Radiology tech vs. Diagnostic Sonographer?

Question

i interested in going back to school but can't decide between two different profesions anyone who is a radiology tech or ultrasonographer can you tell me which is better. i would like to know the pros and cons of both. also what is the difference between the two professions.

Answer 1

Both decent ,important & sometimes interesting jobs.
Sonography wins.
Reasoning ..
Rad tech. is a burnout .job In a busy hospital setting .
Requires stamina, being on your feet all day is taxing as is the lifting , carrying , can also be messy & smelly.
There is also a mental penalty when you are dealing w/ severe trauma cases. You see people at their best & worst
when they are extremely ill, dying, badly injured ,or just plain drunk.
RT's & ultrasound techs are not paramedical "professionals" as are RN's & low on the healthcare food chain.
Not all negative.
There can be high points also, if you are a people person.
Salaries can be quite good w/ opportunities for on call, moonlighting & working in MD offices & clinics for extra cash.
It can also be a stepping stone to other jobs in the industry such as Mfrs.sales reps, clinical & applications specialists.
Techs have a relatively short working "lifespan"
Women , about 3 to 5 years ..men up to maybe 10...last time I checked..
It is a young person's job...ever see an old Xray tech?
Factoid...RTs are in top 2 percent of high 'sustained 'stress jobs. greater than RNs, police,& firemen & others who have 'high 'peak stress levels....you can look that up.
Have known many in other med-tech jobs & Ultrasound is far less demanding physically, & less stressful overall.
There is still the patient contact for better or worse.
There are the same opportunities such as taking "call" moonlighting etc for extra income & moving into the commercial market as well.
Much longer "lifespan"also.
There you have it, blunt, but honest.
Hope that helps
Best regards

Answer 2

Just to add to Split Dog's answer... I would suggest going to school for RT first, then sonography. Many sonography schools require that first anyway. It's better to have skills in more than one modality - you will be much more attractive to an employer.

You can find schools here:
http://arrt.org/index.html?content=http://www.arrt.org/nd/listOfSchools.ndm/listSchools&iframe=yes
http://www.caahep.org/Find_An_Accredited_Program.aspx