By Lisa J Parmley
A Sonographer is also referred to as an Ultrasound Technician or a
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. At one time, sonographers only created
ultrasound images but were not involved in assessing images or making
recommendations based on imaging results. The profession has expanded,
meaning the sonographer manages a higher level of duties while using
imaging equipment producing high-frequency sound waves to assess certain
patient conditions. A Nuclear Medicine Technologist is an entirely
different career field in which radioisotope equipment and solutions are
administered during diagnostic procedures to identify medical issues.
Daily Duties of Sonographers
Sonographers use ultrasound equipment that produces high frequency sound waves. The sonographer runs transducers over the appropriate part of the patient's body, and the sound waves create images on a computerized screen. The sonographer takes images of soft tissue, organs, and arterial or vascular systems. The specific job duties depend on the type of training the sonographer completed. The specialties include cardio, vascular, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Sonographers typically manage the following job duties:
Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients, mostly for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The isotopes or radioactive materials serve as tracers in the body which radioisotope equipment can detect. Procedures have a similar goal as ultrasound technology sound waves in that the isotopes are used to map tissues or systems in the body to identify potential medical issues. However, the technologist using radiopharmaceuticals may also inject appropriate solutions into patients for the purpose of treating diseases. The technologist will:
Sonographer salaries vary widely from location to location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in 2012 was $66,360. A sonographer just entering the profession would usually be hired at the lower tenth percentile wage of $44,990. That is an excellent beginning wage that can rapidly rise with experience.
For Nuclear Medicine Technologists the average annual salary in 2012 was higher at $70,840. This was to be expected since they work with radioactive materials and are thus dealing with higher job risks. The lower tenth percentile annual wage in nuclear medicine technology was $50,560.
Deciding Between Sonography and Nuclear Medicine Technology
To become a sonographer today means completing a program to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. There are several paths to achieving this goal. Those who have already worked in a healthcare field can consider a certificate program which takes approximately a year to complete and focuses specifically on sonography training. For those who do not have healthcare experience, there are a couple of options. Some CAAHEP schools offer a 2-year Associate degree program. There are also programs leading to a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students should choose a CAAHEP school and upon graduation pursue ARDMS certification to have the greatest opportunities for employment.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists also have the option of earning a certificate with health industry related experience or completing requirements for an Associate's degree as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist or a Bachelor's Degree as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Unlike sonographers, there are licensing requirements for technologists working in nuclear medicine in some states. Obtaining certification from a recognized organization may serve as enough credential for licensing. Like Diagnostic Medical Sonography, it is possible to earn certification in specialties like PET (positron emission tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to name just a couple.
The Nuclear Medicine Technology graduate should obtain ARRT certification. Beginning January 1, 2015, ARRT will require certification candidates to have earned at least an Associate's degree from a recognized ARRT agency or school.
Choosing the Right Career to Fit Interests
It is important to research the educational and work requirements for careers in sonography or nuclear medicine fields before making a decision. Following is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each profession.
One of the main advantages of choosing sonography as a career is that professionals do not have to work with radiologic chemicals or procedures. That has swayed some people away from choosing a career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and towards choosing the sonography field. It is important to decide what job characteristics are most important to the individual when selecting a career. The healthcare industry is filled with opportunities. It is truly a matter of selecting a career that best fits interests, lifestyle, and personal goals.
Daily Duties of Sonographers
Sonographers use ultrasound equipment that produces high frequency sound waves. The sonographer runs transducers over the appropriate part of the patient's body, and the sound waves create images on a computerized screen. The sonographer takes images of soft tissue, organs, and arterial or vascular systems. The specific job duties depend on the type of training the sonographer completed. The specialties include cardio, vascular, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Sonographers typically manage the following job duties:
- Work with patients in several ways, including scheduling, explaining procedures, taking patient history, and positioning the body during the procedure
- Overseeing sonographic lab operations
- Operate ultrasound equipment to take and record images ordered by physicians, including adjusting settings
- Check equipment operations and report maintenance and repair issues
- Review images and make decisions about additional images needed to pinpoint possible pathological areas
- Record and document images using available archival and record keeping systems
- Maintain patient electronic health records, making sure they include imaging results, professional interpretations, correspondence, and other medical records
- Consult with other medical personnel
Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients, mostly for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The isotopes or radioactive materials serve as tracers in the body which radioisotope equipment can detect. Procedures have a similar goal as ultrasound technology sound waves in that the isotopes are used to map tissues or systems in the body to identify potential medical issues. However, the technologist using radiopharmaceuticals may also inject appropriate solutions into patients for the purpose of treating diseases. The technologist will:
- Explain procedures to patient, providing reassurances about safety of using radioisotopes
- Administer radiation or radiopharmaceuticals intravenously to patients
- Produce camera or computer images by using specialized equipment able to detect and map radiation
- Prepare radiation dosages per physician instructions for administration or prepare stock dosages for future use
- Maintain equipment
- Manage storage and disposal of radioactive materials, following medical facility and legal requirements
Sonographer salaries vary widely from location to location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in 2012 was $66,360. A sonographer just entering the profession would usually be hired at the lower tenth percentile wage of $44,990. That is an excellent beginning wage that can rapidly rise with experience.
For Nuclear Medicine Technologists the average annual salary in 2012 was higher at $70,840. This was to be expected since they work with radioactive materials and are thus dealing with higher job risks. The lower tenth percentile annual wage in nuclear medicine technology was $50,560.
Deciding Between Sonography and Nuclear Medicine Technology
To become a sonographer today means completing a program to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. There are several paths to achieving this goal. Those who have already worked in a healthcare field can consider a certificate program which takes approximately a year to complete and focuses specifically on sonography training. For those who do not have healthcare experience, there are a couple of options. Some CAAHEP schools offer a 2-year Associate degree program. There are also programs leading to a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students should choose a CAAHEP school and upon graduation pursue ARDMS certification to have the greatest opportunities for employment.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists also have the option of earning a certificate with health industry related experience or completing requirements for an Associate's degree as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist or a Bachelor's Degree as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Unlike sonographers, there are licensing requirements for technologists working in nuclear medicine in some states. Obtaining certification from a recognized organization may serve as enough credential for licensing. Like Diagnostic Medical Sonography, it is possible to earn certification in specialties like PET (positron emission tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to name just a couple.
The Nuclear Medicine Technology graduate should obtain ARRT certification. Beginning January 1, 2015, ARRT will require certification candidates to have earned at least an Associate's degree from a recognized ARRT agency or school.
Choosing the Right Career to Fit Interests
It is important to research the educational and work requirements for careers in sonography or nuclear medicine fields before making a decision. Following is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each profession.
One of the main advantages of choosing sonography as a career is that professionals do not have to work with radiologic chemicals or procedures. That has swayed some people away from choosing a career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and towards choosing the sonography field. It is important to decide what job characteristics are most important to the individual when selecting a career. The healthcare industry is filled with opportunities. It is truly a matter of selecting a career that best fits interests, lifestyle, and personal goals.
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