Ultrasound Technician Vs. Licensed Practical Nurse

Posted on the 17 July 2012 by Pacificcollege @pacificcollege1

The ultrasound is one of the most significant medical inventions in human history. This device exposes a particular body part to high frequency sound waves, producing a moving image inside. This is normally used for pregnant women in determining the gender of their fetus, but is also used in determining diseases such as cancer. Learning how to operate the ultrasound is tricky and more complicated, which necessitates the operation of ultrasound tech schools to help people learn its operations. Two medical professions are important in operating the ultrasound.

Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound technicians are people who analyze, operate and file a particular ultrasound operation. They are responsible for explaining the procedures and body positions to the patient in order to facilitate a safer ultrasound process. In addition, they perform normal maintenance checks to the ultrasound machine and carry previous ultrasound records with them. An associate or bachelor’s degree in medical sonography is needed in order to become a licensed ultrasound technician. Most of the ultrasound tech schools provide courses of this nature to aspiring technicians. In addition, ultrasound technicians may also be able to expand their roles beyond operating ultrasound machines, such as researchers and administrators.

Licenses Practical Nurse
In contrast, a licensed practical nurse has broader responsibilities. They are responsible for recording a patient’s medical and illness history, administering immediate medical care, assisting in medical checkups, and providing round-the-clock observation for confined patients. In addition, they are here to provide both support and encouragement for the patient’s immediate family. They assist the ultrasound technician in evaluating a patient’s health condition. A one-year program in a nursing school is required to become an LPN, and if necessary, you may also earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which will help you become a registered nurse. However, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to be bestowed as such.

Ultrasound technicians usually earn more than licensed practical nurses due to their more complex nature of employment, although LPNs have a variety of roles that serve patients. Nevertheless, both roles are well-earned ones, and through experience and hard work, people who serve in either profession will be rewarded.