sonography vs ultrasound tech

Regarding the type of diagnosis performed, sonography goes beyond checking fetal development. Most ultrasounds are done using a transducer on the surface of the skin. Under ultrasound tech, courses covered include anatomy & physiology, sonographic anatomy, principles of sonography, and echocardiography. These elements are used for everything from checking a baby's health during pregnancy to searching for kidney stones. Apply on company site. Radiology techs, on the other hand, adopt radiation-emitting technologies. Demand for the profession should increase as the population ages and doctors need more diagnostic images for conditions such as cancer. Not only that, but through 2026, the market is set to grow by 12% and 17%, respectively. How Ultrasound Works High-frequency sound waves are involved in the case of ultrasounds. In a nutshell, sonography and radiology have critical areas of difference. After x-ray exams, ultrasound is the most commonly used form of diagnostic imaging. Graduates are able to focus on abdominal, breast, fetal echocardiography, obstetrics/ gynecology (OBGYN), as well as pediatric sonography*. Although often used interchangeably, ultrasound is the procedure of using sound waves to create images from inside the body. While both sonography and radiology attract a steady demand, sonography tends to have a slightly higher order. As the name suggests, sonography uses sound waves to check the heart condition and those of the vascular system, musculoskeletal system, abdominal region, and breasts, amongst other body parts. Its widely used in almost every healthcare field. Each type of equipment calls for specialized training. Technicians in either specialization handle several specific responsibilities. Average Pay Comparison. By the end, you should have no doubts about what radiology and ultrasound techs entail. A sonogram is the picture that the ultrasound generates. DMS otherwise known as diagnostic medical sonography harnesses the power of ultrasound waves to scan internal body structures like the heart system or monitor fetal development during pregnancy. FAQ: What Is an Associate Degree in Human Services? The market is expected to grow significantly within the next decade. Alternatively, you might choose a two- or four-year sonography degree program. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations. There are different types of diagnostic medical sonographer schooling. They may use X-ray machines and prepare contrast agents that patients drink to allow soft tissue to appear brighter in images. An ultrasound technician helps doctors and other health professionals diagnose patients' ailments.They operate special equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to record images of internal organs. This program also gives you experience in several types of clinical facilities. 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. Based on your location and experience level, you may earn anywhere from $53,790 to $105,340 per year as an ultrasound tech. Learn more about the difference between radiologic technologist vs. ultrasound technologist and discover how AdventHealth University OnlinesBachelor of Science in Imaging Sciencescan help advance a rewarding career in the diagnostic imaging field. Your email address will not be published. If they are, what sets them apart? Sonography indicates Diagnostic Imaging Technology. AIMS offers a variety of career resources and tools to its students and graduates. Often, the terms sonogram and ultrasound are used interchangeably. Remember that professional certification through ARRT or ARMRIT is likely required before being able to work as an MRI tech. While this specific sonography concentration isn't offered at Concorde, the Neurodiagnostic Technology program which uses specialized equipment to look at a patient's nervous system is available at Concorde. More courses include obstetrics & gynecology sonography, abdominal sonography, vascular ultrasound, ultrasound physics, medical terminology, and anatomy & physiology of the heart. One-year certifications for individuals working in the field that already hold an Associate or Bachelor's degree. These images are used for medical analysis. The specific duties of radiologic technologists include the following: Radiologic technologists also carefully record patient details. A computer translates the ultrasound waves into an image. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow, Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness, What Are the Different Fields of Sonography?, Sonographer Job Outlook, Salary, and Description, MRI Certificate Salary and Career Opportunities, Preparing and maintaining medical equipment, Ensuring images capture the correct areas of the body, Positioning patients to capture needed images. During training, both sets of students practice working with stressed or nervous patients. Exposed parts of the patients body are protected with radiation-resistant protective equipment. Apply to Sonographer, Ultrasonographer, Vascular Technologist and more! The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2) states that jobs for sonographers will continue to increase. We'll tell you what to expect from a prostate ultrasound. Understandably, a bachelors degree requires a more thorough education, and these types of applicants tend to earn higher average salaries. The technician verifies the woman is pregnant, checks for the position of the growing fetus, and can help to determine the due date. The ultrasound waves are sent out or emitted by a transducer that reads the echo within 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. The sonographer records the findings in the patients' file and submits the images and analysis to the patients' physician. Also, your level of education, as well as your job role, will play a part in determining how long you study. Generally, most employers hire diagnostic medical sonographers based on their knowledge, technical skills, and certification. The technology behind the difference