An ultrasound technician or sonographer differs from an LPN in many ways. An ultrasound technician is someone who captures images of a patient’s internal structures through the use of ultrasound equipment, while an LPN is a person licensed by the state that provides care to old, disabled, injured, terminally ill, or sick patients. LPNs can be found working in a broader range of work settings and they also have more tasks than sonographers.
LPN Job Description
An LPN’s duties and responsibilities range from administrative or clerical tasks to clinical practice. LPNs gather and record the patient’s history and symptoms, they keep records, and they make appointments. They also take vital signs, prepare and administer injections, help patients prepare for medical exams, collect test samples, assist supervisors in performing laboratory procedures and tests, treat wounds, and provide bedside care to patients and assist them with daily living tasks. Furthermore, LPNs offer emotional support to patients and their family members. They can be found working in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, nursing care facilities, schools, plus many more.
Education
To become an LPN, a candidate has to take a program, which is commonly competed in approximately one year. The program is divided into clinical practice and classroom instruction. Clinical practice takes place at a hospital or a clinic. Classroom instruction focuses on nursing courses such as anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing, psychiatric nursing, nutrition, maternity and child health, and pharmacology.
Salary And Advancement
An LPNs average salary is around $39,000 annually. LPNs have the choice to advance their career into registered nurse. If that is what they desire, then they will have to acquire a nursing diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. All candidates will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to practice as a registered nurse.
Ultrasound Technician Job Description
An ultrasound tech analyzes and interprets diagnostic images taken with ultrasound equipment. Ultrasound techs provide summaries, either oral or written, of technical findings. They direct the patient’s position and they explain the ultrasound procedures to the patient. They also perform equipment maintenance and they keep records. Ultrasound techs can be found working in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and diagnostic imaging centers.
Education
Most ultrasound techs hold an associate’s degree in medical sonography. Associate’s degree programs can be completed in two years. For those that want to earn their bachelor’s degree, four-year programs are available. Completing a one-year program to earn a vocational certificate in sonography is the minimum qualification available to those who want to become an ultrasound tech. Coursework may include classes in patient care, medical ethics, anatomy, physiology, and basic physics.
Salary And Advancement
The average annual wage of ultrasound techs is around $62,000. They can seek advancement by specializing in more than one area. Specializing in two or more areas will expand their opportunities. They can become educators, administrators, or researchers with additional education and experience.
What To Choose
Being an LPN is as rewarding as being an ultrasound technician. Deciding what career path to take greatly depends on your preferences and your skills and abilities. It is important that you examine each career carefully and learn which one is more suitable for you before you make your final decision.
The Differences Between An LPN And An Ultrasound Technician
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