What Is An Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer or just a sonographer, uses what is called an ultrasound scanner to examine the inner organs of the body, as well as tissues and blood flow. Ultrasound scanners are comprised of a computer console with peripheral electronics and a video display and what is called a transducer, the handheld device that is applied to the body and sends out the sound waves. The resulting images immediately show up on the video display in real time.

There are several specialties for ultrasound technician careers. While ultrasound is most commonly associated with pregnancy, wherein the obstetric and gynecologic sonographer takes a real-time image of the fetus to assess its development and health, there are several other fields from which you can choose. An abdominal sonographer looks inside the abdominal area to view the kidneys, liver, gall bladder, bile ducts, pancreas and spleen. An ultrasound technician who specializes in breast Sonography works in tandem with the mammography department to detect breast cancer and track the progression of breast cancer tumors.

Ultrasound TechnicianYou might also specialize in musculoskeletal Sonography, which is 1 of the fastest-growing areas of expertise in the field, focusing on muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. This is useful for sports injuries and pinpointing abnormalities, as well as guiding therapies. Neurosonographers specialize in the nervous system and brain. Their work diagnoses strokes, brain tumors, fluid build-up and vascular problems.

There are also a number of modes of sonography, all of which you should learn in ultrasound technician school. The most commonly used is A Mode, where a single line is scanned through the body. B Mode uses more lines, creating a 2D image. C Mode combines these, using A Mode for gathering data and B Mode for scanning the findings. M Mode is used in tandem with either A or B and creates video of the image. The Doppler Mode, which has a variety of types including Trans cranial, Color and Continuous, allows for the view of blood flow. Pulse Inversion is used for viewing internal gasses.

WORKING AS AN ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN

Jobs Available

There are several ultrasound technician jobs that you can choose from. The most recognizable is the obstetric and gynecological sonographer, who performs ultrasounds during pregnancy to assess the health and development of the fetus. They also use Sonography to diagnose a number of gynecologic issues.

Abdominal sonographers look inside the abdominal cavity and pelvis to assess organs like the kidneys, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and spleen. By using the Doppler Mode, they can also view blood flow. The imaging helps diagnose conditions like appendicitis, liver enlargement, kidney stones, gallstones and tumors.

Breast sonographers work in complement with mammography’s and are able to use Sonography to detect cancers that mammography can miss.

Neurosonographers assess the central nervous system and brain so that physicians can diagnose strokes, brain tumors, fluid build-up and vascular problems.

Musculoskeletal sonographers, who are seeing high job growth, image muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. Their work is used in sports medicine and can detect abnormalities with great precision. They can also guide therapies, such as needles for drainage, with accuracy.

Job Duties

The duties of your ultrasound tech job will vary depending on your field, but you should expect to take patient histories, explain the procedure and answer questions. This can be difficult as your patients might be nervous, frightened or very ill or injured. You will prepare the patient by positioning them and applying the gel that allows the sound waves to operate.

You will then perform the initial analysis of the image, checking to see that the physician will have every view needed to make a diagnosis and that each image is clear. Your training will teach you to identify abnormalities and you will be expected to present the doctor with an initial assessment. Finally, you will record the findings and maintain patient records.

Job Outlook

Ultrasound technology jobs are some of the fastest growing in medicine. Sonography allows for a level of diagnosis and treatment previously unavailable and is mostly noninvasive, which improves both treatment and patient comfort. Good ultrasound techs are particularly needed to treat the expanding aging population, who experience more injuries, blood clots and tumors. The expectation is that the need for sonographers will grow 44% by 2020.

Pay

The median ultrasound tech salary is $68,900. A starting wage, depending on region, workplace and your experience, can be as low as $44,000, but if you do good work and gain further specialties, you can soon command a higher wage. Top salaries in the field are over $88,500.

HOW TO BECOME AN ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN

The most common degree level ultrasound techs earn is a 2-year associate’s degree. You can also earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree, which will position you to work in a higher-level role as a professional ultrasound tech. There are also 1-year certificates available, but employers will only consider this qualification if you have cross-trained and have already been working in medicine. If you have a degree in radiologic technology or nursing, you might be hired to learn Sonography on the job.

You may also have to earn professional certification in your chosen specialty. Some states will also require a license. You will have to do research to determine what your region expects so that you are prepared for your job search. Once you are practicing, you will also need to take regular continuing education to maintain certification.

Types of Classes

Accredited programs will offer different courses, but you can expect to study monographic images, the abdomen and small organs, obstetric and gynecological ultrasound, vascular ultrasound and ultrasound physics and instrumentation. One of your most important classes will be patient care, which will prepare you for a lot of situations that you will encounter in medicine.

You will also do clinical training and can expect to do at least 1 rotation in each field of Sonography. Most programs will arrange your clinical schedule for you, although if you wish to find your own internship, that option might be available.

