Sonography or Radiology

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello, I am new in this forum, but I like it a lot. I accidently found this forum last week while searching for Hesi A2 test for sonography program at my school.

I got one degree, laid off over a year ago, now I like to go back to school to study something else, i'm thinking about those two above, it's hard to get into them, 'cause so competitive out there. I have to pass the test, i got my prereq, except A&P, that I will take in two weeks.

I don't have much knowledge in medical field, I don't know which one should I choose. If you were me what would you choose? this program is two year program.

THanks for you inputs

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Hi there.....I'm currently working as an MRI Technologist, which pretty much in line with the Sonography and Radiology. Considering that you got laid off a year ago, looking into a health care field is not a bad idea, BUT here's the opinion with these two choices you have. Both fields are very competitive. How many techs do they really need per shift? You wanna make sure the school you are attending are accredited by ARDMS(Sonography) and ARRT(Radiology). You do not wanna be trained either by your school for only LIMITED Sonography or Radiology. For Radiology, it's pretty broad, you can get into X-ray all the way to MRI going to become a Radiologist(Doctorate). If you gonna go into Radiology, I suggest to pick the one that will get you closer to operate MRI machines or Nuclear Medicine or PET Scans. Starting as X-ray tech is not so bad, but in order to operate an MRI machine, you need to go back to school and take MR certification. Nuclear Meds is the same, which you need to take another exam for that. As far as Sonography, I heard there are several sections for the certification exams and ALL must be passed before actually being awarded as a Sonographer. And I believe there are about 3-5 part exams(but dont quote me on that).

As an MR tech working for a private company(out patient), we have seen decline with patients due to economic stress. Hours have been cut and we took a big hit. Also, do not base your decision for taking any of these courses just cuz online says you will make $50k fresh off college. I suggest you look into people that have just graduated or have been in the field for at least a year or two.

They are rewarding fields, dont get me wrong. If you are going to spend two extra years to become one of these careers, you better off being a NURSE.

Good Luck!

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As one who has over 35 years in medical imaging (I retire in 1.5 years), both as a Radiographer and a Sonographer, I recommend Sonography with no question. Sonography is the most operator dependent diagnostic modality in modern medicine. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers carry a great deal of responsibility, and the medical team depends upon the sonographic diagnostic information the sonographer provides. Sonography is very interesting and rewarding.

In choosing a DMS program you should only consider http://www.CAAHEP.org accredited programs which do qualify you to sit for the ARDMS examinations. You must take and pass two exams to become ARDMS credentialed. There are about 9 specialities in which you may become ARDMS credentialed (http://www.ARDMS.org). The clinical experience provided by CAAHEP accredited DMS programs is essential, and many for profit unaccredited schools do not provide the clinical education required. Here is some information about choosing programs. This is important because many programs that claim to be "accredited" are not acceptable for the ARDMS credentials or for employment.

Regional Accreditation, National Accreditation, and other accreditations

http://www.elearners.com/guide-to-online-education/regional-and-national-accreditation.asp

When deciding which type of accreditation is right for you, there are several issues you may wish to consider.

The main issue is the transferability of credits from one institution to another. While nationally accredited institutions will usually accept credit from regionally or nationally accredited institutions, regionally accredited schools often do not accept credit from nationally accredited institutions.

This also means that if you hold an Associate's degree from a nationally accredited school, you may have to start over if you later decide to pursue a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school. Similarly, if you hold a nationally accredited Bachelor's degree, you may not be eligible to enter a Master's program at some regionally accredited institutions. Considering that state colleges and universities are regionally accredited, and are an inexpensive local option for many students, this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Another important issue is cost. There are a few nationally accredited schools that are extremely inexpensive, and that low tuition rate can be enticing. However, there are also regionally accredited bargains out there for those who do their research.

