So confused!! Rad Tech and Ultrasound Tech

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Hi! Im currently in my second semester of nursing, and im starting to think that its just not for me. I was just looking up a bunch of information about radiologoly and sonograpy technicians, but got confused between the two. Is sonograpy a whole different "ball game" than radiology? My school offers a rad tech program so can i take that and still get a job as a sonography tech? Or do i have to go through a specific sonogrpahy program? Thank you so much!!

Long ago and far away rad techs did everything. Now there are spcific programs for rad tech, rad therapy, nucs, ultrasound and now even MRI.

Most emplyers want a ultrasound tech that went through an accredited program, but there is a mechanism for OJT available for certification. Rad tech to ultrasound tech normally take about a year of school. Some ultrasound programs accept RNs for the one year of training similar to rad tech.

Jeremy

Specializes in CVICU.

My gf is going to school to be a radiology technician. Once she is done with the regular program, she can do an externship to do ultrasounds, MRIs, CTs, etc. You do have to be a rad tech first, from what I understand. It's kind of like specializing in your area nursing.

Experienced & new grad RT's are having a hard time finding positions. Too many are graduating & the field is become flooded with qualified candidates for each position. You will have an easier time obtaining employment as a nurse. Think about how many nurses are working during an average hospital shift vs how many RT's are working during that same shift. Just a thought.....

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