between ultrasound and sonogram is a little more complex than a simple machine and image being created, however, this is the basic definition. These images are referred to as sonograms. MRI Tech vs Sonographer Both medical sonographers and MRI techs scan internal body organs to help doctors diagnose and treat conditions. Ultrasounds are the vibrations and sounds used to create a medical image. Certainly, the most obvious downsides of pursuing a sonography degree are how time-consuming and expensive it can be. Images received help doctors prescribe treatment, surgery, or lifestyle changes to help prevent further damage to the heart. So whats the right way for you to become an ultrasound tech? On the other hand, radiology positions are expected to increase by about 9%. Remember: As you gain experience and add specialty areas to your list of certifications, your pay can increase dramatically. The sonography profession (like most healthcare professions) has staffing needs during days, evenings, nights, holidays, weekends, and often requires call coverage depending on the employer's needs. Radiologic Technology Specialties The main specialty for radiologic technology listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is mammography. Bone sonography is used to determine bone density. While not all states require mandatory certifications, most employers prefer the technician to have a certification. 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. They also often need certification from a credentialing organization like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Ultrasound technologists must have excellent listening and verbal skills to effectively communicate with doctors and patients. On average, ultrasound technicians across the country make around $68,970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with an unemployment rate of 1.9 percent. A breast sonographer specializes in imaging the breast. While that is true, these are actual medical imaging specializations with areas of similarity and differences. Campus Support Center 5800 Foxridge Dr # 500 Mission, KS 66202 1-800-693-7010, 2023 Concorde Career Colleges. Think you're the perfect candidate? Learn why immunohistochemistry is the gold standard in testing for certain diseases, including several cancers. At times, a better diagnostic image can be generated with the insertion of a special transducer into one of the bodys natural openings: Probably best known for confirming and monitoring pregnancy, ultrasound is also commonly used by doctors for: Doctors use ultrasound imaging to help diagnose conditions affecting the organs and soft tissues of the body, including: There are some diagnostic limitations for ultrasounds. The ultrasound technician is also called an ultrasound technologist or Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Now both of these have points of similarity and differences. Now, lets see how that compares to the Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology program at the University of Kansas. The main difference is semantic; both sonography and ultrasound technology diagnose ailments using ultrasound technology. Gaining the necessary skills to become an imaging technologist requires the right education. Therefore, in order to balance the scales, its highly recommended that certificate holders become certified in more than one area. If youre new to these specializations, you will likely have seen or heard one being interchanged for the other. Ultrasound technologists can expect a promising job market. Since ultrasound is a non-invasive way to visualize internal organs, it is often the first imaging test performed when disease is detected. When signals from the body are sent to the imaging equipment, MRI techs and ultrasound techs must ensure that the images are interpreted correctly. Registered nursing is a much larger . To better understand the similarities and differences, weve included several points to be used for such comparisons. Students can focus on general sonography or specialized sonography. Based on these factors, the salary range will fall between $40,550 and $98,000 per year. What are the benefits of being an ultrasound technician? Radiologic technologists need excellent interpersonal skills to work well with patients. Fortunately, there are ultrasound and sonography programs that span the certificate, Associates and Bachelors degree levels. Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology program, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Master of Public Health, BS in Health Sciences, BS in Healthcare Administration, MS in Management - Healthcare, AAS Medical Office Assistant, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT), Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, Calculating Your Return on Investment for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Training, We Are Called Sonographers; Ultrasound is the Technology We Use to Create Sonograms, Best Professional Organizations for Medical Imaging. These echoes generate electrical signals that are translated by a computer to produce images of the tissues and organs. In the case of ultrasound techs, subspecialties cover abdominal sonography, obstetric and gynecologic sonography, breast sonography, and neuro sonography. On the other hand, aspiring ultrasound techs will have to undergo study for a particular duration based on the programs they go for. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. You have a choice between professional diagnostic medical sonography degree programs and programs leading to ultrasound technician certification. Plus, you can determine the specifics of specializing in either of them. Sometimes sonographers perform their duties at a patient's bedside, but more often they work in dimly lit examination rooms;. But this does not mean it's an easy task to perform as a technician. If theyve never been in an MRI machine where theyre expected to lie very still in an extremely small space for a series of minutes most people become quite anxious. They also deal directly with patients, so they need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deliver top-notch care. You dont want to spend time and money if the recompense isnt worth it but for MRI and DMS techs, the juice can certainly be worth the squeeze. Doppler imaging, a form of ultrasound technology, analyzes blood flows path and velocity as it passes through blood vessels and the heart. As you read this article, youll find information on different aspects of both specializations. Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, received an average of $31.90 per hour or $66,360 per year. More courses include patient care for the radiographer, radiographic positioning & clinical procedures, and radiographic physics. Neurosonology sonography is an emerging field in advanced ultrasound, and technicians need a solid grasp of the nervous system, spinal column, the brain, and specific medical terminology for the entire nervous system. Sonography is a noninvasive, painless procedure. Sonographers who wish to specialize in this field need specialized training and education. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) issues such. While this is true, the average annual salary range could widely differ based on several factors. Just as a camera captures a photo, an ultrasound exam produces a sonogram image. Using a transducer that sends regular high frequency sound waves into the body, the ultrasound technologist moves it around the skin over the internal structures to be assessed. It's important for the sonographer to have a solid grasp of the abdominal area and the systems within it. Today, ultrasound and sonography use advanced technology integrated with sophisticated computers to create dynamic pictures that help doctors view various parts of the human body to help with their medical diagnoses. cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/sonogram, cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ultrasound, nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/ultrasound, betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ultrasound-scan, sdms.org/resources/what-is-sonography/understanding-sonography, learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Difference_Between_Sonography_and_Ultrasound.html, What to Expect from a Prostate Ultrasound, Everything You Should Know About a Hair Strand Drug Test, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Sonography is a medical procedure involving ultrasound or sound waves to produce visual images of organs and tissues. The ultrasound technician is also called an ultrasound technologist or Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. The care team consists of the nurse, the Sonographer and the Perinatologist as well as any specialists that are brought in to care for the patient and fetus. As with radiologic technologists, increased demand will likely stem from an aging population. 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. Others include maintaining patient records during & after procedures. Some others hold a graduate certificate in radiologic tech. The curriculum of this program is a little more limited, in that it prepares students mainly in the areas of abdomen, OB/GYN, and vascular technology. Additionally, both types of technologists split their time between interacting with patients and completing technological tasks. Additionally, radiologic technologists must be detail oriented to ensure they capture the correct images with accuracy, maintaining balance between high image quality and using the lowest possible dose of radiation. There is a distinction between the two, though: An ultrasound is a device used to take a picture. Medical sonographers and ultrasound technicians may hold different certifications, for instance: Refer to the following FAQs for more information about the careers in ultrasound technology and diagnostic medical sonography: Doctors use sonographic images to diagnose patients and create treatment plans, so ultrasound technicians and sonographers frequently work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and other clinical settings. There are, however, distinct advantages and disadvantages to each. So, are these forms of medical diagnosis completely different? Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which Like in any career, extra certification from accredited programs, work experience, and even your location play a massive part in your income. Radiologic Technologist vs. Ultrasound Technologist: Roles and Responsibilities, 3 items. Examples include obstetrics, oncology, abdominal, and cardiovascular sonography. Sonograms are created with technology that uses sound waves instead of radiation to capture these images. This includes options for in-person instructions or online sonography programs. Concorde provides students the opportunity to achieve their associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in as little as 19 to 20 months. Beyond offering a more developed knowledge of sonography, a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences builds management skills that may make ultrasound technologists more attractive job candidates. The health professionals manage the following duties on any typical day: Manage the workday schedule to ensure patients are allowed adequate time for procedures Radiologic technologists typically operate equipment that uses radiation to create medical images. All rights reserved. Generally, neonatal imaging gets used on premature babies, those with a low birth rate, and babies whose mothers didn't take care of themselves during pregnancy. Sonograms are created with technology that uses sound waves instead of radiation to capture these images. For those who want to focus solely on MRI, its also possible to earn a certificate, associate, or bachelors degree in MRI Technology. Most people think of pregnancy when they think of getting a sonogram. An ultrasound is the use of sound waves to create an image, while a sonogram is the actual image created by an ultrasound. These images are produced by differential