3 answers
Aima
Student
Aurora, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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What is the difference between sonography and radiology, specifically, radiologic technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers How do I become one??
I am a Freshman in high school and don't know what to do or where to start. I want an easy-going job in healthcare with great pay and no stress.
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST and DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHERS (also called ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST) are both diagnostic imaging professionals who work in similar environments, but they use different technologies and have different areas of expertise:
🩻 RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST (sometimes called an “x-ray tech”) is a healthcare professional who uses sophisticated equipment and technology to perform medical imaging examinations. The resulting imagery—of tissues, organs, bones, or blood vessels—helps physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases.
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION
• ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS)
Most people who become a radiologic technologist choose this option. Earning this two-year college degree from an ARRT-approved education provider can help you to meet the radiologic technologist education requirements you need to start a career as a radiologic technologist.
• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) DEGREE
Some people choose to get a four-year B.S. college degree, which when offered from an ARRT approved institution, can also meet the radiologic technologist education requirements needed to become a rad tech. Regardless of which option you choose, once you have completed your radiologic technologist education requirements and have become certified and licensed, you’ll be part of an in-demand career which has those with experience often earning an annual salary as of October 01, 2024 $75,000. Radiology Tech salary in CA can go up to $90,000 or down to $62,250, but most earn between $68,250 and $82,750.
🚼 ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST
An ultrasound technologist, also known as a medical sonographer, uses specialized equipment to take images of organs, tissue and other structures inside the body. They provide those images to doctors and other health care providers to help diagnose patients or monitor ongoing health conditions. Ultrasound tech's can work in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, doctor's offices, outpatient facilities and diagnostic centers. Some choose to specialize in an area of sonography, such as obstetrics or vascular sonography.
ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE/BACHELOR'S DEGREE
A degree in diagnostic medical sonography prepares students to take licensing exams and work entry-level ultrasound tech positions. Program curriculums include courses in anatomy, medical terminology, patient care skills and echocardiography, among other subjects. There are several options for a sonography education. Most ultrasound techs opt to pursue a two-year associate degree in sonography from an accredited program, though bachelor’s degrees are also available. Those trained in different medical fields can complete a one-year certificate program. Admission requirements differ, and not all ultrasound tech programs offer all specializations. Most sonography programs in California include a practicum component or clinical internship. Complete this hands-on training to become comfortable working in a health care environment and handling diagnostic equipment. Depending on your program, you may also participate in clinical rotations, where you have the opportunity to work in different settings to learn about various areas of sonography. As of October 01, 2024, the average annual pay of Ultrasound Technologist in CA is $93,000. Ultrasound Technologist in California can go up to $115,250 and the lowest down to $70,650, but most earn between $81,500 and $104,750. Sonographers hold one of the top-paying jobs you could get with just a two-year degree.
🩻 RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST (sometimes called an “x-ray tech”) is a healthcare professional who uses sophisticated equipment and technology to perform medical imaging examinations. The resulting imagery—of tissues, organs, bones, or blood vessels—helps physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases.
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION
• ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS)
Most people who become a radiologic technologist choose this option. Earning this two-year college degree from an ARRT-approved education provider can help you to meet the radiologic technologist education requirements you need to start a career as a radiologic technologist.
• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) DEGREE
Some people choose to get a four-year B.S. college degree, which when offered from an ARRT approved institution, can also meet the radiologic technologist education requirements needed to become a rad tech. Regardless of which option you choose, once you have completed your radiologic technologist education requirements and have become certified and licensed, you’ll be part of an in-demand career which has those with experience often earning an annual salary as of October 01, 2024 $75,000. Radiology Tech salary in CA can go up to $90,000 or down to $62,250, but most earn between $68,250 and $82,750.
🚼 ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST
An ultrasound technologist, also known as a medical sonographer, uses specialized equipment to take images of organs, tissue and other structures inside the body. They provide those images to doctors and other health care providers to help diagnose patients or monitor ongoing health conditions. Ultrasound tech's can work in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, doctor's offices, outpatient facilities and diagnostic centers. Some choose to specialize in an area of sonography, such as obstetrics or vascular sonography.
ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE/BACHELOR'S DEGREE
A degree in diagnostic medical sonography prepares students to take licensing exams and work entry-level ultrasound tech positions. Program curriculums include courses in anatomy, medical terminology, patient care skills and echocardiography, among other subjects. There are several options for a sonography education. Most ultrasound techs opt to pursue a two-year associate degree in sonography from an accredited program, though bachelor’s degrees are also available. Those trained in different medical fields can complete a one-year certificate program. Admission requirements differ, and not all ultrasound tech programs offer all specializations. Most sonography programs in California include a practicum component or clinical internship. Complete this hands-on training to become comfortable working in a health care environment and handling diagnostic equipment. Depending on your program, you may also participate in clinical rotations, where you have the opportunity to work in different settings to learn about various areas of sonography. As of October 01, 2024, the average annual pay of Ultrasound Technologist in CA is $93,000. Ultrasound Technologist in California can go up to $115,250 and the lowest down to $70,650, but most earn between $81,500 and $104,750. Sonographers hold one of the top-paying jobs you could get with just a two-year degree.
