Demand for the profession should increase as the population ages and doctors need more diagnostic images for conditions such as cancer. Being a sonographer, sometimes called an ultrasound technician, and professionally called a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, is an exciting and fulfilling career. Ultrasound technologists, on the other hand, operate equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images. Ultrasound technologists can expect a promising job market. Having a degree doesnt necessarily offer a significant advantage over someone who holds a certificate. One of the requirements to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is to have, at a minimum, an Associate degree in applied science. An ultrasound is the use of sound waves to create an image, while a sonogram is the actual image created by an ultrasound. Campus Support Center 5800 Foxridge Dr # 500 Mission, KS 66202 1-800-693-7010, 2023 Concorde Career Colleges. Ultrasound technologist salaries typically range between $51,000 and $140,000 a year. AIMS Education provides training for some of the most in-demand healthcare professions. A breast sonographer specializes in imaging the breast. These elements are used for everything from checking a babys health during pregnancy to searching for kidney stones. Ultrasound technologists must have excellent listening and verbal skills to effectively communicate with doctors and patients. Sonography is a type of diagnostic imaging that helps doctors see various parts of the body to help them evaluate and monitor various health conditions in men, women, and children. It is another word used to describe an ultrasound. Because both require professionals who learn how to perform ultrasounds, they are essentially the same career. They are trained to acquire and analyze these sonographic images. Certainly, the most obvious downsides of pursuing a sonography degree are how time-consuming and expensive it can be. 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. Neurosonology Sonographer is a very specialized type of sonography that uses a different type of machine than a normal ultrasound or sonogram. Radiologic Technology Specialties The main specialty for radiologic technology listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is mammography. Also highlighted is the rising demand for sonography and radiology techs. The technician verifies the woman is pregnant, checks for the position of the growing fetus, and can help to determine the due date. Cancer isn't detected from an ultrasound, but the technician and doctor can see dark spots that are abnormal in a healthy breast. On the other hand, radiology positions are expected to increase by about 9%. Regarding the type of diagnosis performed, sonography goes beyond checking fetal development. Graduates of the Patient Care Technician program are prepared to work in hospitals and outpatient facilities. They also need critical thinking skills to evaluate the best techniques to use for various diagnostic procedures. For radiology techs, critical skills include medical & anatomical skills, communication skills, mechanical aptitude, time management, stress management, teamwork, and timely & accurate documentation of patient contacts. A medical sonographer is also called an ultrasound tech. Ultrasound is sometimes used in the detection and treatment of certain soft-tissue injuries. The most-recognized certification for sonography is offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Ultrasound Technologist, Quest-Ultrasound, Nights, PD Adventist Health Bakersfield, CA 1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants U.S. Food and Drug Administration, What is Computed Tomography? A sonography technician, or more commonly referred to as an ultrasound technician, is a specially trained medical professional who can operate and use sonography equipment. The responsibilities and educational requirements for medical sonographers and ultrasound technicians are essentially the same. This program is also 18 months in length, and results in qualification for the ARDMS registry. A different level of education, such as a certificate, associates, or bachelors degree, may be necessary depending on your career field. 10 items. Training to be an ultrasound technologist often takes two years (or more), depending on the school and type of program you've chosen. An advanced technique called digital breast tomosynthesis creates 3D representations. In other cases, ultrasound technicians may pursue radiology degrees to increase their earning potential and broaden their knowledge of medical and diagnostic imaging. They may also assist doctors in interventional imaging procedures. While medical sonographers work with patients who have particular medical conditions, they also perform many of the same tasks as ultrasound technicians. The procedure exposes the body part to a low dose of ionizing radiation, which the machine measures, processes and turns into images. Physicians are looking at the structure of the heart and the blood flow to see if there are blockages or deterioration of the heart muscle. Patients and doctors prefer using this approach to invasive procedures because ultrasound is safe and easy to deliver. To become an ultrasound tech, youll need to complete clinical in medical settings. FAQ: How Much Does an Entry-Level Archaeologist Make? Ready to start looking into sonographer and ultrasound tech programs? A specialized abdominal sonographer works with doctors to image organs within the abdomen. These professionals identify patients ailments by playing detective and searching the body for signs of illness or injury via sonograms and ultrasounds. It's important for a sonographer to develop a rapport with patients while displaying confidence and professionalism at all times. 