Can a Radiology Tech Do Ultrasounds? What to Know

If you’re already traveling as a rad tech, you’ve already done the hard part. New hospital, new team, new equipment — every 13 weeks. That adaptability is exactly what makes the next question worth asking.

Can you keep traveling and add ultrasound to what you do? Can you take contracts in both modalities, build two credential streams at once, and come out on the other side with more options than almost anyone else in the travel imaging market?

Yes. Here’s exactly how.

Start browsing Traveling Radiology Tech assignments and Traveling Ultrasound Tech Assignments now!

The Honest Trade-Offs for Travelers Adding This Credential

Most rad techs doing this are still running full travel contracts while they complete the program. That’s absolutely doable — plenty of Junxion travelers have done it — but it requires real planning. Back-to-back 13-week contracts plus coursework and clinical hours is a full schedule. Know that going in.

Clinical placements in high-demand specialties fill early. If OB/GYN or cardiac is where you want to land, apply to programs earlier than feels necessary. And as a traveler, think through your state licensing strategy before you start — getting credentialed in the right states upfront saves significant headaches when you’re trying to take contracts quickly.

None of this should slow you down. It’s just the information that makes the 12 months go the way you planned instead of the way you didn’t.

Why Traveling Rad Techs Are Adding Sonography Right Now

This comes up constantly among imaging travelers and it’s not hard to see why. The credential math just works.

The pay gap is real and it’s bigger in travel. Sonographers earn $10,000–$15,000 more per year than general X-ray techs on average according to BLS data. In travel contracts that gap widens because ultrasound specialties — cardiac, vascular, OB/GYN — are among the hardest positions for facilities to fill. When a hospital is short-staffed on ultrasound, they pay to solve it fast. Dual-credentialed travelers feel that directly in their weekly rate.

No radiation exposure. You’ve spent your career managing dose, distance, and shielding. Working without ionizing radiation is a genuinely different experience — for you and for your patients. Ultrasound rooms have a different energy. Patients are calmer. A lot of travelers who add the cert say they wish they’d done it sooner for this reason alone.

Sonography has lanes and travel demand in all of them. OB/GYN, vascular, cardiac, abdominal, musculoskeletal — each specialty has its own travel market, its own pay scale, and its own shortage pattern. Add one to your radiology background and you become the specific person a facility needs rather than one of many available imaging techs. That’s where real negotiating power comes from.

Your recruiter relationship changes. At Junxion we work with imaging professionals across all modalities. When a traveler comes to us dual-credentialed — rad tech plus sonography cert — the conversation is different from the start. More contracts are on the table, the rates are better, and the gaps between assignments get shorter. It’s not a subtle difference.

Can a Radiologic Technologist Do Ultrasounds — What the Training Path Looks Like

For traveling rad techs the path is more straightforward than most people expect.

Find a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program with a certificate track designed for allied health professionals. These programs are built for people with your background — one year, not two. You’ll cover ultrasound physics, OB/GYN scanning, vascular and abdominal imaging techniques, and complete your required clinical hours under a supervising sonographer.

When the hours are done you sit for certification. ARDMS is the most widely recognized credential. ARRT in Sonography and CCI are also accepted depending on your specialty and the states you plan to work in. Some states layer on a separate license requirement — check that before you pick a program so it doesn’t catch you off guard after you’ve already finished.

Twelve months of work. A credential that follows you for the rest of your travel career and opens doors in some of the most consistently short-staffed specialties in the country — while keeping every radiology contract option you already have.

When you’re ready to start exploring what dual-modality contracts look like, browse our open radiology and allied travel roles to see what the market looks like right now.

Why Would a Rad Tech Want to Switch to Sonography?

There are a few strong motivators for making this career move:

1. Better Pay

Ultrasound technologists typically earn more on average than general X-ray techs. In fact, according to recent BLS data, sonographers make around $10,000–$15,000 more per year.

2. Specialization

Sonography offers more defined specialty paths: OB/GYN, vascular, abdominal, cardiac, and even musculoskeletal ultrasound. This allows for more control over your work environment and patient demographics.

