Ultrasound technician and X-ray technician courses of study extend different levels of programs that typically take up to 2 years. Accreditation matters more than whether or not your school offers a degree or a certificate, though. State licensure is a requirement for both ultrasound tech jobs and x-ray tech jobs, and while accredited schools offer a licensing exam upon graduation, non-accredited schools do not. Non-accredited programs, on the other hand, are not as desired by employers, which will make getting a job tougher. Admissions requirements for both programs include only a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Salary projections for both careers are significantly higher than the average U.S. annual salary of $43,410. In fact, after attending ultrasound technician school, you can expect to make an average annual salary of $61,980, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for an xray technician, on the other hand, is $52,210. Note that these figures can vary significantly depending on location, years of experience and specialization.
Specializing in a specific domain of medicine is a outstanding way for x-ray technicians and ultrasound technicians to advance their careers. For ultrasound technicians, common areas of specialization include obstetric sonography or cardiac sonography; an x-ray technician can choose to focus on mammography, CT scans, or MRIs. Specializing offers the opportunity to earn more and even be promoted to a management role.
The operation of an ultrasound requires the technician sending high-frequency sound waves throughout a patients body using special medical equipment. During this procedure, echoes are accumulated creating an image that is interpreted by a doctor, who can then give a diagnosis. It is the ultrasound technicians responsibility to prepare the patient for ultrasounds, to conduct the ultrasounds, and to perform a preliminary analysis of the ultrasound in order to offer tips to the doctor. X-ray technicians, on the other hand, help diagnose patients through the production of x-ray films. Involved in this process is positioning patients so parts of the body can be properly radiographed, paying particular attention to be sure that the patient does not come into contact with harmful radiation.
For those considering either ultrasound technician school or x-ray technician school, the job outlook is more than favorable. The BLS reports, for example, that employment for each of these careers is expected to grow at a rate of 17% and 18%, respectively”which is even faster than average.
Ultrasound technician careers and x-ray technician careers are quite akin, indeed. But ultimately, the decision is yours and yours alone. We hope you find it comforting to know that there isnt a bad decision!