The word “ultrasound” is often associated with a pregnant woman seeing her unborn child for the first time on a small screen. Although the obstetric sonogram may be the most common procedure, an ultrasound can also be used to check the internal workings.
Sonographers or ultrasound technicians work mainly in hospitals and doctor’s offices. O*Net states that they use an ultrasound machine to create images that a doctor can use to diagnose a patient.
This job requires technical knowledge, detailed knowledge of anatomy, and interpersonal skills to make patients feel comfortable during procedures.
Although it may seem daunting to become an ultrasound technician, the training required is only two years. A career as a sonographer takes less time than other medical careers.
What does an Ultrasound Technician do?
Ultrasound machines use high-frequency sound waves (HFS) to take images of patient’s internal organs and tissues. You would be an ultrasound technician and operate the equipment used to conduct the ultrasound. Once the photos have been captured, a doctor may examine them and give a diagnosis.
While we are most familiar with using ultrasound to monitor a pregnant mother, there are other uses for the machine. A sonogram machine can examine breast tissue, the brain, the spinal cord, and organs within the abdomen.
Diagnostic medical sonographers might be trained to focus on one type of imaging. For example, cardiac sonographers are prepared to take sonograms of your heart.
You can be something other than an ultrasound technician. You must interact with patients and guide them through the procedure. You are responsible for making the patient feel comfortable. You will need to be able to communicate with patients and have technical knowledge.
Is it hard to pursue a career as an ultrasound tech?
Two important things to consider when considering a career in ultrasound tech are your ability and the profession’s growth rate. Like many other medical professions, ultrasound technician jobs are multiplying. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be a 14% rise in jobs as ultrasound technicians between 2020 and 2030. This is more than the average job growth rate. This is because the baby-boomer generation is getting older and requires diagnostic tests for various cardio problems.
After obtaining your degree and certification, it is possible to work in a hospital, doctor’s office, or diagnostic laboratory. After 2-4 years of studies, many people can earn certifications.
Most of your courses are science-based. You may need to learn about the human body to use the sonogram machine. After you have completed your studies, you might be eligible to take the certification exam.
Education, Training, & Certification
Depending on the requirements, you may need to complete the program in a different time frame. However, an Associate of Applied Science degree is usually required for ultrasound certification. This allows you to enter the workforce quickly. You can accelerate your education and enroll in an ultrasound technician certificate program if you already have a college diploma.
You can pursue a four-year Bachelor of Science degree focusing on sonography if you want more training. You can get more work options because you have had specialist training and studied longer than associates.
Core science courses may be taken for the bachelor’s or associate’s degree. These include biology, chemistry, and anatomy. You can also study more specific topics related to sonography, such as the physiology and anatomy of the heart, obstetrics, gynecology, ultrasound physics, and medical terminology.
After earning your degree, you can take a certification exam to become certified through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography). After you have been approved, you can enter the medical field and become a sonographer.
What is the Average Salary of an Ultrasound Technician?
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for an ultrasound technician is $75,000. A two-year degree is not required to hold the position of the sonographer.
Which one makes more money: RN or Ultrasound Tech
According to the BLS, the median annual salary of a registered nurse was $75,000. This is $590 lower than the median wage sonographers earned during that period. An RN must have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, just like an ultrasound technician. An approved nursing program is also available to them.
Registered nurse can begin to practice once they have been licensed. Sonographers and RNs have similar career paths regarding salary and time spent at school. It all depends on your passion.
What is the Use of Ultrasound Techs to Tell You About Ultrasound Results?
You’ve probably ever wondered why an ultrasound tech won’t tell what you see. Because this could influence a patient’s decision about treatment, your ultrasound tech shouldn’t tell you anything about your results.
Your tech may know what she is looking at. Although an ultrasound tech must be able to read the patient’s anatomy, they are not physicians. A doctor can share the results of an ultrasound with a patient, as they may also be able to discuss treatment.
Are you ready to get started?
You could work as an ultrasound technician at the forefront of diagnostic medicine. An associate’s degree or bachelor’s in science is required for a specialization in sonography.