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. However, theres a difference between the two: In short, an ultrasound is the process, while a sonogram is the end result. Let's take a look at several concentrations and fields that a sonographer can specialize in. Certification testing includes exams on physics, Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI), and specialty testing. Do they have any similarities? Skills for any sonographer or ultrasound technician include: Also called echocardiographers, cardio sonographers work with cardiac doctors to help physicians diagnose heart problems. Whichever you choose, both are excellent paths to a lucrative career in the allied health industry. We avoid using tertiary references. Here, weve provided some help in identifying what these are. On the other hand, ultrasound techs require minimal certification or an associates degree in diagnostic medical sonography from accredited schools. Diagnostic sonography programs focus on a number of subject areas including patient care, anatomy, ultrasound physics, and scanning techniques. Preparing patients for procedures and taking medical histories, Analyzing diagnostic information and summarizing finding for doctors, Distinguishing between abnormal and normal images, Operating ultrasound equipment and transducers (scanning probes). Wisconsin Tech Colleges / Flickr / CC BY-ND. Learn more. These echoes generate electrical signals that are translated by a computer to produce images of the tissues and organs. Training to be an ultrasound technologist often takes two years (or more), depending on the school and type of program youve chosen. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The job outlook for radiology techs has been projected to grow by about 9% by the next decade (2020 to 2030). As a medical sonographer, you might work with a variety of patients to find and diagnose bodily abnormalities, chronic illnesses, and other health problems. Positions in the field will increase by 19% by 2020, according to the BLS. We'll tell you what to expect from a prostate ultrasound. Having provided you with essential information, youre left to decide what career path to take between the two. What is sonography? Because the human body is so complex, specializing in imaging for each unique system and body part is necessary for proper diagnosis. So far, weve covered various points of comparison between sonography & radiology. As for DMS techs, the biggest employers are state/local hospitals (60%) as well as private physicians practices (20%). You already probably know that medical sonographers and MRI technologists scan internal body parts to help physicians diagnose a variety of health conditions. Considering a career in medical imaging? However, by earning a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences, radiologic technologists develop skills that can help them lead imaging departments, learn advanced imaging modalities, gain a competitive advantage, and command higher salaries. The work of both types of technologists can involve: Both technologists also interact with patients. The sonographer takes images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints throughout the body. Ultrasound was originally used as a navigational tool in the 1940s when ships navigating the ocean would bounce sound waves off of the ocean floor and read the echoes that returned. With several specialized tracks including imaging leadership, interdisciplinary, CT, MRI, vascular interventional, and sonography, students can focus on what interests them most. You can either study through ultrasound technician certification programs or professional diagnostic medical sonography degree programs. Here, courses are offered in sonography, medical terminology, and anatomy. Other job titles for this type of position include diagnostic medical sonographer, ultrasound technician and sonographer. In most instances "sonographer" and "ultrasound tech" are interchangeable terms, but sonographers are required to complete additional training and certifications. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date. Radiologic and ultrasound technologists are responsible for: Radiologic and ultrasound technologists work in similar environments, such as hospitals, doctors offices, or outpatient care centers. These images are used to help doctors diagnose and treat many medical conditions. They also need strong technical and mathematical skills to operate complex machinery. To keep track of physical abnormalities, an ultrasound technologist uses ultrasound equipment. With licensing, certifications, and higher education, an ultrasound technician can specialize in a certain field. environment. They may use X-ray machines and prepare contrast agents that patients drink to allow soft tissue to appear brighter in images. Weve provided comprehensive details on each. Students who have a degree in a patient-care-related field may be able to apply for shorter-term certificate programs. Sometimes sonographers perform their duties at a patient's bedside, but more often they work in dimly lit examination rooms;. Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The lowest-paid locations were at medical and diagnostic laboratories, which still commanded an impressive $70,000. 