Some schools offer didactic education online, but learning to become an ultrasound technician from home should only be pursued if your schedule allows for no other option. Ultrasound techs who have taken coursework online are becoming more accepted by employers, but unless you are cross-training, you will likely find it more beneficial to take campus-based classes.

CONCLUSION

The fast-growing field of Sonography means that good ultrasound technicians who have trained in accredited programs are in demand. You should attend a school that offers clinical rotations in several fields so that you can choose the specialty you enjoy the most.

What To Look For In Ultrasound Technician Programs

A top ultrasound technician program must be properly accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. A program that has been given formal accreditation will give you the best didactic and clinical education. Whether you are doing a 1-year certificate program as part of a cross-training scheme, or earning an associates, bachelors or master’s degree, prospective employers will expect you to have attended 1 of the many accredited ultrasound technician programs in the nation. For those whose schedule or responsibilities make distance learning a better option, there are some online ultrasound technician programs available. Though this option is growing in popularity, you are more likely to get the most benefit from a traditional campus-based education.

ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

As of 2012, there are 84 programs in the U.S. that offer 1-year ultrasound technician certificate programs, but these should really only be considered if you are cross-training from another medical field. When you are looking for a certification program, you should consider opportunities to perform clinical rotations, take formal coursework in Sonography and receive solid training in health and safety procedures.

Clinical Rotations

For any degree level, the best ultrasound technician training programs will always include a number of rotations. At the very least, you should work in obstetrics and gynecology, vascular and abdominal Sonography as part of your program, but it is better if you perform a few more rotations as well. This will make you more marketable once you have graduated, as well as allowing you to see what you are best at and what you most enjoy, which will be helpful when you choose your first specialty.

Didactic Courses in Sonography

Even if you have been working as a nurse or radiology technician, you should still look for an ultrasound tech program that demands 8 hours a week of classroom work. You will need to master the physics of all the equipment and the intricacies of the various forms of Sonography. The more you learn in class, the more ready you will be to jump in feet first when you start the job.

Health and Safety Discussions

Medical professionals already know the importance of maintaining their own health at work, but an ultrasound tech program should include at least an overview of what you will need to do to keep yourself healthy in this field. That will include how to use safety gear and how to monitor any radiation to which you might be exposed. You will also be expected to be fit, as you must be able to push and pull an 800-pound machine, bend, kneel, squat and lift patients on and off tables.

ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN ASSOCIATES DEGREE PROGRAMS

Ultrasound tech associates degree programs are by far the most common education level in this field. When you are choosing a school, you should know that the best ultrasound tech programs offer include clinical rotations, opportunities to get first-hand patient care experience, coursework in psychology and communication skills training.

Clinical Rotations

The more rotations you do in training, the better an ultrasound technician you will be from your first day. Look for an ultrasound technician program that offers 4 or more rotations throughout your 2 years of study. If you have time, you might want to seek an extra rotation either through your program or as an externship. Employers are looking for candidates with the most experience, and this will help you to secure a higher salary as well.

Patient Care

Patient care is arguably the most important aspect of your job. Successful treatment will in part depend on you and your imaging. You will be expected to take patient histories, explain the procedure and answer any questions. Your patients might be frightened, skeptical, seriously ill or traumatized. It is vital that you learn how to work with people of all ages and backgrounds so that you can help them get well.

Psychology

A top program will require that you take at least a few courses in psychology. While you are learning how to image the inside of bodies, you will do better work if you understand their brains and psyches. Patients who are embarrassed about their condition or nervous might not tell you the whole truth, or they might be hostile. If you understand how to read their mood and behavior, you will do a better job of being able to communicate with them to achieve the optimum result.

Communication

While mastering strong communication skills is obviously necessary for working effectively with patients, it is also vital for working with the rest of your medical team. It can be more challenging to communicate with the doctors than with patients. If you understand a variety of communication techniques before you begin work, you will settle in more comfortably and advance more quickly.

ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN BACHELORS AND MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMS

There are only 27 bachelor’s degree programs and 2 master’s degree programs accredited by CAAHEP, and nearly none are online ultrasound technician programs. Things to look for when opting to do a higher degree are clinical rotations and lab coursework, classes that pose real-world scenarios and opportunities to conduct research or perform independent study.

Clinical Rotations and Labs

For higher degree work, you will already have some experience in the field. Continuing to perform clinical work will keep you involved as well as teach you the most advanced levels of Sonography. Students who take higher degrees in the field are those expecting to go into research and teaching, so it is important that they stay fresh and focused.

Courses in Practical Problems

When you first begin work in Sonography, you will encounter concerns and imperfections with the equipment and the imaging. For higher degree work, you will discuss the issues that Sonography was designed to treat in addition to problems within the Sonography field and ways that the discipline can grow. Understanding the problems inherent in the field will give you valuable source material for choosing a research subject.

Research and Independent Study

For master’s degree students, and even some bachelor’s degree students, research is a critical part of the course of study. You will be expected to research and write 1 or more papers that will contribute to the discussion of the discipline and how it might further develop. This will also prepare you for teaching and consultation work. While it is usually not required, you may be encouraged to join a few professional associations, especially the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Ultrasound Technician Certificate

A certificate is a non-degree program that usually lasts less than 2 years and provides you with the requisite training for an entry-level job as an ultrasound technician. Because most people who pursue this route already have medical training and knowledge, they do not require the same intense study of an ultrasound technology associates degree program. Successful completion of an ultrasound tech certificate program, along with your first degree, will be enough to prove to a potential employer that you are worth hiring.

A certificate in ultrasound technology can be earned from a number of accredited colleges, but this course is only recommended if you are cross-training from a related medical field, such as radiology or nursing. Here is some information that might help you assess a potential program:

TIME TO COMPLETE

ultrasound technician certificatesBecause you will already have a medical background, you can expect to complete an ultrasound technician certificate program in about 1 year. Some programs might last 14 months. You will also need to factor in time to sit for your board exams, which will vary depending on the schedule in your state. If you require further certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the appropriate professional organization for your specialty, that will demand extra time as well.

NUMBER OF SCHOOLS

There are 98 schools in the U.S. offering either a diploma or certificate, or both, which are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). It is critical that you select an accredited ultrasound technician certificate program if you want to be considered for the best jobs. There are only 2 online ultrasound tech certificate programs that have received accreditation. While this number might be expected to grow, online coursework is really only useful for didactic work. You will be better served looking for a campus-based program that accommodates your schedule needs.

AVERAGE COST

Costs of ultrasound technician certificate programs can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars (especially if you are a resident of the state) to $15,000 per year. You will also need to factor in the cost of the application fees to take your exams. However, once you have achieved your certification, you will be able to command a much higher salary, so do not be deterred from an excellent program because of cost concerns.

COURSE OF STUDY

Most ultrasound technician certificate programs will have the same curriculum, combining study in sonography and ultrasound equipment physics with clinical lab work. As most people in this program will already have medical training, basics such as patient care may not be one of the requirements. You can expect to study abdominal, OB/GYN and vascular sonography and practice them in the clinic. You will master precision, accuracy and the ability to read images for abnormalities.

COMMON PROFESSIONS

A certificate in ultrasound tech will allow you to start practicing sonography at a hospital or other healthcare facility. You may only be eligible to work in 1 or 2 areas at first, depending on the program, but you will have the foundation you need to learn on the job and gain further certifications. The more experience you have, the higher a salary you can command.

CONCLUSION

Certificates in ultrasound tech are generally only earned by those cross-training into ultrasound from another medical field. You can obtain a certificate in about 1 year and begin working in basic sonography departments. You will have the foundation to train on the job in more advanced techniques. If you are interested in pursuing further education in the field, associates degree and ultrasound tech bachelors degree programs are available as well.

Advice For Students Studying In Online Ultrasound Technician Programs

If you are in an online ultrasound technician training program, the most important thing is to practice as much hands-on work as you possibly can. Your clinical work will be assessed much more closely if your ultrasound tech courses are completed online, so you must be able to really prove yourself on the job. You should only consider ultrasound technician online training programs that are properly accredited. Anything further you can do to improve your skills and knowledge, as well as prove that you are fit and able, will help you secure a great job as an ultrasound technician.

Employers have a hard time accepting a degree earned through an ultrasound technician online training program. An on-campus program is considered the best way to learn the ropes due to the physical nature of the work. Whether you are cross-training into sonography with a certificate, earning an associates degree or furthering your career with a bachelors or a masters degree, the expectations are the same: you must get the hands-on experience demanded to be able to excel in the profession.

Employers know that some ultrasound technician online training programs will not assist you in securing clinical rotation placements. You will be judged on your initiative to both get your own top clinical position and then go the extra distance within your rotations. If you do this, you can position yourself as a top applicant for most jobs.

Online Ultrasound Technician ProgramsFor any degree, you should only consider accredited online ultrasound technician programs. Consult the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to find an accredited program that will suit you. Going above and beyond will always help convince employers to hire you. An online ultrasound tech training program will not necessarily demand that you prove physical fitness and stamina required for the job. Therefore, undertaking an extra rotation handling the heaviest equipment or specializing in the least mobile patients will indicate to employers that you are a quality candidate. The initiative you demonstrate in taking on more rotations than your program requires will also impress an employer, who will always be looking for candidates with the most experience and willingness to learn more.

For any student, it can be useful to join 1 or more of the professional organizations for those in sonography. For those in ultrasound technology online training programs, it will demonstrate a seriousness and professionalism that employers might otherwise doubt. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is the standard membership organization. You might also join a society based on your specialty. Such membership will also offer job advice and boards to which you would otherwise not have access, giving you yet another leg up into the field.

CONCLUSION

Enrolling in ultrasound technician programs online can place you at a disadvantage in your job search, but you can go a long way toward overcoming employer concerns about distance learning if you can prove you have excellent clinical experience.

If your clinical supervisors rave about your ability, initiative, attention to detail and patient care, you will become a top candidate for jobs. You can improve your job outlook by making connections through membership in the appropriate professional organizations, further displaying your initiative, dedication and professionalism. In addition, if you earn ultrasound technician certification, you may be able to boost your resume even with an online degree.

Ultrasound Technician Careers

A career as a sonography technologist provides a high degree of job security, because changes in the economy have a minimal impact on those who provide healthcare services. Sonography jobs are particularly secure because nearly every field of medicine relies on sonography imaging examinations to provide diagnostic information. Sonographers are members on the healthcare team whose services will be in demand by an increasingly older population. The U.S. population is aging and will require an array of complex healthcare services. According to the U.S. Census Bureau projections, by 2030 adults aged 65 and over are expected to constitute 20% of the total U.S. population, and they will require the specialized imaging services such as those provided by sonography technologists.

There are many kinds of imaging examinations that may be used to diagnose medical conditions; but of these, sonography is considered the most “patient-friendly”. Ultrasound, unlike x-ray examinations, does not involve any radiation exposure and is rapidly being hailed as the best examination for imaging pediatric patients and pregnant women. Also, in many cases, sonography is less expensive than an x-ray or radiologic examination.

Employment Benefits for Sonographers

While hospitals will continue to be the principal employer of sonography technologists, the demand for sonography staff will also increase in outpatient clinics, physician’s offices and wellness centers. All of these organizations typically provide a wide range of employee benefits such as medical and dental insurance coverage, retirement plan, vacation and sick leave, tuition benefits, parking, uniform allowance, and continuing education reimbursement.

Sonographers are considered important members of a multi-disciplinary team that is dedicated to providing quality medical care. Working in such a team environment provides sonographers with opportunities to meet others with similar medical education and training and promotes professional collaboration and friendships.

A career in sonography also allows individuals to have a flexible schedule and freedom to move to another geographic location without fear of “not finding a job.” One of the benefits of a career in sonography is that a qualified technologist has a choice about how they want to work. Such flexibility includes work that is available as full-time, part-time, temporary, or locum tenens (that is, short-term jobs filling in for others, sometimes for only a few days at a time).

Career Risks in Sonography

A sonographer performs his or her daily duties while standing, walking and using upper body strength to transfer and position patients for examinations. A person considering career in sonography should be healthy and should not have any condition that compromises his or her immunity to common germs. Individuals who have a chronic medical condition may not be best suited for the career.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare workers, especially sonographers, are at greater risk of on-the-job injury than many other occupations. A recent study by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography indicates that more than 80% of sonographers experience some degree of work-related injury during their professional careers. The study concluded that these injuries are directly related to individual ergonomic scanning practices, such as poor or incorrect posture. OSHA and sonography professional organizations support equipment designs that will relieve these risks, and educational programs have been developed to educate sonographers about best practices to protect themselves from work-related injuries.

Career Specializations in Sonography

One of the greatest advantages to a career in sonography is the ability to continue to advance and learn new skills. The opportunity to add new skills or specialized competencies is virtually unlimited. Qualified general sonographers may have an interest in additional training in the following specific areas.

Breast Ultrasound

Breast sonography provides images to further assess an abnormality identified on a mammogram. It is used to evaluate palpable breast abnormalities and further characterize the mass as either solid or cystic. Breast sonography requires that the technologist have comprehensive knowledge about breast anatomy and physiology. Breast sonographers also participate in interventional breast examinations, which requires skills in sterile technique, surgical treatment and changes to the breast.

Obstetrics and Gynecological Ultrasound

Obstetrics and gynecology sonography provides images of the female reproductive system and is used to evaluate a wide range of disorders and diseases. Sonography is frequently used during pregnancy. First trimester sonography examination is used to visualize the mother’s pelvic structures and certain fetal structures. First trimester sonography is also used to determine gestation age of the fetus, evaluate the baby’s cardiac activity, and to confirm the number of fetuses. Second and third trimester sonography examinations are performed to diagnose complications and anomalies that might require medical intervention.

Vascular Sonography

Vascular sonography is used to evaluate blood flow and to detect abnormalities that may impede circulation. Vascular ultrasound technologists must have advanced knowledge of arterial and venous hemodynamics to obtain quality images. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) considers vascular sonography a post-primary category of certification. The ARRT designates primary pathways to vascular sonography as satisfactory attainment of radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, sonography, or magnetic resonance imaging certification. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) provides credentialing in vascular technology and provides several avenues for attainment of the registration credential. The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) also administers an examination for cardiac sonographer, vascular specialist, and phlebotomy sonographer.

Cardiac Ultrasound

Cardiac sonography provides images of the heart and its valves and chambers. Cardiac sonographers work closely with cardiologists and interventional radiologists to diagnose heart failure, vessel blockage, and infarction.

Abdominal Sonography

Abdominal sonography provides images that assist in evaluation of organs within the abdominal cavity such as the kidneys, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, bile duct, and male reproductive organs.

Neurosonography

Neurosonography is used to diagnose disorder of the nervous system, which includes scanning the brain and the spinal cord.

Ophthalmologic Sonography

Ophthalmologic sonography provides images of the eye to diagnose and track tumors, blood supply conditions, separated retinas, and other surrounding tissue. Ophthalmologic sonography is also used when accurate measurement of the eye is needed for prosthetic lenses.

Ultrasound Technician Jobs In USA

Employment Outlook for Sonography Technologists and Ultrasound Technicians
The outlook for employment for sonography technologists, including ultrasound technicians, is expected to be faster than average. The field is experiencing rapid growth. One obvious sign of this growth is the industry’s transition from the job title Ultrasound Technician to the broader job title Sonography Technologist or Sonographer. Both jobs are rooted in the same principles, but Sonography Technologist reflects the growing variety of jobs and specialties in the ultrasound imaging field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 18% through 2018 which is faster than the average for all occupations. The reason for this explosion in the demand for sonography services is the increasing age of the U.S. population. Also, due to the increasing cost of imaging services, it is expected that healthcare providers will utilize ultrasound imaging as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to ionizing radiation examinations. Innovative changes in ultrasound imaging technology is expected, which may provide ways to examine body areas that were not previously accessible. Changes in equipment design that focuses on smaller, hand-held sonography imaging devices will also permit examinations to be performed in geographic areas that might not have previously been possible. All of these factors – aging population, the cost-effectiveness of sonography vs. other examinations, and advances in ultrasound technology – are leading to an increased demand for medical sonographers.

Hospitals have traditionally been the principal employer of sonography technologists. But with innovative design changes in sonography imaging equipment and less expensive sonography systems, it is expected that the use of sonography will increase in doctors’ offices and in medical and diagnostic laboratories. Healthcare reform and other changes in the way medical care is reimbursed are expected to drive healthcare toward outpatient services. Thus, the need for highly skilled professionals such as sonographers is expected to increase in outpatient healthcare organizations, meaning there will be more jobs for sonographers, and those jobs will increasingly be outside of hospitals.

The outlook for job opportunities for sonographers is expected to remain favorable. This comes from job openings due to increasing demand for ultrasound imaging examinations but also from jobs that arise from the need to replace sonographers who leave the occupation, retrain for other careers, or retire.

Unique Sonography Jobs

Traveling Techs

Sonographers who make a career out of taking temporary jobs, whether the U.S. or overseas, are referred to as “travelers” or “traveling techs.” Although each story about a traveling tech is different, all travelers have some common traits. The number one commonality is that they enjoy traveling, seeing new places and working with diverse people. Travelers love adventure and adapting to new environments and work conditions. Flexibility is essential for success in traveling medical sonography jobs, as some assignments may last longer than the usual three-month term. Often, a traveling sonographer holds several certifications, such as sonography, radiography and computed tomography. By having multi-modality certification, sonography technologists who want to travel can sometimes pick the prime locations, like Hawaii or a spot at the beach in Florida or California. A disadvantage of being a traveling sonographer, for some, might be the time spent away from family and friends.

Mobile Sonographers

Mobile sonography jobs are available for those who have the requirements to fulfill the obligations of the position. Holding down a job as a mobile sonographer often requires the technologist to drive the van, secure the van on location, and transport the patient to the van (when the sonography machine is installed on the van). Some mobile sonographers use portable sonography machines that are rolled off of the van and into a nursing home, clinic or a patient’s home. Patients confined to a nursing home, assisted living facility and or their own home often need a sonography examination, however, they cannot be transported to a hospital or radiology clinic. Portable sonography equipment that is transported via a van to the patient is the solution to such dilemmas.

Bedside Sonographers

Bedside sonography typically refers to imaging examinations performed while the patient is in a bed or confined to a hospital room, intensive care unit or cardiac-care unit. Mobile sonography examinations have proven useful in hospital settings (emergency room, surgery and bedside) when the patient’s condition does not permit transport to the imaging department. In the battlefield, during war and conflict, mobile sonography equipment has served the imaging needs of wounded soldiers. The clinical and environmental challenges that confront technologists in performing mobile ultrasound sonography require creative adaptation in routine positioning and selection of technical exposure factors. The need for unique adaptations in positioning and technical factors, additional projections in mobile sonography poses challenges to even the most experienced technologist.

Job Advancement in Medical Sonography

The potential for job advancement in sonography imaging is virtually unlimited, especially for those willing to accept new challenges and expanded roles within healthcare organizations. One way to gain advancement in medical imaging is to obtain competency in more than one specialty. After completing initial education and certification, most sonographers are generalists, meaning that they have not specialized in one particular area of ultrasound imaging. One avenue for a general sonographer to advance on the job is to seek additional training in breast ultrasound and to take the competency examination to gain certification status. By being both a generalist and a breast-imaging specialist, sonographers can broaden his or her job opportunities and increases their marketability. Others may find advancement by becoming qualified in sonography specialty areas that are rapidly growing. Employment of cardiovascular sonography technologists is expected to increase 24% through the year 2019, which is much faster than average. This rapid increase will most likely outpace the number or qualified cardiovascular sonography technologists creating a vast employment opportunity.

Also, sonographers may through training acquire multiple credentials. For example, being both a registered radiologic technologist and a registered sonographer increases one’s value to potential employers who might be trying to ensure coverage for several imaging areas within the hospital or clinic. Assuming additional responsibility within the imaging department is another way to gain job advancement. Supervisory, managerial, and administrative positions with the healthcare organization are a pathway to advancement for sonography technologists. Sonography technologists may also find employment in sonography training programs as instructors or supervisors overseeing the clinical instruction of students.

Ultrasound Technician Job Responsibilities

The following will be the ultrasound technical job brief description which should always be study prior to deciding to fill up this career within the health care industry. The education qualification is that you simply need to complete a training accredited, which can be typically from 1 to 4 years at 4 year associations (a bachelor’s degree) and even local community colleges and universities (2 Year Associate’s College Degree).

In case you currently have past healthcare working experience, typically the one-year certification is perfect for you. Before you begin earning money, your academic program must include things like training in interpretation of ultrasound pictures, though most teaching lessons take place at your work place because you are tutored by the physician as well as a highly skilled ultrasound specialist. According to your knowledge, the education might last a couple of weeks or a several months.

Primary Duties For Ultrasound Technical assistant

Ultrasound Technician Job ResponsibilitiesUltrasound specialist is liable for creating images for patients inner body organs and bones and also blood vessels when it comes to detecting abnormalities within the body that get the sufferers at risk from getting harmful conditions. He / she gives the ultrasound lab tests but he / she also looks strongly at them and after that analyzes the final results with patients. In some cases the ultrasound technical assistant may create a treatment strategy and recommend the sufferer to a different specialist for the treatment.

Ultrasound Technical Assistant Job Outline

Typically the very first step is to sign up for an associates college degree program with expertise in allied overall health or ultrasound technologies, and once you decide to do this you will get certified simply by registering with the American Diagnostics Medical Sonographer Associations and even after a couple of weeks you would take their accreditation exams. Getting authorized allows you to look more appealing to employers along with your income could improve.

Get Updated Healthcare Information

The ultrasound specialist as well handles an arranged databases of medical related information so that they can quickly identify and even view these types of record or simply share associated with patients whenever they visit him or her for check-ups. This is very important because if medical related records aren’t kept appropriately, the technician will make errors whenever tracking patients up-to-date information and even including it in to the system.

Exactly where Ultrasound Technicians Mostly Work In USA?

All of us know that ultrasound professionals work in hospital however you can find them in various other places. You will discover ultrasound technicians in private centers, local community centres that offer free of charge healthcare to very low revenue families, nursing facilities, and some act as traveling ultrasound professionals. The income for the areas can vary and in normal private hospitals hire whole lot more ultrasound professionals than any other recruiters.

Bottom line

Whenever you work as a good ultrasound specialist, you assist in saving lives of sufferers and then you’re able to explore the medical issues they may have so the sufferer should receive treatment as quickly as possible. If you need to become a good ultrasound specialist, you should ensure that you have the concern, determination and endurance required to do that type of work. You should also possess solid communication abilities, writing abilities and focus on details. Find advisors who are ultrasound specialists and you can locate them in campus and even where you exactly do your internships. Study hard in the ultrasound specialist courses to get training because you advance with your career.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Job Description

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work under the instruction of the doctor and physicians. Diagnostic Sonographers use special kind of imaging equipment that redirect the sound waves into the patient’s body and this process known as “ultrasound”,  “echocardiogram”. Results of this process are used for the assessment and diagnose various medical situations.

Ultrasound process uses high frequency sound waves for produce images. Sonographers work is press the instrument called a transducer. This ultrasound transducer is used to produce the image of the patient’s body. This transudes emits the pulses of the sound wave that are bounce back due to the echoes. The echoes are sent back to the ultrasound machine and, which processes further and display them as images. Medical Sonographers are specialized in different part of the body

Diagnostic medical Sonographers typically perform following duties.

  1. Prepare all the patients for the procedure by taking all the previous history of patient, and answering the entire question related to the procedure.
  2. Prepare all the imaging equipment.
  3. Apply proper gel to the sound waves. It will help in the procedure, and also helpful for the machine.
  4. Operates all the equipment to get the result for proper diagnosis process.
  5. Analyze all the images for the quality and adequate coverage of the area which is require for the diagnosis process.
  6. Finding out the difference between normal and abnormal images.
  7. Analyze all images for the preliminary findings.
  8. Record finding and keep track of all old patient’s’ record as well as update it time to time.

Here we’ve example of specific types of Sonographers:-

1. Abdominal Sonographers:- Abdominal Sonographers specialized in imaging a patient’s cavity near by the organs inside the abdomen. Like: – liver, kidney, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen etc.

2. Breast Sonographers:- Breast Sonographers specialized in evaluating patient’s breast tissue. Sonography aids mammography in the detection of the diseases breast cancer. Sonography of breast is used to track cysts and tumors in breast cancer.

3. Musculoskeletal Sonographers:- These Sonographers specialized in ligaments, joints, muscles etc.

4. Neuro Sonographers:- specialize in patient’s nervous system.

5. Gynecologic Sonographers:- specialize in female reproductive system

According to a survey 71% medical Sonographers worked in hospital in 2014, and other worked in private industry. Health care centers. Sonographers mostly do their work at diagnostic imaging machines in dimly rooms. Sonographers may have to be on their feet for long time and sometimes may need to lift the unconscious patients.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Work Environment

Diagnostic Sonographers work in the field of medical and their works are generating images with different sound waves for patients, and these generated images are used for assessment and analysis of various medical situation. Sonography is mainly associated with the obstetrics and for the fetus in the womb. But it is used for many other diagnoses like abdomen, heart, breast, vessels etc.

Sonography is an amazing medical invention for diagnosis any body problem. Sonography is just like MRI, and x-ray.

What is Sonography:

Sonography is the basic process for diagnose the problem related to abdomen heart, vessel, female reproductive system, pelvis, prostate etc, basically ultrasound produce some visual picture of the inner organs, tissues, and flow of the blood inside the human body. Medical Sonographers are the person who provides these services to the patients with the help of “ultrasound” (it is sound waves which produce some high frequency images of internal structure of the human body.) Sonographers works under the instruction of the doctor or the physician

What is the Job of Sonographers:

Main job of Sonographers is to provide services to the patients in a variety of medical settings and all over the physician are responsible for all the procedures. Assisting physician and collect all the data which is helpful for the diagnosis process. All the record of patient’s history is updated by the Sonographers.

Sonographers average salary is 60,000$ to 70,000$ Per Annum. Generally Sonographers are employed in hospitals, clinic, private industry etc.

Working environment:

Most of the medical diagnostic Sonographers work in the hospital, some of the Sonographers work under the physicians at physician’s office. Most of the Sonographers work about 40 hours in a week.

Educational Programs:

Length of the program is between 1 to 4 years and it includes all the degree courses like certificate, associate, baccalaureate etc. Applicants applying for 1 year degree program must qualified in clinically allied health profession for medical Sonographers. Applicants applying for 2 year degree program graduate with the educational background like algebra, science, and physics, communication skill, basic science, biological science etc. Skills of Sonographers include potential skill, learning skill, critical thinking skill, instruction skill, active listening skill etc.

AAS Degree:

Associate of applied science in diagnostic Sonography and associate degree of applied science in echocardiography are basically design to prepare all the graduates for the employment in some health care centers, clinic, private industry etc.

Ultrasound Technician Salary In 2015/2016

The gross annual salary for the employment title of Ultrasound Technician may possibly vary based on many factors which includes industry, organization size, area, many years of working experience and education level. Our expert team of Skilled Compensation Experts has examined survey data gathered through thousands of HUMAN RESOURCES departments at organizations in all sizes and even industries to provide this range with yearly salary for people today with the employment title Ultrasound Technician in the USA.

An ultrasound technician salary during 2016 may range around $44,500 and $88,000 along with the average around $70,900. A profession as an ultrasound specialist is fascinating and offers an encouraging future along with wonderful benefits and pay. Probably the most appealing things about turning out to be an ultrasound specialist is the little bit of education needed. Many universities offer training program that can easily be accomplished in just a year or even less. Obviously, the more knowledge and training an individual complete may also bring an improved salary. Your knowledge aspirations should certainly match your job goals in USA.


Find the Best Ultrasound Technician Schools Today (It’s Fast & Free – 2 Steps Only)

Get Your Degree!

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.

Powered by Campus Explorer

Invest 2min. into your Future right NOW, it’s FAST & really 100% FREE – so get your Information Package NOW (fill above) & have a Fantastic Life!!

The career of ultrasound technicians is really a growing health and fitness sector and is a top demand job. To become competitive in your job market, you must have the highest quality and maximum level knowledge available to get yourself a much better ultrasound tech salary. As with numerous medical related and technical professions, there is continuous training so each technical assistant will stay updated with any kind of changes within the industry.

Thеѕе are thе medical fields thаt provided thе highest levels оf employment salaries fоr these occupation, thеir rеѕресtivе ave. annual incomes are:

  • General Medical аnd Surgical Hospitals – $66,790
  • Offices оf Physicians – $66,700
  • Medical аnd Diagnostic Laboratories – $64,300
  • Outpatient Care Centers – $72,000
  • Colleges, Universities, аnd Professional Schools – $74,900

Location-wise, thеѕе wеrе thе states thаt provided thе highest employment salaries fоr thе ultrasound occupation:

  • California – $86,000
  • Florida – $58,000
  • Texas – $64,000
  • Nеw York – $66,000
  • Pennsylvania – $58,000

Thе stated figures involve thе mоѕt comprehensive statistics till writing this article. Thе numbers showed a steady trend thаt continues uр tо thе present in 2016.

The income of a good ultrasound technical assistant will depend on the area of work. A big healthcare facility provides the means to offers better income so that they can catch the attention of more knowledgeable and qualified job pool compared to a smaller physician’s workplace. However, income really should not be the only real reason you decide a profession as an ultrasound specialist. This industry really should be something you are serious and have a passion and interest.

The following are Ultrasound Technician Job Titles:

  • Chief Ultrasound Technologist
  • Ultrasound Technologist
  • Surgical Technologist
  • Radiologic Technologist
  • Medical Technologist (ASCP)
  • Chief Radiologic Technologist
  • Chief MRI Technologist
  • CAT Scan Technologist
  • Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist
  • Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist

In case you may go after a profession as Chief Ultrasound Technician, you may possibly end way up with a great ultrasound technician salary in 2015/2016 as high as $89,000. This particular position is liable for the specialized areas of the services include ultrasound. You would probably work together with technologists, medical professionals, and even support staffs.

A career of Ultrasound Technologist can easily get you an income as high as $69,000. A good ultrasound technologists functions analysis sonographic scannings using ultrasonic machines to find, examine, and even track record of critical information.

A Surgical Technical Assistant prepares and even maintains the medical equipment for the surgical procedure and also accomplishes any preparation that a patient may possibly need. As being a Surgical Technologist, you can expect to have an ultrasound tech income in 2015/2016 of around $42,000.

The Radiologic Technician is in charge of arranging patients on the proper postures for radiological checkups and securing the individual from overexposure to the radiation. They generate x-rays to assist in the identification of a person symptoms. These kinds of professionals make around $55,000 yearly.

The Medical Technician executes the analysis tests on patient trial samples and may even support health professionals during this process of figuring out a problem. These kinds of professionals will also be responsible for supervising the state of numerous health conditions. They usually make around $64,000 per year.

The Chief Radiologic Technician can make salary with as much as $74,000. These people oversee radiologic expert services and look after the technical areas of radiologic essential safety. Apart from these essential jobs, the technologist examines the accuracy and reliability of each and every x-rays.

A Chief MRI Specialist supervises all work the magnetic of resonance zone and examines the reliability and level of quality of each and every MRI scan. Generally these technologists likewise plan work responsibilities and coordinate needs for expert services. A typical income in this particular career is usually $79,500.

The CAT Scans Technician obtain the patients medical background, explains regular types of procedures to the patient, tackles the patients problems, creates digital tomographic scanner radiograph of particular areas, and even executes obstetric gynecological scanning as required. This specific profession generally makes an ultrasound specialist earnings of $66,000.

A occupation as being a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operation Technician features a great ultrasound technical assistant income of around $88,000. These technologists are usually liable for directing almost all Analysis Imaging Division operations and in addition they supervise new tests methods and manage any recommended maintenance of department services.

The Chief Nuclear Medication Technical Assistant has a wide range of responsibilities and even typically tends to make an ultrasound technician wage of $85,000. These are responsible for management oversight with their division.

As anyone can see, there are numerous career paths that the ultrasound technician may possibly choose. Select the one which is best suited for you personally. Which one sound probably the most fascinating? Which do you own a desire for? It is very important select the path which usually seems pleasurable and comfy to suit your needs, so that you will do not find yourself in a career which you dislike. Income is essential, however it is far more important to have fun with your job because it is hard to switch in the future.