Diagnostic Medical Sonographer vs Physical Therapy Technician
Thinking about a career in healthcare? With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which path is right for you. Two exciting options—Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Physical Therapy Technician—offer rewarding ways to help others, but their roles, salaries, and career outlooks differ.
In this blog, we’ll break down these careers step-by-step to help you figure out which one matches your goals and interests.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Formal education through accredited programs (1–4 years).
- Certification via ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography).
- Ongoing education to keep up with advancements in technology.
Physical Therapy Technician
- High school diploma and short-term training programs.
- On-the-job training in most cases.
- Certification may not be required but can improve job prospects.
Career Outlook and Salary
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- The career outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is promising, with a projected growth rate of 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- This growth is primarily due to the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging procedures as the population ages.
- The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $84,470 in May 2023, higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.
Physical Therapy Technician
- The career outlook for physical therapy technicians is also positive, with a projected growth rate of 25 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- This growth is driven by the increasing demand for physical therapy services as the population ages and people seek treatment for chronic conditions and injuries.
- The median annual wage for physical therapy technicians was $64,080 in May 2023, lower than the median annual wage for all occupations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between these two careers depends on whether you’re drawn to technology and diagnostics or hands-on patient care and rehabilitation.
💡 Pro Tip: Think about your strengths—are you detail-oriented and tech-savvy, or do you prefer active, people-focused roles?
Ready to start exploring programs? Dreambound offers training options to help you take the first step toward your dream career.
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Joanna Paragas is part of the Growth team at Dreambound. Her primary role involves creating various automation to streamline workflows and make tasks more efficient for the entire team. Beyond her professional endeavors, Joanna enjoys spending her free time playing with her dogs and enhancing her knowledge by enrolling in online courses.