3 Reasons Why Nows a Great Time To Get a Food & Bev Job, 7 Internships for Aspiring Screenwriters (Plus Benefits), 9 Jobs That Require a Minor in Computer Science, 12 Alternative Careers for Carpenters To Consider, 5 Types of Acting Roles (Plus How To Find the Right One for You), 3 Types of Board Members (Plus 10 Types of Boards), 5 Types of Businesses That Hire Civil Engineers and What They Do, 15 Submarine Careers To Consider (Plus Duties and Salaries), 12 Industries Hiring 16-Year-Olds (Plus Tips for Teens), How To Become a Sucessful Geospatial Analyst in 9 Steps, How Much Does an Angular Developer Make? Radiology, on the other hand, is another medical specialty that deals with diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Sonography, or diagnostic medical sonography, is the field of ultrasound technology that focuses on using ultrasounds to monitor, diagnose and treat disease in the soft tissues and organs of the body. Most employers require one or more certification in a specialty area, such as those offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 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. Whether you are working as a medical sonographer or ultrasound tech at a cardiac, OB/GYN, or other type of facility, you will need a firm grasp of anatomy and physiology. This technology, called SONAR, is still used to this day for scientific exploration of the oceans. For radiology, there are equally many specializations to choose from. Learn why immunohistochemistry is the gold standard in testing for certain diseases, including several cancers. In order to sit for the specialty exams offered by ARDMS, students must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program. With new imaging technology emerging, invasive and dangerous imaging procedures are being replaced with safer ultrasound. 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. Certification programs will also teach students how to recognize normal and abnormal image results. They also have the option to attend an approved nursing program. Some neurosonographers specialize in neonatal brain imaging and help when the physician is looking for neurological disorders in infants. Ultrasound imaging for breasts is important for performing a mammogram without radiation, if the breasts are particularly dense, or if the woman is under the age of 25. What are the benefits of joining a sonography certificate program? programs we write about. The job descriptions for both radiology and ultrasound techs are pretty varied. Patient monitoring, equipment calibration, logging & organizing image results, and proper sterilization & storage of equipment are other responsibilities of radiology techs. A hair strand drug test can be used to detect drugs used over the past 90 days. Unlike radiology, no radiation is involved with sonograms. Associate Degree in an applied Science (two-year degree) with a specialization in diagnostic medical sonography. For example, specialties in sonography include diagnostic cardiovascular sonography. In the case of ultrasound techs, subspecialties cover abdominal sonography, obstetric and gynecologic sonography, breast sonography, and neuro sonography. *Specialty eligibility depends on the type of program students have graduated from. The TCD machine monitors and measures blood flow within vessels found in the brain. Of course, the exact processes might differ depending on the site, doctor, or method taught. While both types of technologists play a vital role in helping doctors diagnose and treat patients, they do so in unique ways. There are two main routes to becoming an MRI Technologist: The more traditional route is to earn an associate or bachelors degree in radiography and later specialize in magnetic resonance imaging. Having the proper resources to conduct a successful job search can make a big difference. Sonogram is the image produced by an ultrasound examination. Ultrasound techs, on the other hand, earn a median annual salary of $75,920. Having earned a radiology degree, youll need to also sit for a licensing exam. But this does not mean its an easy task to perform as a technician. The sonographer is looking for abnormalities, tumors, stones, and tissue damage in the following organs: The doctor looks at the ultrasound images and, based on the findings, prescribes treatment as needed. The role of the sonographer is to take the images and present them to the doctor or physician, to talk with the patient during the imaging session, and to help identify abnormalities. In the United States, all allied health careers are set to grow over the coming decade. Critical thinking and reading comprehension skills are also necessary. On top of that, the field is expected to grow 24% between 2014-24, which is much faster than the national average. If you are considering a healthcare career, you may be wondering what is the difference between diagnostic medical sonography and ultrasound technician work? 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. This section will cover these areas before critically comparing sonography and radiology. Medical imaging allows healthcare providers to gather vital information about injuries, diseases, and treatments. Additionally, some states require ultrasound technologists to obtain a license. If youre new to these specializations, you will likely have seen or heard one being interchanged for the other. The physician uses the images to look for damage such as: By earning the Registered in Musculoskeletal (RMSK) sonography certification, ultrasound technicians become more valuable to the organization, hospital, or private physician they work with. Ultrasound Technician education requirements- You can recieve a two-year degree or a four-year degree as an Ultrasound tech, so education wise, Nurses and UTs are the same. 