The regular program duration for x-ray tech school and ultrasound tech school is nearly two years; these programs award both certificates and degrees. Dont spend too much time deciding between a certificate or degree program; rather, spend time exploring which schools are accredited. Both of these jobs require state licensure before entering the workforce, and while accredited schools offer a licensing exam upon graduation, non-accredited schools do not. Additionally, programs that are not accredited are not as highly-revered by employers, which can affect your ability to land a job. 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 earnings for these two career paths is much higher than the average annual U.S. salary, which is currently $43,410. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for an 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.
Professional or career advancement is possible for both ultrasound technicians and x-ray technicians who opt to specialise. An ultrasound technician, for example, can become an expert at 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. Specializing offers the opportunity to earn more and even be promoted to a management role.
The procedure of an ultrasound requires the technician sending high-frequency sound waves throughout a patients body employing 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, produce x-ray films for use in diagnosing medical problems. 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.
Both ultrasound technician jobs and x-ray technician jobs have great employment outlooks. The BLS reports, for example, that employment for each of these careers is expected to grow at a rate of 17% and 18%, respectively”which is even faster than average.
All in all, 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!