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Diagnostic medical sonographer vs extern-ultrasound technologist

The differences between diagnostic medical sonographers and extern-ultrasound technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a diagnostic medical sonographer and an extern-ultrasound technologist. Additionally, a diagnostic medical sonographer has an average salary of $85,607, which is higher than the $63,931 average annual salary of an extern-ultrasound technologist.

The top three skills for a diagnostic medical sonographer include patients, ARDMS and patient care. The most important skills for an extern-ultrasound technologist are patients, OB, and thyroid.

Diagnostic medical sonographer vs extern-ultrasound technologist overview

Diagnostic Medical SonographerExtern-Ultrasound Technologist
Yearly salary$85,607$63,931
Hourly rate$41.16$30.74
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs58,80052,899
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 47%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Diagnostic medical sonographer vs extern-ultrasound technologist salary

Diagnostic medical sonographers and extern-ultrasound technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Diagnostic Medical SonographerExtern-Ultrasound Technologist
Average salary$85,607$63,931
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $139,000Between $34,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CityEureka, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companySt. Mary's Health Inc.-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between diagnostic medical sonographer and extern-ultrasound technologist education

There are a few differences between a diagnostic medical sonographer and an extern-ultrasound technologist in terms of educational background:

Diagnostic Medical SonographerExtern-Ultrasound Technologist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 47%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Diagnostic medical sonographer vs extern-ultrasound technologist demographics

Here are the differences between diagnostic medical sonographers' and extern-ultrasound technologists' demographics:

Diagnostic Medical SonographerExtern-Ultrasound Technologist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 13.4% Female, 86.6%Male, 14.9% Female, 85.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between diagnostic medical sonographer and extern-ultrasound technologist duties and responsibilities

Diagnostic medical sonographer example responsibilities.

  • Document studies in PACS and manage exams electronically.
  • Register by ARDMS in abdomen, OB/GYN, breast, neuro, and RVT (vascular).
  • Maintain the ultrasound room cleanliness.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the sonography rooms.
  • Perform duties for department QA, revenue/statistics, patient record keeping.
  • Perform abdominal, small part, obstetrics, gynecological, DVT, and carotid ultrasounds.
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Extern-ultrasound technologist example responsibilities.

  • Open and close department independently and also assist surgical staff by managing QC and providing radiopharmaceuticals as needed for procedures.
  • Assist the radiology physician in invasive procedures such as paracentesis, thoracentesis and biopsies.
  • Provide preparation and ultrasound guidance for invasive procedures such as paracentesis, thoracentesis, and biopsies.
  • Scan for procedures including amniocentesis and thyroid biopsy.
  • Assist in preparation for thoracentesis and amniocentesis procedures.
  • Perform transvaginal exams and assist in and prepare appropriate equipment for ultrasound guide amniocentesis to ensure efficiency of procedure.
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Diagnostic medical sonographer vs extern-ultrasound technologist skills

Common diagnostic medical sonographer skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • OB-GYN, 6%
  • Abdomen, 6%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 5%
Common extern-ultrasound technologist skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • OB, 9%
  • Thyroid, 8%
  • GYN, 6%
  • Color Doppler, 4%
  • Ultrasound Exams, 4%

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