3. No Radiation

Some healthcare professionals prefer the non-ionizing nature of ultrasound. You’re not exposed to radiation, and many patients are more relaxed during these procedures.

4. Travel Potential

As a radiology ultrasound tech, your expanded skill set makes you even more valuable in the travel healthcare market. That means more choices, better contracts, and more negotiating power.

If you’re already a traveler or thinking about it, check out our active radiology tech travel jobs to see what’s open now.

How to Transition From Rad Tech to Sonographer: Step-by-Step

If you’re ready to take the leap from radiology to ultrasound, here’s what that roadmap usually looks like:

Step 1: Research Certificate Programs

Look for a CAAHEP-accredited diagnostic medical sonography program designed for allied health professionals. These programs usually last 12–18 months.

Step 2: Enroll and Complete Required Coursework

You’ll cover topics like:

• Physics of ultrasound
• OB/GYN scanning techniques
• Vascular imaging
• Abdomen and small parts

Step 3: Get Clinical Hours

Hands-on clinical experience is mandatory. You’ll work under a preceptor and log required hours to qualify for certification exams.

Step 4: Sit for Certification

Most employers require ARDMS, ARRT (S), or CCI credentials before hiring. Choose the certifying body based on your preferred specialty and where you plan to work.

Step 5: Apply for Jobs

Once certified, you can start applying for ultrasound roles, locally or as a traveler.

So if you’ve ever asked, can a rad tech become a sonographer? that’s your roadmap.

What’s the Demand Like for Sonographers?

Sonographers are in high demand across the U.S., especially in specialties like cardiac and OB/GYN. The job outlook is expected to grow 10–15% over the next decade, outpacing many other healthcare roles.

That’s why now is a smart time to explore whether you can be an ultrasound tech with a radiology degree—because the path is open, and the market is ready.

And if you’re already working and want to combine travel flexibility with career growth, take a look at our open travel RN and allied roles.

What Should You Consider Before Making the Switch?

While the idea of switching specialties is exciting, it’s not without trade-offs.

• Time & Cost: Even with a radiology background, you’ll need to invest 12–18 months in additional education.
• Cert Requirements Vary by State: Some states don’t require licensing, while others do. Make sure you check local laws.
• Clinical Placement May Be Competitive: Especially for popular specialties like OB/GYN.

But if you’re motivated, already experienced in imaging, and enjoy direct patient interaction, the switch can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make.

FAQs About Radiology and Ultrasound Technicians

Can a radiology tech do ultrasounds?

Yes, but they must complete a sonography program and earn certification, since ultrasound involves different imaging technology and techniques than radiology.

Can radiology techs do ultrasounds without certification?

No. Employers generally require certification from ARDMS, ARRT (S), or CCI. Practicing without credentials is illegal in many states and unsafe for patients.

Can a radiologic technologist do ultrasounds with on-the-job training?

Not typically. Most states and employers require formal sonography training and certification—even if you already have a radiology degree.

What’s the difference between radiology and ultrasound tech roles?

Radiology techs use radiation-based machines like X-rays and CT scanners. Ultrasound techs use sound waves to produce real-time images. Both assist in diagnosing patients but use completely different tools.

What’s the average salary for ultrasound techs vs radiologic techs?

Ultrasound techs earn about $10,000–$15,000 more per year on average. Salaries depend on experience, location, and specialty.

Is it hard to become a sonographer after being a rad tech?

It’s not hard, but it takes time. With a radiology background, you can fast-track through a 12–18 month certificate program and become certified quickly.

How fast can a radiology tech do ultrasounds?

If you already have a degree in radiologic technology, you can often complete a diagnostic medical sonography certificate in as little as 12 months. Some programs may be longer depending on clinical requirements and state regulations, but your imaging experience gives you a strong head start.

Are radiology and ultrasound technicians licensed the same way?

No. Radiologic technologists typically get certified by ARRT, while ultrasound techs are certified by ARDMS, CCI, or ARRT in Sonography.

Can you be an ultrasound tech with a radiology degree?

Yes. Your existing degree can be the foundation for enrolling in a 1-year sonography certificate program, making the career shift relatively smooth.