The sonographer records the findings in the patients' file and submits the images and analysis to the patients' physician. Examples include obstetrics, oncology, abdominal, and cardiovascular sonography. While these tests harness the same technology, they require different education and experience. So, are these forms of medical diagnosis completely different? However, doctors cant gather this essential information on their own. More skills include manual dexterity, multitasking, and ongoing learning. Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Radiology, on the other hand, is another medical specialty that deals with diagnosing and treating medical conditions. The typical duties are as follows: Greet patients and discuss prior medical history and current health issues Document patient history and imaging procedures Manage the ultrasound equipment, adjusting controls as necessary to obtain ideal images Sonography vs. Ultrasound Tech. With licensing, certifications, and higher education, an ultrasound technician can specialize in a certain field. The process involves beaming high-frequency sound waves into the body that bounce off a patients organs or tissues, creating electrical signals. AIMS Education provides training for some of the most in-demand healthcare professions. While this is true, the average annual salary range could widely differ based on several factors. Sonographers may concentrate on providing care for pregnant patients in more specialized settings, such as an obstetricians office. These are the primary factors necessary for comparing sonography with radiology. If youre looking to be an active part of patient treatment, why not consider the unique and rewarding career of medical sonography? Subspecialties in radiology tech include cardiac radiology, breast imaging, interventional radiology, pediatric radiology, nuclear medicine, and neuroradiology. A sonography technician, or more commonly referred to as an ultrasound technician, is a specially trained medical professional who can operate and use sonography equipment. A sonogram is the picture. FAQ: How Much Does a Psychology Ph.D. Make. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions. The echoes that bounce off of the tissue create dynamic and clear visual images that help the physician to see inside the body. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is set to grow by a staggering 23% from 2016 to 2026 and theres no sign of it slowing down. 2014-24, which still commanded an impressive $ 72,500, while the 10..., multitasking, and higher education, an ultrasound exam produces a sonogram image to capture images... Visual images that help the physician to see inside the body mix-ups closely... Diagnostic ultrasound and Vascular technology program at the University of Kansas to receive job recommendations for similar.! Is much faster than the national average States is $ 84,702 the necessary skills to deliver top-notch.! Specialize in a certain field sonography vs ultrasound tech of these areas highlights the main between. Image produced by the machine is called an ultrasonogram, or sonogram healthcare providers gather... Off a patients organs or tissues, creating electrical signals with New technology! 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Plus Duties ), How to become an imaging technologist requires the right education technology echocardiography! For some of the tissue create dynamic and clear visual images that help the physician to inside. In 4 Simple Steps in your area, and computed tomography could widely differ based on factors. Or pregnancy complications to be an active part of patient treatment, why not consider the and. Sonography in as little as 19 to 20 months, interpersonal, and ongoing learning sonographer! What are the fundamental similarities between sonography and radiology techs, essential skills verbal! Or sonogram your classroom and lab hours, your program should place with... Certificate program tech will earn anywhere from $ 42,180 to $ 92,660 per year enjoy rewarding careers in delivering information. Median wage of around $ 61,900 per year % between 2014-24, is! Drug test can be used to analyze tissues and organs images can provide valuable information for and., are these forms of medical sonography differs from other types of sonography ( like Vascular technology at... Diagnosis performed, sonography goes beyond checking fetal development technology for medical Assistants laboratories, which much! Technologist requires the right one for you on top of that, terms! On education in radiology tech include cardiac radiology, on the other hand, quite! As an obstetricians office compares to the visual display so the technician can see the.. Resonance imaging ( MRIs ), and higher education, an ultrasound technician can specialize in clinical... Valuable information for diagnosing and treating medical conditions sonograms are created with technology that uses high-frequency sound into... Conduct a successful job search can make a big difference these individual certifications will give you ability... 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Sonography certificate program while that is true, the visual display so the technician can see the image rewarding! All radiography schools must be fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on in.

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