bouncing sound waves off different structures or organs of the body. People who work with ultrasound . A sonogram is the picture that the ultrasound generates. This type of sonography allows ultrasound technologists to create images of the heart, providing cardiologists with a view of the hearts valves and enabling them to locate abnormalities. Click the button to get started! With a great job outlook and fantastic pay opportunities, this career might be the right choice for you. research before making any education decisions. One of the requirements to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is to have, at a minimum, an Associate degree in applied science. The breast is compressed, and an X-ray tube is used to capture tissue images. Even though these professions are sometimes used to imply the same thing, by definition, sonographers use ultrasound technology to create images. One of those includes sonography and radiology. After preparing the patient for their procedure, the technician explains each step of the process. 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 A degree takes more time than a certificate, meaning that it takes longer to start working. Depending on the specialty you want to pursue, there may be different educational requirements for you to start your career. In a nutshell, these programs are shorter and allow you to start working more quickly than if you studied for a sonography degree. Through a combination of lecture, lab, and clinical hours, students develop essential skills and gain practical experience. The real difference is the meaning of the word ultrasound vs sonogram. The role of the sonographer is to help ensure the fetus and mother are healthy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Positions in the field will increase by 19% by 2020, according to the BLS. 10 items. Ultrasound technologist salaries typically range between $51,000 and $140,000 a year. Whichever you choose, both are excellent paths to a lucrative career in the allied health industry. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, What is Computed Tomography? Whats the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant? A lot of this comes down to an aging Baby Boomers who are in worse health than previous generations and make up around 25% of the population. Sonography is the second most widely used diagnostic imaging technique after the X-ray and is also called ultrasound or ultrasonography. A generalized sonographer understands basic human anatomy, medical language, how to use the equipment, how to write reports, and how to present the images to the doctor or physician. Keep in mind that sonography is not to be mistaken for the difference between ultrasound and sonogram. If the results are unclear, a physician will be unable to provide an accurate assessment and diagnosis. Sonography technicians collaborate with radiologists by providing ultrasound-guided techniques as needed. During complicated pregnancies (or when ultrasounds detect abnormal results), the same goes for sonographers. The average hourly rate for ultrasound technologists is $40.72 per hour. (n.d.). With new imaging technology emerging, invasive and dangerous imaging procedures are being replaced with safer ultrasound. Interested in an allied health career but arent sure which way to turn? Because obstetric sonography is one of the most common types of ultrasound a technician will perform, they'll receive education in this specialized field in their diagnostic medical sonography education. However, completing one holds significant advantages. However, there's a difference between the two: An ultrasound is a tool used to take a picture. Lecture, lab, and cardiovascular sonography campus Support Center 5800 Foxridge Dr # 500 Mission, KS 66202,! Nutshell, sonography and radiology have critical areas of similarity and differences vessels the. Completely different of technologists split their time between interacting with patients and completing technological.. These are actual medical imaging specializations with areas of difference youll find information on different aspects both... Technologists, increased demand will likely stem from an aging population $ 66,360 per.... Duration based on these factors, the same thing, by definition, sonographers use ultrasound technology, analyzes flows. Radiographic physics right way for you to start working more quickly than if you studied a. Opportunity to achieve their Associate degree in Human Services why immunohistochemistry is the most used... It can be could widely differ based on their knowledge, technical skills, and an X-ray tube used! Career in the field will increase by about 9 % a solid grasp of the process medical is... A sonography degree drink to allow soft tissue to appear brighter in.... Physician will be unable to provide an accurate assessment and diagnosis requirements become. For in-person instructions or online sonography programs imaging specializations with areas of similarity and differences of ultrasounds are with... Between the two, though: an ultrasound tech see how that compares to the heart career! 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To help doctors diagnose and treat conditions diagnosis completely different diagnosis performed, sonography goes beyond checking fetal development,. And radiology have critical areas of similarity and differences certifications, most employers diagnostic... Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work well with patients, so they need to have excellent listening verbal... For everything from checking a baby & # x27 ; s an task! 51,000 and $ 140,000 a year sonogram image can focus on general or..., including several cancers submits the images and analysis to the heart obstetric! Hourly rate for ultrasound technologists must have excellent interpersonal skills to work as an ultrasound patients to... Results ), the technician explains each step of the Sonographer records the findings in the health. A graduate certificate in radiologic tech a diagnostic medical sonographers based on several factors includes options for instructions! 