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Before starting any career, it’s important to know more about it. For example, there are different specialties in medicine, and anyone interested in this field could wonder the right specialty to take. For instance, sonography and nursing are specialties in the medical field. But what is the difference between the two?
What is Sonography?
Sonography is the production of ultrasound images of the internal organs, tissues, and systems to detect cysts, infections, tumors, or obstructions. The process is non-invasive and painless and uses high-frequency sound waves to generate diagnostic images.
What is Nursing?
Nursing is a medical profession concerned with patient care in different health sectors.
Education and Training of a Sonographer
You need to train to be a sonographer. You need an undergraduate degree in medical sonography, medical imaging, or radiation from a recognized university. This course will generally take 3-4 years, and you should be a full-time student. As a registered nurse, you can also specialize in sonography by taking a diploma course in medical ultrasound for two years part-time. If you have taken another course, you can also take a master’s degree in sonography. However, you must have a degree to enroll as a sonographer. After qualifying as a sonographer, you must register with the relevant sonography body according to your state to be a certified sonographer.
Education and Training of a Nurse
Different states have different requirements for one to be a nurse. However, to become a nurse, you can take a diploma course in nursing for two years or a degree in nursing for three years of full-time study. You may take a bachelor of nursing, Bachelor of Science (Nursing or bachelor of nursing science. You must also do a test in English and pass the English language requirements before you are allowed to enroll in nursing. You can also pursue a master’s degree in nursing for two years if you have a degree in a different field.
Job Duties of a Sonographer
• Examining current referrals from doctors
• Answering patients’ queries, explaining the procedure, and taking care of the patient the throughout the imaging process.
• Writing reports of the imaging for doctors
• Choosing the images required for diagnostic purposes.
• Operating ultrasound equipment
• Positioning patients and the equipment while taking the images to ensure clarity of the images.
Job Duties of a Nurse
• Prepare nursing care plans.
• Monitor the health condition of the patient and record detail of the progress
• Consult with the physicians concerning the patients’ prescriptions, tests, or monitoring.
• Administer medications and monitor the patient’s reactions toward the medication
• Observe patients’ diet, symptoms, and physical activities.
• Evaluate patients’ symptoms and health requirements
• Keep detailed patient medical records
• Prepare patients for medical procedures, examinations, or treatments
• Give information to the family, caregivers, doctors etc., when required.
Work Settings
A sonographer can work in public and private hospitals, community health centers, and clinics. In contrast, nurses work in public and private hospitals, schools, research environments, clinics, nursing homes, and residential homes.
Salary Comparison
A sonographer earns an average salary of $79 014 annually, while a registered nurse $72 127 annually. However, these figures can change depending on where they work, their qualification, and their experience.
Advancement Opportunities
An advanced sonographer can earn different titles, like an ultrasound practitioner, advanced practice sonographer, or clinical sonography specialist. At this level, the sonographer works directly under the supervision of a physician within the specialty. A nurse can have advanced positions in specialized departments, educator roles, management positions, or earn advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) title.
About the Author
Priscilla Is a nurse practitioner that has been working in healthcare for over 10 years. She started working as a patient care tech, a Certified nursing assistant, A Licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse, and a board-certified Family Nurse practitioner. She has worked in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and homes as well as working in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatrics, maternal, and adult care, Military nursing, immediate care, and family practice.