Fenton Groff, BS, RT (R) (ARRT)
Radiographer
3
Answers
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Updated
Fenton’s Answer
Hi Aima,
You have a wonderful question. Diagnostic imaging includes many different modalities in the healthcare setting. The most widely used modality is standard X-ray and Computed Tomography or CT Scan.
To become either one, you must pass an accredited certificate course in radiology and a subsequent certificate for CT scan. Most courses are two years long and require academic study and clinical competency time. I started my program at age 35, and it was not easy for me. The healthcare field is challenging and fast pace. I did find my calling in the OR or operating room procedures, using mobile C-arm X-ray machines. I did this for over 20 years and made a good career and worked with many wonderful techs and allied healthcare staff. My suggestion, is to shadow someone at a hospital or urgent care setting for a day, to see if that is something that you want to do. Mobile Techs can make over $75,000 per year, but there is much travel involved. It all depends on how far you want to take your radiology career. You can also learn sonography later and take their certification and transfer your skills to that modality as well. Good luck and Godspeed.
You have a wonderful question. Diagnostic imaging includes many different modalities in the healthcare setting. The most widely used modality is standard X-ray and Computed Tomography or CT Scan.
To become either one, you must pass an accredited certificate course in radiology and a subsequent certificate for CT scan. Most courses are two years long and require academic study and clinical competency time. I started my program at age 35, and it was not easy for me. The healthcare field is challenging and fast pace. I did find my calling in the OR or operating room procedures, using mobile C-arm X-ray machines. I did this for over 20 years and made a good career and worked with many wonderful techs and allied healthcare staff. My suggestion, is to shadow someone at a hospital or urgent care setting for a day, to see if that is something that you want to do. Mobile Techs can make over $75,000 per year, but there is much travel involved. It all depends on how far you want to take your radiology career. You can also learn sonography later and take their certification and transfer your skills to that modality as well. Good luck and Godspeed.
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
55
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Radiologic technologists, often referred to as radiographers, are healthcare specialists who utilize medical imaging devices like X-rays and MRIs to generate body images for diagnostic purposes. They may also administer therapeutic radiation to treat diseases, such as cancer. They represent the third-largest group of healthcare professionals, following physicians and nurses. To embark on a career as a radiologic technician, you need to first obtain a high school diploma. High school courses in math, biology, physics, chemistry, and anatomy can set the foundation for a college-level radiologic technology program. After high school, you can pursue either a two-year associate's program or a four-year bachelor's program in radiologic technology. The associate-level program, which is the most common pathway into the field, combines radiography coursework, general education classes, and practical clinical experience. Bachelor’s programs delve deeper into medical imaging and provide a broader understanding of the healthcare sector. These programs also nurture analytical and communication skills, making graduates appealing candidates for leadership roles. In 44 US states, radiologic technicians must be licensed, so you'll likely need to pass a licensure exam after graduation.
A diagnostic medical sonographer, also known as a sonographer, operates an ultrasound machine to produce body images for diagnostic reasons. Sonographers can choose to specialize in areas such as cardio-vascular, neurology, or pediatrics. The journey to becoming a medical sonographer mirrors that of a radiologic technician. You need to first secure a high school diploma, then enroll in either a certificate program, an associate program, or a bachelor's program. The most popular choice is a two-year degree from an accredited sonography training program. After graduation, you'll need to pass a licensure exam to begin working.
In both professions, further education can open up more job opportunities and career advancement possibilities.
Both sonographers and radiologic technicians can expect decent salaries, typically ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, depending on their education level and area of expertise. Prospective students can often shadow healthcare professionals for a day to gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities. Healthcare careers can be fulfilling yet challenging. Volunteering or job-shadowing can be beneficial as you consider these career paths.
A diagnostic medical sonographer, also known as a sonographer, operates an ultrasound machine to produce body images for diagnostic reasons. Sonographers can choose to specialize in areas such as cardio-vascular, neurology, or pediatrics. The journey to becoming a medical sonographer mirrors that of a radiologic technician. You need to first secure a high school diploma, then enroll in either a certificate program, an associate program, or a bachelor's program. The most popular choice is a two-year degree from an accredited sonography training program. After graduation, you'll need to pass a licensure exam to begin working.
In both professions, further education can open up more job opportunities and career advancement possibilities.
Both sonographers and radiologic technicians can expect decent salaries, typically ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, depending on their education level and area of expertise. Prospective students can often shadow healthcare professionals for a day to gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities. Healthcare careers can be fulfilling yet challenging. Volunteering or job-shadowing can be beneficial as you consider these career paths.