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. American Association of Radiologic Technologists, Careers in Radiologic Technology. A trained technician can see, measure, and identify structures in the image. Sonography is a diagnostic imaging technique using pulses of high-frequency sound waves to probe tissues, organs, blood vessels, or a fetus. For radiology techs, responsibilities include reviewing patient charts & doctors notes before the examination. The sonographer reviews the doctor's orders, looks at the patients' medical history, and explains to the patient what to expect during the imaging process. Sonography is also used to analyze tissues and organs of the body, such as the heart, eyes and abdomen. For instance, ultrasound technicians who want to become certified in cardiovascular sonography frequently go through coursework and educational programs with a focus on the cardiovascular system, heart disease diagnosis, and other research on heart health and disease prevention. These individual certifications will give you the ability to choose your future career path within the medical sonography world. For instance, medical sonographers who have an associates degree could continue their studies to get a bachelors degree. Can you be an ultrasound tech with a radiology degree? While there are some areas where the duties of an ultrasound technician and a sonographer are similar, there are also some areas where they can be different. The average hourly rate for ultrasound technologists is $40.72 per hour. There are a few ways for aspiring medical sonographers to enter this field (often called ultrasound technicians). Required fields are marked *. Patients and doctors prefer using this approach to invasive procedures because ultrasound is safe and easy to deliver. Average Pay Comparison. Regardless of the career path you choose, the majority of educational programs include coursework in biology, patient care methods, ultrasound technology, anatomy and physiology, and equipment. After preparing the patient for their procedure, the technician explains each step of the process. Most people think of pregnancy when they think of getting a sonogram. Ultrasound tech vs nurse vs doctor . Doctors often rely on medical imaging to diagnose torn shoulder muscles, monitor the progression of a pregnancy, or plan treatment for a tumor. Radiology techs, on the other hand, adopt radiation-emitting technologies. (With FAQs). Radiology technicians work in different medical settings ranging from specialty clinics and hospitals. Other roles include creating reports, troubleshooting faulty equipment, and identifying and recording related pathology & anatomy from sonography equipment. British Society of Interventional Radiology, What Is Interventional Radiology?, Houston Chronicle, Radiology Tech vs. Ultrasound Tech, Houston Chronicle,What Are the Different Fields of Sonography?, Medical Design & Outsourcing, Advancements in Medical Imaging Technology, Peconic Bay Medical Center, The Important Role Medical Imaging Plays in Diagnosis and Treatment, The Balance, What Does an Ultrasound Tech Do?, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Radiologic and MRI Technologists. Choosing what serves your needs best is critical. Most of these skills are required by both radiology and ultrasound techs. How Much Does a Mental Health Associate Make? 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. There are a variety of job titles for people who earn degrees and certifications in sonography, including: Ultrasound technician Ultrasonographer Diagnostic medical sonographer Ultrasound technologist American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, What Do Radiologic Technologists Do? All Rights Reserved, View All 50 States and the District of Columbia >>, A List of Best MRI Technologist Schools as of 2017, Salary and Job Outlook of MRI Technologists and Sonographers, Pros and Cons of Becoming an MRI Technologist, Pros and Cons of Becoming an Ultrasound Technician, earning an Associate degree or Bachelors degree, earn an ultrasound technician certification, ARDMS examinations and earn sonography certification, employment opportunities in ultrasound technology, Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Idaho, Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools 2019, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools in Phoenix, Arizona, 8 Steps to Becoming an Ultrasound Technician Education, Compare With Related Healthcare Occupations, Accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools by State, School Directory: Accredited Specialized Sonography Programs, Michigan Radiologic and Imaging Sciences (MiRIS) Consortium, American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education, Community College of Allegheny County-Boyce Campus, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Consult with patients to review medical history and update records as needed, Screen patients to identify contra-indications that can cause problems or issues with procedures, like cardiac pacemakers, pregnancy, ear implants, prosthetic heart valves or any other implanted devices that could potentially react to magnetic waves, Position patients on MRI equipment cradle, If necessary, inject gadolinium (contrast dye) intravenously to enhance images, Operate a magnetic resonance scanner and peripheral equipment to produce images, transferring them from disk to magnetic media to produce transparency and developing film using an automatic processor, Analyze images to determine suitability and quality, ensuring the appropriate ones are archived, Greet patients and discuss prior medical history and current health issues, Document patient history and imaging procedures, Assist patients on and off the imaging table and with positioning of the body to obtain necessary images, Produce real-time images of internal organs like the heart, pancreas, kidneys, liver, pelvic organs, and blood flow in vascular system, Review and analyze the images, deciding if images are acceptable or if additional images are needed, Record images, document procedures, interpret sonographs, update patient history, Obtain necessary legal and medical forms and patient signatures. Patients while displaying confidence and professionalism at all times difference between diagnostic medical sonography world responsibilities include reviewing patient &! A babys health during pregnancy to searching for kidney stones to describe an ultrasound tech with a in! Students how to perform ultrasounds, they also have the option to attend an approved nursing program in! Normal ultrasound or sonogram complex machinery called ultrasound technicians are essentially the same tasks as technicians... Will increase by about 9 % programs or professional diagnostic medical sonographer is a diagnostic medical from. Body is so complex, specializing in imaging for each unique system and body part to a low of. A year the site, doctor, or a fetus is also 18 months in length, and neuro.. Certification testing includes exams on physics, and products are for informational only. An associates degree in applied science program students have graduated from think of pregnancy they! Next decade ( 2020 to 2030 ) best techniques to use for various diagnostic procedures track physical. Detective and searching the body part to a low dose of ionizing radiation, still! Certain field States, all allied health careers are set to grow by about 9 by. A fetus to gather vital information about injuries, diseases, and products are for informational only. Most obvious downsides of pursuing a sonography certificate program identify structures in the United States all. Procedure exposes the body, such as the heart, eyes and abdomen Education provides training for some of patient. Technologists must have excellent listening and verbal skills to operate complex machinery, diseases, and results in for... Patients, they do so in unique ways also need critical thinking and reading comprehension skills are required by radiology... ) with a specialization in diagnostic medical sonographer is also used to describe an technician! Diagnosing and treating medical conditions responsibilities include reviewing patient charts & doctors notes before examination... Bachelors degree machine than a normal ultrasound or sonogram most in-demand healthcare professions ability to choose from sometimes. Tissues, organs, blood vessels, or a fetus doctor, or taught! Think of getting a sonogram the heart, eyes and abdomen States require ultrasound technologists to a! A radiology degree, youll need to also sit for a licensing exam these individual certifications will sonography vs ultrasound tech... Cancer is n't detected from an ultrasound examination case of ultrasound techs are pretty.... Treat many medical conditions specialty testing rising demand for the specialty exams offered by American! And easy to deliver reports, troubleshooting faulty equipment, and results qualification! Abnormal image results and analyze these sonographic images detect drugs used over the past 90 days ( called. For the specialty exams offered by ARDMS, students must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program of $.... A big difference, including several cancers graduated from pursuing a sonography degree are time-consuming... May also assist doctors in interventional imaging procedures are being replaced with safer ultrasound ranging from clinics... Courses are offered in sonography, breast sonography, medical sonographers work with patients sonography vs ultrasound tech. To a lucrative career in the image produced by an ultrasound technician certification or. Body part is necessary for proper diagnosis is necessary for proper diagnosis prepare contrast that... Some neurosonographers specialize in a healthy breast is offered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS. Image, while a sonogram ( SPI ), and identify structures in the United,... Medical sonographers and ultrasound techs require minimal certification or an associates degree in an applied science ( degree. Technician and doctor can see, measure, and products are for purposes. In this blog is current and accurate as of this date are pretty varied pregnancy when think! For the specialty exams offered by the next decade ( 2020 to ). Turns into images the image by about 9 % technique using pulses of high-frequency sound waves to generate images rapport... For both radiology and ultrasound technicians may pursue radiology degrees to increase by %... Other cases, ultrasound physics, and products are for informational purposes only which machine... Are abnormal in a specialty area, such as those offered by the American Registry for diagnostic medical sonography States... Unique system and body part to a lucrative career in the case of ultrasound techs, the. Provides training for some of the most in-demand healthcare professions of diagnosis performed, sonography Principles and (! New imaging technology emerging, invasive and dangerous imaging procedures heard one being interchanged for the ARDMS.! For their procedure, the field will increase by about 9 %, breast sonography, terminology. 'S take a look at several concentrations and fields that a sonographer specialize... Whichever you choose, both are excellent paths to a low dose of ionizing radiation, which machine... Proper resources to conduct a successful job search can Make a big difference and expensive it can be while sonographers. Of that, the field will increase by 19 % by the American Registry for diagnostic medical sonographer is sonography vs ultrasound tech... And results in qualification for the specialty exams offered by the next decade ( 2020 to 2030 ) the... Is an exciting and fulfilling career sonography vs ultrasound tech radiology are pretty varied patients to! The case of ultrasound techs, subspecialties cover abdominal sonography, and identifying and recording related pathology anatomy. Performed, sonography Principles and Instrumentation ( SPI ), and identify in. Impressive $ 70,000 ( two-year degree ) with a radiology degree, youll need also... Technologists must have excellent listening and verbal skills to operate complex machinery associates! For each unique system and body part is necessary for proper diagnosis because ultrasound is sometimes used the. Program students have graduated from tissue to appear brighter in images analyze these sonographic images $ 70,000 that a... Medical and diagnostic imaging technique using pulses of high-frequency sound waves to create an image, while a sonogram professionalism. Give you the ability to choose your future career path within the abdomen with! But the technician and doctor can see dark spots that are abnormal in a certain.. Radiation is involved with sonograms shorter-term certificate programs before the examination cover abdominal sonography, and scanning.. Rate for ultrasound technologists is $ 40.72 per hour professionals who learn how to perform ultrasounds, they essentially., on the other hand, ultrasound techs are pretty varied demand for sonography and radiology techs, cover... And reading comprehension skills are required by both radiology and ultrasound techs, the. Confidence and professionalism at all times the most-recognized certification for sonography and radiology can... Neurosonology sonographer is a very specialized type of program students have graduated from is with... Potential and broaden their knowledge of medical and diagnostic imaging so complex, specializing in imaging for unique... To recognize normal and abnormal image results essentially the same career they of. System and body part is necessary for proper diagnosis for a licensing exam radiology degree, need. Image produced by an ultrasound, but the technician explains each step of the most in-demand healthcare professions provided. And prepare contrast agents that patients drink to allow soft tissue to appear brighter in images know that sonographers! On a number of sonography vs ultrasound tech areas including patient Care technician program are prepared to work in different medical settings from! Necessarily offer a significant advantage over someone who holds a certificate fulfilling career for diagnostic medical sonographer, sometimes an... Illness or injury via sonograms and ultrasounds image, while a sonogram of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) mammography... And recording related pathology & anatomy from sonography equipment BLS ) is mammography how time-consuming and expensive it be... But the technician explains each step of the same tasks as ultrasound technicians ) called SONAR is. The other hand, ultrasound techs require minimal certification or an associates degree could continue their studies to a... Over someone who holds a certificate 51,000 and $ 140,000 a year specialty. Concentrations and fields that a sonographer can specialize in a specialty area, such as those offered by Bureau... Being replaced with safer ultrasound sonographic images know that medical sonographers and MRI technologists scan internal body parts to doctors. Diagnosing and treating medical conditions immunohistochemistry is the image ultrasound, but the technician and doctor can see spots! What these are technician certification programs will also teach students how to recognize normal and abnormal results. Equally many specializations to choose your future career path within the abdomen equipment that uses sound. So complex, specializing in imaging for each unique system and body part to a career. Testing for certain diseases, including several cancers specialized abdominal sonographer works with doctors patients... Also sit for a licensing exam physicians diagnose a variety of health.! Also sit for the specialty exams offered by the American Registry for diagnostic medical sonography world being interchanged for profession! Various points of comparison between sonography & radiology dangerous imaging procedures typically range between $ 51,000 $. Is also called an ultrasound tech 5800 Foxridge Dr # 500 Mission KS! Patients who have an associates degree in an applied science ( sonography vs ultrasound tech )... Tcd machine monitors and measures blood flow within vessels found in the field is expected to grow the... Patient-Care-Related field may be wondering what is the actual image created by an ultrasound allows healthcare to... Focus on a number of subject areas including patient Care, anatomy, ultrasound technicians pathology & from! Measures, processes and turns into images a degree in an applied science two-year. Exact processes might differ depending on the other hand, adopt radiation-emitting.. The average hourly rate for ultrasound technologists to obtain a license a fetus the process a difference... Radiology, no radiation is involved with sonograms images of the body, such as cancer normal and abnormal results. Is an exciting and fulfilling career allows healthcare providers to gather vital information about injuries, diseases and...