Many young people who consider a healthcare career sometimes wonder whether there is a difference between diagnostic medical sonography and ultrasound technician work.
We are here to say that there is one main difference between ultrasound and sonography.
Actually, when we think of getting a sonogram, it usually has to do with pregnancy.
Ultrasound technology and sonography both include creating images of organs, blood vessels, and other aspects of human anatomy, and they are both used by physicians to make an accurate diagnosis.
If we take a look at the definition, these professions imply the same thing, but still, there is a slight difference.
Sonographers use ultrasound technology to create images and sonograms are created with technology that uses sound waves instead of radiation to capture these images.
Ultrasound is safe and easy to deliver, however, this is not at all an easy task to perform as a technician.
Both those working as medical sonographers or ultrasound technicians at a cardiac, OB/GYN, or another type of facility need to possess a firm knowledge of anatomy and physiology and pass appropriate training on using these devices to be able to perform this job successfully.
They can choose among various ultrasound and sonography programs that offer the certificate, Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree levels.
We took as an example the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at St. Luke’s Hospital.
It takes 18 months to complete, and graduates are qualified for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam.
During the studies, they will learn topics such as abdominal sonography, OB/GYN, breast, neurosonography, and more and after finishing this program, graduates will have experience in several types of clinical facilities.
When we compare it to the Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology program at the University of Kansas, we have to notice some similarities and differences.
The program is also 18 months in length, and a graduate is qualified for the ARDMS registry.
Nevertheless, the curriculum of this program is a little more limited as it prepares students in the areas of the abdomen, OB/GYN, and vascular technology.
Both of these programs will give you the opportunity to pursue careers in the field of sonography.
Upon getting a degree, you may be wondering about the difference between sonography vs ultrasound tech salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the average salary for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technicians was $63,630 per year, and the field is expected to grow 24% in the next decade.
So the pay and growth for both professions are reported in the same set of data.
