Introduction
With the help of technologies like sonography and radiography, the diagnosis of chronic diseases in the early stages has become easy. Sonography or ultrasound is the process in which high-frequency sound waves are passed through a patient’s body. The waves are reflected back from the organs, and an image is made on the computer screen. The Radiography process takes advantage of high power X-rays that have potential to penetrate through the body, the body absorbs some of the X-rays, and a clear image of the internal organs of the body is made on the screen. This essay aims to compare and contrast the fields of Sonography and Radiography, and it will discuss their job requirements, qualifications required, earning potential and job growth.
Discussion
The process of sonography requires careful preparation of equipment and patients. The Sonographer duty is responsible for various tasks that are meant to be done with care. The Sonographer prepares the patient for Sonography, chooses appropriate equipment for the exam, performs the sonograph examination and records the data. A Sonographer is also responsible for analyzing this data, making a report, and discussing the findings with the physician. The responsibilities of the radiographer are to perform the radiography process by first placing the patient in position, performing the radiography exam of the patient, organizing the report, and discussing it with the assigned physician. There are various types of radiography, like mammography, MRI, and topography, that require a specific procedure to be followed.
To become a professional Sonographer, a two-year Associate Degree in Sonography is required. There are also one-year certification programs available, but having a professional degree in the field is not a requirement, and most healthcare organizations need certified professionals for legal purposes. Similarly, to be a professional radiographer, two years of associate’s degree in radiologic technology is required, but again, no professional degree is required as a must to be a radiography practitioner. Most of them practice Radiographers complete a two-year certification, but these requirements vary by State (Study.com)
The salaries of both Sonographers and Radiographers vary by experience, organization, and State in which they are serving, but Sonographers, on average, earn more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) record, the annual pay of Sonographers varies between $57,530 and $82,320, with a median of $69,650 (Bls.gov). The average pay radiographers are getting nowadays varies depending on the type of radiography they perform. More complex machine operators usually earn more than simple X-ray radiographers. Radiographers may vary between $46,490 and $70,430 annually, with a median of $57,450.
With the increased number of health facilities, the number of sonographers and radiographers in the market is increasing. The employment rate for Sonographers is expected to grow by 17 from 2016 to 2026 (Usnews.com). This employment increase rate is much faster than that of radiographers, who are expected to increase by 13% from 2016 to 2026. However, the current number of jobs for Radiographers is higher (241,700) than that of Sonographers (122,300).
Conclusion
Both Sonography and Radiography are considered respectable positions in society, but they are similar and different in some ways. Both jobs do not need a professional degree as a must to practice, but a proper degree or certification is required in some states of America. The salaries of both sonographers and radiographers vary depending on their experience and the nature of the job, but sonographers mostly earn more than radiographers. The current number of jobs available for Radiographers is higher than that of Sonographers, but the job outlook for Sonographers is higher than that of Radiographers. The government should consider providing more opportunities and benefits to people in these fields to facilitate those who are linked with the sacred field of healthcare.
Works Cited
“U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics.” Bls.gov. N. p., 2018. Web. 20 Apr. 2018. https://www.bls.gov/
“U.S. News.” Usnews.com. N. p., 2018. Web. 20 Apr.2018. https://www.usnews.com
“Medical And Health Professions.” Study.com. N. p., 2018. Web. 20 Apr. 2018. https://study.com/directory/category/Medical_and_Health_Professions.html
