Researching Healthcare Careers: X-Ray Technician Jobs vs. Ultrasound Tech Jobs
Ultrasound technician and X-ray technician courses of study offer various levels of programs that typically take up to two years. Dont spend too much time deciding between a certificate or degree program; preferably, spend time exploring which schools are licensed. State licensure is a requirement for both ultrasound tech jobs and x-ray tech jobs, 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. In terms of prerequisites, a high school diploma or GED equivalent are the only things required to enter an x-ray tech or ultrasound tech school or program.
The anticipated salaries for these two career paths is much higher than the average annual U.S. salary, which is currently $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.
For x-ray technicians and ultrasound technicians who are looking to advance professionally, specializing is a great way to accomplish this. Ultrasound technicians have the option to specialize in obstetrics or cardiology, for example; mammography, CT scans or MRIs are some of the areas that an x-ray technician might decide to choose as her specialization. Specializing offers the opportunity to earn more and even be promoted to a management role.
The procedure of an ultrasound needs the technician sending high-frequency sound waves throughout a patients body using special medical equipment. As this occurs, an image is created based on the echoes that are collected; a doctor then gives a diagnosis based on this image. 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. 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.
In addition to great salaries, the job outlook for ultrasound technicians and x-ray technicians is quite positive. In fact, according to the BLS, growth in both of these fields is faster than average”at a rate of 17% and 18%, respectively.
In a nutshell, ultrasound technicians and x-ray technicians have similar jobs. But ultimately, the decision is yours and yours alone. We hope you find it comforting to know that there isnt a bad decision!