In terms of the number of annual job openings and earnings, which of
these two careers has better prospects during the next ten years?
(1) echocardiography
(2) invasive vascular technology Go to careerbuilder.com This website breaks down each occupation by growth, training, earnings, and othe vital stats.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
NATURE OF THE WORK
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments. Cardiovascular technologists may specialize in three areas of practice鈥攊nvasive cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular technology. Cardiovascular technicians who specialize in
electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, and Holter monitors are known as cardiographic, or EKG technicians.
JOB OUTLOOK
Employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Growth will occur as the population ages, because older people have a higher incidence of heart problems. Employment of vascular
technologists and echocardiographers will grow as advances in vascular technology and sonography reduce the need for more costly and invasive procedures. However, fewer EKG technicians will be needed, as hospitals train nursing aides and others to perform basic EKG procedures. Individuals trained in Holter monitoring and stress
testing are expected to have more favorable job prospects than are those who can perform only a basic EKG.
EARNINGS
Median annual earnings of cardiovascular technologists and technicians were $36,430 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,730 and $46,570. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,920, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $56,080. Median annual earnings of cardiovascular technologists and technicians in 2002 were $36,420 in offices of physicians and $35,800 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
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http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
NATURE OF THE WORK
Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments. Besides the familiar x ray, another common diagnostic imaging method is magnetic resonance imaging, which uses giant magnets that create radio waves, rather than radiation, to form an image. Not all imaging technologies use ionizing radiation or radio waves, however. Sonography, or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Many people associate sonography with obstetrics and the viewing of the fetus in the womb, but this technology has many other
applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
JOB OUTLOOK
Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012 as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. In addition to job openings due to growth, some job openings will arise from the need to replace sonographers who leave the occupation permanently.
Opportunities should be favorable because sonography is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures, as patients seek safer treatment methods. Unlike most diagnostic imaging methods, sonography does not involve radiation, so harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are rarer for both the
patient and the sonographer. Sonographic technology is expected to evolve rapidly and to spawn many new sonography procedures, such as 3D-sonography for use in obstetric and ophthalmologic diagnosis.
However, high costs may limit the rate at which some promising new technologies are adopted.
EARNINGS
Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers were $48,660 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,420 and $56,020 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,800, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,680. Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers in 2002 were $50,390 in offices ofphysicians and $47,530 in hospitals. |