The final issue to consider is acceptability by prospective employers. To be frank, most employers don't know the difference between the two types of accreditation. Usually, once they know that your credentials are accredited, they'll ask no more questions about it. If there are employers that are particularly appealing to you, or if you hope that your degree will lead to a promotion at your current job, it would be best to speak with Human Resources personnel and ask specific questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi there.....I'm currently working as an MRI Technologist, which pretty much in line with the Sonography and Radiology. Considering that you got laid off a year ago, looking into a health care field is not a bad idea, BUT here's the opinion with these two choices you have. Both fields are very competitive. How many techs do they really need per shift? You wanna make sure the school you are attending are accredited by ARDMS(Sonography) and ARRT(Radiology). You do not wanna be trained either by your school for only LIMITED Sonography or Radiology. For Radiology, it's pretty broad, you can get into X-ray all the way to MRI going to become a Radiologist(Doctorate). If you gonna go into Radiology, I suggest to pick the one that will get you closer to operate MRI machines or Nuclear Medicine or PET Scans. Starting as X-ray tech is not so bad, but in order to operate an MRI machine, you need to go back to school and take MR certification. Nuclear Meds is the same, which you need to take another exam for that. As far as Sonography, I heard there are several sections for the certification exams and ALL must be passed before actually being awarded as a Sonographer. And I believe there are about 3-5 part exams(but dont quote me on that).

As an MR tech working for a private company(out patient), we have seen decline with patients due to economic stress. Hours have been cut and we took a big hit. Also, do not base your decision for taking any of these courses just cuz online says you will make $50k fresh off college. I suggest you look into people that have just graduated or have been in the field for at least a year or two.

They are rewarding fields, dont get me wrong. If you are going to spend two extra years to become one of these careers, you better off being a NURSE.

Good Luck!

Thanks very much for your inputs, at first I'm thinking about nurse as well, but I have several friends are nurses, they kept telling me don't do nurse, if they have a chance to back to school, they won't choose nurse again, to much work and stress, long shifts, their backs hurt from lifting patients...etc..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
As one who has over 35 years in medical imaging (I retire in 1.5 years), both as a Radiographer and a Sonographer, I recommend Sonography with no question. Sonography is the most operator dependent diagnostic modality in modern medicine. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers carry a great deal of responsibility, and the medical team depends upon the sonographic diagnostic information the sonographer provides. Sonography is very interesting and rewarding.

In choosing a DMS program you should only consider www.CAAHEP.org accredited programs which do qualify you to sit for the ARDMS examinations. You must take and pass two exams to become ARDMS credentialed. There are about 9 specialities in which you may become ARDMS credentialed (www.ARDMS.org). The clinical experience provided by CAAHEP accredited DMS programs is essential, and many for profit unaccredited schools do not provide the clinical education required. Here is some information about choosing programs. This is important because many programs that claim to be "accredited" are not acceptable for the ARDMS credentials or for employment.

Regional Accreditation, National Accreditation, and other accreditations

http://www.elearners.com/guide-to-online-education/regional-and-national-accreditation.asp

When deciding which type of accreditation is right for you, there are several issues you may wish to consider.

The main issue is the transferability of credits from one institution to another. While nationally accredited institutions will usually accept credit from regionally or nationally accredited institutions, regionally accredited schools often do not accept credit from nationally accredited institutions.

This also means that if you hold an Associate's degree from a nationally accredited school, you may have to start over if you later decide to pursue a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school. Similarly, if you hold a nationally accredited Bachelor's degree, you may not be eligible to enter a Master's program at some regionally accredited institutions. Considering that state colleges and universities are regionally accredited, and are an inexpensive local option for many students, this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Another important issue is cost. There are a few nationally accredited schools that are extremely inexpensive, and that low tuition rate can be enticing. However, there are also regionally accredited bargains out there for those who do their research.

The final issue to consider is acceptability by prospective employers. To be frank, most employers don't know the difference between the two types of accreditation. Usually, once they know that your credentials are accredited, they'll ask no more questions about it. If there are employers that are particularly appealing to you, or if you hope that your degree will lead to a promotion at your current job, it would be best to speak with Human Resources personnel and ask specific questions.

Thanks a lot for your very detail info. there DeBose. This Sonography program i'm thinking about is at Community College at my state. In order to get to their program, I have to pass HESI A2, the same test for nursing students. plus all the points they calculate...at the same time i'm checking into radiology at MetroTech school as well, which they are accredited. These two above start in August 09, I plan to apply to both school, and see which one pick me, i probably go with one. There are lots to learn and prepare for the test ahead.

Again, thank you.

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