Sonography is one of the most in-demand professions today, with a projected increase in employment by 46 percent between 2012 and 2022. This value is faster than the projection for all other professions, which averaged at only 11 percent. Becoming a sonographer is no longer seen as a “second choice”; more and more people have decided to start a career in diagnostic medical sonography because of the great outlook and opportunities in store within the next few years.
CAAHEP-accredited schools
There are currently 200+ CAAHEP-accredited ultrasound technician schools in the US today. These schools offer a variety of programs, from certificate to bachelor degrees or from general to pediatric cardiac sonography. There are many options available for students looking for a particular specialty in sonography. If you enroll in a CAAHEP-accredited school, you will be receiving the best possible training because that school meets the standards set by numerous sonography organizations in the US.
Radiation tech or ultrasound tech?
Number-wise, radiation technologists or therapists earn more than sonographers. They have an annual median salary of $77,560, from an hourly rate of $37.29. Sonographers, during the same time, earned an annual median pay of $60,350, from an hourly rate of $29.02. However, there are risks and benefits that offset these numbers. Despite the higher pay that rad techs receive, their projected employment is only at 24 percent between 2012 and 2020, much lower than sonographers. There are also more job openings for ultrasound technician in the next few years. Why?
Sonography has a reputation of being one of the safest diagnostic procedures, both for the sonographer and the patient. They aren’t exposed to any dangerous emissions since the procedure uses sound waves – a safer alternative to radiation. However, radiation techs are constantly exposed to radiation waves, even with their protective gear. Radiation is known to be dangerous to immunocompromised people and unborn babies, and with constant exposure has dangerous consequences for the medical professional as well.
It comes to no surprise that people prefer to study sonography over something that can be potentially harmful to them. If you plan on becoming a sonographer, here are some important skills and characteristics that are part of the sonographer job description:
Sonography has a reputation of being one of the safest diagnostic procedures, both for the sonographer and the patient. They aren’t exposed to any dangerous emissions since the procedure uses sound waves – a safer alternative to radiation. However, radiation techs are constantly exposed to radiation waves, even with their protective gear. Radiation is known to be dangerous to immunocompromised people and unborn babies, and with constant exposure has dangerous consequences for the medical professional as well.
It comes to no surprise that people prefer to study sonography over something that can be potentially harmful to them. If you plan on becoming a sonographer, here are some important skills and characteristics that are part of the sonographer job description:
- Attention to detail, especially when analyzing the images
- Hand-eye coordination
- Interpersonal skills for daily patient and colleague interaction
- Stamina for long duty hours
- Technical skills for using the sonogram