Radiography or Sonography: What’s the best career for you?

You've probably heard that jobs in healthcare are on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says healthcare careers are going to grow significantly faster than other jobs by 2032. With so many options, you may wonder: which jobs hold the most promise in terms of income, lifestyle and overall job satisfaction?

Within the world of healthcare, the roles of radiologic technologist (AKA radiographer or "X-ray tech") and diagnostic medical sonographer (AKA "ultrasound tech") are increasingly popular career choices, as they offer:

• Excellent earning potential
• Shorter timeframes to education and licensure
• Lifestyle flexibility
• High levels of personal satisfaction

While these two imaging sciences disciplines are similar in that they both capture images of what's happening inside the body, they also have key differences that set them apart. To gain deeper insights into these professions, we turned to Roger Weeden, director of the imaging sciences programs at Northeast College of Health Sciences, for his valuable perspective on the essential aspects of radiography and sonography.

Sonography and Radiography: What's the Difference?

According to Weeden, the fundamental difference between radiography and sonography lies in the technologies they employ to capture images. He broke it down to the basics: radiography uses ionizing radiation to create X-rays that pass through the patient to create images, while sonography uses sound waves for imaging. In addition to X-ray machines, radiographers also work with computed tomography (CT) scan equipment to capture images of musculoskeletal structures. The basic principles one sees in sonography, Weeden explained, are present in the Doppler effect. He said, "To understand sonography, imagine a car coming toward you. As it approaches, the sound gets louder, and then as the car passes you, the sound fades. That's sonography in a nutshell. As we use ultrasound to get closer to the target internally, sound waves are interpreted for imaging."

Applications of Imaging in Healthcare

Radiography proves quicker at capturing images in certain patient care scenarios, like determining if a bone is fractured, locating blood clots, revealing tooth decay, and identifying tumors, while sonography takes a bit more time due to the different nature of soundwaves and the technology used. In practice, this means the circumstances which determine when a patient will need to see a radiographer vs. a sonographer can vary significantly.

"From an application standpoint, exposure to radiation with X-rays is more invasive, whereas sound waves used in sonography are typically not," notes Weeden.

This is why sonography is preferred for fetal imaging during pregnancy, due to its non-invasive nature, as it ensures the safety of the developing fetus. Sonography also has the advantage of providing real-time imaging on a computer screen. In contrast, radiography produces detailed static images of bone structures and other dense tissue. This makes it generally more cost-effective for patients, requiring less time and less expensive imaging equipment. This comparative speed of radiography proves especially important when time is of the essence, for example, working in emergency room settings where patients have recently undergone physical trauma.

Having a clear understanding of application differences is essential for individuals navigating the decision to pursue a career in either radiography or sonography. Having a strong idea of the patient populations and healthcare settings each field works with will allow you to choose an area of study that aligns with your own skills and interests.

Education for Sonographers and Radiographers

For those looking for a possible career in the imaging sciences, you'll find you will need similar strengths to be successful in either field. Weeden stresses the importance of a strong aptitude for math and science, including anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry, for both future sonographers and rad techs.

"The curricula for both radiologic technology and sonography programs are science-based, but sonography places a greater emphasis on understanding the physics [of soundwaves] ... we consider sonography to be an 'advanced imaging modality', That's not to say that we wouldn't accept someone with a liberal arts background for either program, since subjects like English, sociology, and psychology are all very important for a well-rounder professional," he says.

"The keys to success with the imaging sciences' curricula, however, are science and math... and if you choose a school with good student services, you'll have access to help outside the classroom, such as tutoring and mentoring."

Finding the Right Program

To Weeden, Northeast College of Health Sciences is particularly distinctive for its 100+ years of commitment to healthcare education. "First and foremost, Northeast College of Health Sciences, in its name and in its mission, is geared towards healthcare," Weeden points out. "Northeast's curricula are strictly healthcare-based, and radiography and sonography students have access to advanced resources like cadaveric dissection in Northeast's anatomy lab. That's just and incredible opportunity, and very unusual for Associate's degree programs."

The College's imaging sciences programs also incorporate additional cutting-edge technology like virtual dissection and anatomy tables into students' studies, providing students with a truly comprehensive learning experience.

Learn More about Radiologic Technology

Learn More about Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Integrated Education and Support

One distinctive feature of Northeast College is its integrated approach to education. Weeden explains, "Our Associate degree programs are not siloed off from the rest of the College; they are woven into the broader healthcare culture of the campus. For instance, the sonography program aligns with the chiropractic curriculum, allowing students from both fields to collaborate and learn together. This integrated approach enhances the overall educational experience for all students.

He goes on to say, "Chiropractic students can sit side by side with the sonography students and the two can work together in the lab and show one another how it's done. They can present themselves as a patient to be scanned and can assess one another. So, it's definitely a transformational learning process that is woven throughout Northeast College programs."

Choosing Your Healthcare Path

Weeden offered some practical advice for individuals deciding between radiography and sonography: "The first thing I would suggest is to observe the field. Call your local hospital. Volunteer some time to go in and observe. Ask technologists about their experience, satisfaction levels, and the nature of their profession. Additionally, inquire about degree programs, ensuring they align with your goals and life."

A rewarding career as a radiologic technologist or sonographer is closer than you think, given the ability to earn your AAS in Radiologic Technology or AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in just two years at Northeast College of Health Sciences. Take the next step by contacting the Admissions Department.

Suggestions for further reading:
Program Director Advocates for Competency in Medical Imaging
AAS in Radiologic Technology at Northeast College
AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography