Helpful Information And Resources For Those Interested In A Career As An Ultrasound TechnicianAugust 2012A diagnostic medical sonographer, or ultrasound technician, has special training on sophisticated equipment doctors use to diagnose a variety of different health conditions. The machine is able to detect sound waves in the high frequency range in the targeted area of the body and transform the echoes into images on a videotape or photograph. Pursuing a career as an ultrasound technical is rewarding as well as challenging but many people wonder if it is the right job for them.
Good candidates for this job have excellent interpersonal skills. probe These professionals interact directly with patients who are likely to be nervous about the experience and their health status. They will have the duty of explaining the steps of the procedure and answering any questions the patient has about what is happening to them. The technician must have an ability to focus on details while recording the patient’s medical history as it relates to the examination. They must have the skills necessary to help patients relax enough to be able to provide good information for the medical file. This information is crucial when setting up the procedure with the right equipment settings for the targeted area. These medical professionals must have a good deal of patience and have the ability to guide patients into the proper position to obtain the best images.
Individuals who are discerning and especially observant make excellent ultrasound technicians. They must watch the screen during the procedure and note any abnormalities they see in the area they are examining. The technician must decide on the spot if the images they are taking will yield an accurate diagnosis and choose the best images for the doctor to review. After choosing the images, the technician will help the doctor with obtaining multiple measurements, calculating various values and analyzing images to prepare the preliminary findings on the test.
Many individuals will start out in this field and move on to other areas after they gain experience. Most people think of pregnant women when they think about ultrasounds but this technology is used in a variety of other medical areas for treatment and diagnosis of many different diseases. Trained technicians may choose to specialize in gynecologic and obstetric sonography but they can also focus on abdominal sonography, neurosonography or breast sonography. Neurosonography provides information about the nervous system, abdominal sonography captures images of the abdominal cavity and breast sonography is the probe best tool to view breast tissue. Obstetric sonography is the most popular with professionals who are especially interested in the female reproductive system.Information About Ultrasound Technician Certification and Educational Degrees Available to StudentsUltrasound/Sonography Certification: Individuals studying for certification receive an introduction to the technology used in producing ultrasounds. They receive hands on experience with the equipment used in the field and take classes to learn ultrasound physics and medical terminology. Students in some programs receive the education needed to take national registry exams before enrolling in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program or applying for a job.The Associate of Applied Science Degree: Individuals can find an entry-level position after earning an associate’s degree. Students work in a lab, hear lectures in classrooms and participate in clinical externships to learn how to use the sonography equipment, obtain experience conducting examinations, become familiar working with other healthcare professionals, properly use medical terms and learn to apply what they learn to real life scenarios. Students can choose a general program that prepares them for work in vascular sonography, abdominal sonography and obstetrics or select a specific area to focus on during their studies. During this time, students must also fulfill various general education requirementsThe Bachelor of Science Degree: Most places offering entry-level positions will not require job applicants to have a bachelor of science degree, but anyone who wants to reach the management level or pursue advanced studies in the field should earn this type of degree as part of their training. The typical bachelor’s degree program provides students with a well-rounded curriculum consisting of general academics, specialized studies, internship opportunities and clinical experience. Some students choose to specialize at this level and focus their attention on one of the specialty areas such as breast sonography, abdominal sonography or vascular sonography.How Much Does the Average Ultrasound Technician Make in a Year?
According to the US Bureau of Labor, diagnostic medical sonographers make a minimum of approximately $49,000 and a maximum of approximately $68,000 annually. Median annual earnings equal $57,160 and the figure is the same for individuals working in private doctors’ offices and those working in clinics or hospitals. Many employers require an associate’s degree for applicants but earning a master’s or bachelor’s degree in management or health sciences may allow job candidates to compete successfully for higher salaries and promotions. The top ten percent of all ultrasound technicians earn more than $77,500 annually according to BLS reports on the subject.