Should You Become a Sonographer or a Medical Assistant?

As being the title implies, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or ultrasound technologists assume diagnostic responsibilities as related to assessing sonographic graphics. Sonographers are highly skilled professionals who are proficient at using specialized ultrasound medical equipment and interpreting the images released. They must use professional judgment when determining the images needed and while interpreting results. The Medical Assistant does indeed limited clinical duties, as directed by physicians and other healthcare professionals, and a variety of administrative duties. It is a even more generalized profession than ultrasound technology.

Typical Duties of the Sonographer

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer uses medical accessories that produces high frequency sound waves to create visual images of the body's organs, tissues and systems. Which has a transducer that sends regular high frequency sound waves into the body, the ultrasound technologist moves it in the skin over the internal structures to be assessed. The sound waves bounce off the tissues, organs and systems, along with the computerized medical equipment constructs an image of the internal structures.

To ensure quality images are produced, the sonographer will the following work activities during a normal shift:

Create, review and update patient's medical history

Verify ultrasound equipment is usually working properly, performing routine tests and maintenance activities

Input data into imaging software systems and approach relevant information

Assist patients with getting on and off the imaging table and position the patient's body since needed to obtain the ideal images

Determine the type and number of images needed for ideal diagnostic results

Assess images, in need of signs of physical disorders or diseases, and document technical findings for transmission to physicians

Maintain several medical records and required forms, both medical and legal

Work with a variety of healthcare professionals, including physicians, radiologists, registered nurses, patient aides and numerous other people

Regularly interact with department personnel

Typical Duties of the Medical Admin

A Medical Assistant performs a wide range of duties under a physician's direction. The job responsibilities may include office work enjoy insurance billing and clinical work like drawing blood. The range of duties assigned is often dependent on the size of that medical office or the type of medical facility where the Medical Assistant works. The typical daily tasks include the following:

Assessment medical history with the patient and ask patient for description of main reason for medical office visit

Record, update and patient information, including the medical history and medical test results

Escort patients to medical examination rooms, take fundamental signs and instruct patient on preparing for the physician's exam

Maintain patient examination and treatment rooms along with treatment room instruments, ensuring everything is kept clean and orderly

Prepare medications and administer as needed by physician, including giving shots

Collect laboratory specimens as directed by physician, including blood, urine and even tissue and ensure specimens are properly stored and documented

Assist physician in examination room

Operate process diagnostic medical equipment like an electrocardiogram machine or x-ray equipment

Call pharmacies convey prescription drug orders and also authorize refills

Deliver physician instructions to patients, plan diets, explain medical treatments and necessary advance preparations, not to mention review medications and possible side effects

Perform medical office duties like answering the phone, scheduling appointments, completing affected individual check-in procedures, completing insurance forms and other general duties

Track and manage medical supplies inventory

Comparing Wages

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers earn twice as much as Medical Assistants. This is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May well 2012 occupational wages survey. Sonographers earned an average annual wage of $66, 360 or $31. 90 by the hour.

During the same time period, Medical Assistants earned an average annual wage of $30, 550 or $14. 69 hourly. The average annual wage scale for ultrasound technologists was $44, 990 to $91, 070. For Medical Assistants it was $21, 080 to $41, 570.

Comparing Training Requirements

Two of the reasons for the salary differential add fact that Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are trained at a higher skills level because they do diagnostic work, and they ought to use judgment concerning the number and type of images produced. Most employers now require that sonographers complete some sort of sonography program at a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and also earn ARDMS registration. Read more Knee pain

According to the American Job Center Network O*Net Online, 47 percent of sonographers have an Associate's degree, 17 percent have a Bachelor's degree, and 19 percent have some college but no degree. Approximately seventy two percent of Medical Assistants have some college and no degree, 18 percent have an Associate's degree, and 10 percent possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may find employment in a variety of healthcare facilities that include hospitals, clinics, doctor offices and mobile units. A medical assistant is likely to find employment in medical offices and clinics, or even ambulatory care facilities.

Anyone interested in a rewarding healthcare career may find that Diagnostic Medical Sonography best matches their needs. Employment opportunities are likely to exceed expectations as the healthcare industry moves towards wellness care and noninvasive surgical procedure. It offers a choice of career paths, excellent pay and interesting work.