If you are confused if ultrasound technician salary is better than that of a medical assistant, you have to be aware of the fact that both are completely different occupations. An ultrasound sonographer and a medical assistant are part of the medical sector. Both work with patients. However, their duties are in no way similar.
Before discussing matters related to ultrasound tech pay vs. medical assistant pay, let us see what their jobs and education entail.
Ultrasound technicians undergo training to operate imaging equipment. They conduct tests on particular parts of the body of the patient to capture visual representations for the purpose of diagnosis. Ultrasound technologists follow the orders that doctors give. They are required to position patients in the right way so that the equipment is able to get images as needed by the doctors to determine whether a particular condition exists or can be ruled out. They are employed in clinics and hospitals. They could work full-time or part-time as per their convenience.
Their work schedule would include weekends, overnights, days and evenings. They might have to report to work even on holidays. The entire working day would be spent in the medical center imaging department. Sometimes, portable equipment might have to be taken to a patient. Those who work in emergency rooms could expect this. Most of the day would require the ultrasound experts to stand and work deserving good ultrasound technician salary. They would be expected to have manual dexterity for operating the transducers that direct the sound waves at the time of examination. Minimum education that is required for working as an ultrasound sonographer is a 2-year associate degree. Many accredited schools also offer a 4-year bachelor degree. The employment prospects for trained sonographers are great. The demand for trained ultrasound expert is predicted to grow at rate that is higher than normal. The starting average salary is $54,000 annually.
Medical assistants are found working in medical clinics, hospitals or doctor’s clinics. The requirements of employers influence the job description. In many cases, medical assistants interact with the patients more than anything else does. Their job could involve taking the blood pressure and pulse of the patient. They would also record weight and height of the patient before taking their medical history. They might conduct lab tests and respond to questions on medicines and home treatment for various ailments. They might perform administrative work in certain offices. They might maintain medical records and answer phones. Bookkeeping could also be part of the job. To become medical assistants, a diploma or certificate program must be completed. The American Medical Technologists or the American Association of Medical Assistants certifies the graduates of such community college or vocational school programs. There are excellent employment prospects for such professionals. $24,000 is the mean salary for medical assistants per year.
In a word, the ultrasound technician salary wins hands down!
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