Healthcare Occupation Choices: a Stingier Look at Xray Technicians and Ultrasound Techs
Programs for ultrasound technicians and x-ray technicians last about two years and result in either a credential or a academic degree. While it doesnt matter much whether you choose a degree or certificate program, it does matter that your school is accredited. Before entering the workforce, you must attain state licensure for both of these careers, and while accredited schools offer a licensing exam upon graduation, non-accredited schools do not. Plus, employers do not trust non-accredited programs, which can put a damper on your job hunt. 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 xray technician salary, 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 certain area of medicine is a essential way for x-ray technicians and ultrasound technicians to advance their careers. An ultrasound technician, for example, can become an expert at obstetric sonography or cardiac sonography; an x-ray technician can choose to focus on mammography, CT scans, or MRIs. Often, those who choose to specialize earn higher salaries.
The procedure of an ultrasound involves the technician sending high-frequency sound waves throughout a patients body utilizing special medical equipment. During this operation, 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.
Both ultrasound technician jobs and x-ray technician jobs have great employment outlooks. In fact, according to the BLS, growth in both of these fields is faster than average”at a rate of 17% and 18%, respectively.
These two careers are both closely related. But in the end, it comes down to your own, personal decision. We hope you find it comforting to know that there isnt a bad decision!
