Radiologic technologist and sonographers use different methods to capture images of the inside of a patient's body.
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic medical imaging, such as X-ray and magnetic resonance, under the direction of a physician to diagnose disease or injury. Instead of ionizing radiation or radio waves, sonographers use sound waves to produce an image. While well known for giving an expectant mother the first glimpse of her baby, sonographers can perform other generalized procedures.
Monikers
Other names for radiologic technologists are radiographers, radiologic technicians, radiologic assistants, radiology technicians, and rad techs.
Sonographers also are ultrasonographers. Sonographers who specialize in obstetrics are diagnostic medical sonographers, ultrasound technicians and ultrasound technologists.
Neither is a radiologist, a physician who has completed a residency in radiology and is board certified. A radiologist trains for about 13 to 14 years, whereas radiologic technologists and sonographers can practice after two to four years of courses.
Responsibilities
Radiologic technologists produce radiographic images for physicians to diagnose medical conditions. They prepare patients by explaining procedures, removing jewelry and positioning them for imaging. Rad techs also exercise safety precautions by shielding patients and themselves from radiation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says technologists can specialize in medical imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), and mammography, which uses low dose X-ray to produce images of the breast for cancer screening.
Sonographers use ultrasonic devices to produce scans, images and even videos and three-dimensional pictures of the organs of the body. In addition to diagnostic medical sonography, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says other sonographic specialties include abdominal sonography (liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas), neurosonography (brain and nervous system), breast sonography, vascular sonography or cardiac sonography.
Training
Radiology technologists usually earn a two-year associate of applied science degree. Some earn a four-year bachelor's degree, while others gain a certificate in one year. Programs cover classroom and clinical instruction in physiology, anatomy, radiation physics, radiation safety, patient care, imaging, medical terminology, patient positioning, medical ethics, radiobiology and pathology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sonographers most commonly earn a two-year associate of applied science degree, but can also achieve a four-year bachelor's degree, or, less commonly, a one-year certificate. Training includes anatomy, physiology, basic physics, instrument use, medical ethics and patient care.
Radiologic technologists can cross-train to make themselves more desirable to employers. They can specialize in sonography, although sonographers do not need radiology technician education.
Workplace
Both radiology techs and sonographers can work in hospitals, doctors' offices, diagnostic imaging centers and urgent care facilities.
Earning Potential
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $52,210 as of 2008. For diagnostic medical sonographers, the median annual wage as of May 2008 was $61,980.
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