X-Ray Technician or Ultrasound Technician? The Decision Is Yours
Programs for ultrasound technicians and x-ray technicians last about 2 years and result in either a credential or a academic degree. Accreditation matters more than whether or not your school offers a degree or a certificate, though. Both of these jobs require state licensure before entering the workforce, and an accredited school provides the appropriate licensing exam upon program completion. Additionally, programs that are not accredited are not as highly-revered by employers, which can affect your ability to land a job. 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. After attending xray technician school, on the other hand, you can expect to make an average annual salary of $52,210. Note that these figures can vary significantly depending on location, years of experience and specialization.
Specializing in a certain field of medicine is a essential way for x-ray technicians and ultrasound technicians to further their careers. For ultrasound technicians, common areas of specialization include obstetric sonography or cardiac sonography; mammography, CT scans or MRIs are some of the areas that an x-ray technician might decide to choose as her specialization. Often, those who choose to specialize earn higher salaries.
During an ultrasound, the technician employs medical equipment to send high-frequency sound waves throughout a patients body. During this operation, echoes are compiled creating an image that is interpreted by a doctor, who can then give a diagnosis. Preparing the patient, operating the equipment and aiding the doctor in reading the ultrasound are the specific responsibilities of the ultrasound tech. X-ray technicians, on the other hand, help diagnose patients through the production of x-ray films. This involves setting up both the x-ray machine and the patient, paying careful attention to positioning to ensure no one is exposed to 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. Ultimately, though, the decision is an individual one. Thankfully, either career could put you on a path towards success!