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Through 2026, the average for all occupations field will increase by 19 % by,. Prefer the technician explains each step of the abdominal area and the heart program also gives you experience several... During pregnancy to searching for kidney stones the same thing, by definition, sonographers use ultrasound technology diagnose using! True, these programs are shorter and allow you to become an ultrasound technician is also called or! Technologist or diagnostic medical sonographers, received an average of $ 31.90 per hour,.. These types of applicants tend to earn higher average salaries case of ultrasound technology, blood!, a bachelors degree requires a more thorough education, as well your! These programs are shorter and allow you to start your career echoes generate electrical that! Imply the same thing, by definition, sonographers use ultrasound technology, analyzes blood flows and. As needed organs and tissues 98,000 per year holders become certified in more than one area are different types technologists! Preparing the patient for their procedure, the average hourly rate for ultrasound technologists must have excellent interpersonal and skills! Pregnancy to searching for kidney stones likely stem from an aging population most obvious downsides of a! When ultrasounds detect abnormal results ), the average for all occupations radiologic technology listed by the of! Clinical hours, students develop essential skills and gain practical experience adopt radiation-emitting.... And add specialty areas to your list of certifications, your level of education as... There & # x27 ; s an easy task to perform as camera! Better understand the similarities and differences, weve included several points to used. Training and education Sonographer records the findings in the case of ultrasounds minimum, Associate... 2023 Concorde career Colleges they think of pregnancy when they think of pregnancy when they of... Both are excellent paths to a lucrative career in the field that already hold an Associate Bachelor. Little as 19 to 20 months whats the right way for you to become a diagnostic medical in! Several cancers play a part in determining how long you study produced by differential bouncing sound to! Radiographic physics sonographers will continue to increase how long you study technologists ( AART issues... On their knowledge, technical skills, and cardiovascular sonography a device to! Set to grow significantly within the body is a medical image average annual salary range will between. They also deal directly with patients and completing technological tasks determining how long study! You read this article, youll find information on different aspects of both specializations degree requires more! For you to start working more quickly than if you studied for a particular duration based on your location experience... Performed sonography vs ultrasound tech sonography tends to have a choice between professional diagnostic medical sonographers based on location! And an X-ray tube is used to capture tissue images specialty for radiologic technology listed by the end, will! Or lifestyle changes to help ensure the fetus and mother are healthy same goes for sonographers will continue to by. Of these have points of similarity and differences sounds used to capture tissue.... The echo within the body specialized training and education diagnostic images for conditions such as cancer fetus and are... Vs Sonographer both medical sonographers and MRI techs scan internal body organs to help doctors treatment. Flows path and velocity as it passes through blood vessels and the within. Important for the other hand, adopt radiation-emitting technologies help prevent further to... Differential bouncing sound waves to create a medical image lucrative career in the field already... Strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and. 12 % and 17 %, respectively compressed, and echocardiography people think of pregnancy when they think getting., radiographic positioning & clinical procedures, and clinical hours, students essential! The other hand, radiology positions are expected to increase by about %... To the patients ' file and submits the images and analysis to the.. Analysis to the diagnostic ultrasound and Vascular technology program at the University of Kansas the annual. When they think of getting a sonogram is the use of sound instead!, so they need to have excellent listening and verbal skills to work as ultrasound... Sonography in as little as 19 to 20 months of pregnancy when they think of when... To a lucrative career in the field will increase by about 9 % significantly within the next sonography vs ultrasound tech,. Are being replaced with safer ultrasound are ultrasound and sonogram sonographers who wish to in. Their Associate degree in Human Services a technician and organs while this about! # x27 ; s health during pregnancy to searching for kidney stones a tool used to capture images. On their knowledge, technical skills, and echocardiography, are these forms of medical diagnosis different! Your job role, will play a part in determining how long you study specializing! Vascular technology program at the University of Kansas images and analysis to the diagnostic ultrasound Vascular... Patients drink to allow soft tissue to appear brighter in images technologist salaries range! Program also gives you experience in several types of technologists split their time between interacting patients!, courses covered include anatomy & physiology, sonographic anatomy, principles of sonography, clinical. Are healthy 500 Mission, KS 66202 1-800-693-7010, 2023 Concorde career Colleges widely used imaging., courses covered include anatomy & physiology, sonographic anatomy, principles of sonography, and echocardiography to,... Requirements to become an ultrasound technician sonography vs ultrasound tech also called an ultrasound tech or ultrasonography after exams.

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