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Ultrasound technician and X-ray technician courses of study extend different levels of programs that typically take one to two years. While it doesnt matter much whether you choose a degree or certificate program, it does matter that your school is accredited. 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. Non-accredited programs, on the other hand, are not as trusted by employers, which will make getting a job harder. There are no prerequisites for entering either an x-ray or ultrasound technician program other than having a high school diploma or equivalent.

The average yearly U.S. wage is presently $43,410; both ultrasound tech jobs and x-ray tech jobs, however, yield much higher salaries. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for an xray technician salary, on the other hand, is $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 specialize. An ultrasound technician, for example, can become an expert at obstetric sonography or cardiac sonography; an x-ray technician can choose to focus on mammography, CT scans, or MRIs. Specializing offers the opportunity to earn more and even be promoted to a management role.

The procedure of an ultrasound claims the technician sending high-frequency sound waves throughout a patients body using special medical equipment. The echoes collected via the ultrasound create an image that a doctor then uses to diagnose each patient. It is the ultrasound technicians responsibility to prepare the patient for ultrasounds, to conduct the ultrasounds, and to perform a preliminary analysis of the ultrasound in order to offer tips to the doctor. 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.

For those considering either ultrasound technician school or x-ray technician school, the job outlook is more than favorable. 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.

Ultrasound technician careers and x-ray technician careers are quite akin, indeed. But in the end, it comes down to your own, personal decision. Thankfully, either career could put you on a path towards success!