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Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 5/30/24
This guide will cover everything you need to know about ultrasound technicians, the types of ultrasound technicians, and how much you can make.
There will always be a high demand for jobs in the medical field. Especially in the U.S., where the healthcare industry is the largest employer in the country.
There are many careers in the healthcare field that are in demand that don't require a person to become a nurse or a doctor. These careers also don't require many years of education compared to nursing and physician careers.
An ultrasound technician is one of those careers in the medical field with great potential. According to U.S. News, diagnostic medical sonographers are ranked #6 in best healthcare support jobs and #64 in best jobs.
Keep reading if you're curious about this fantastic career and want to learn more about it!
An ultrasound technician conducts sonography using specialized equipment to examine parts of the human body, including the abdomen, reproductive systems, prostate, heart, and blood vessels.
The equipment that ultrasound technicians use is a camera-like probe that is placed directly on the patient's skin, where it records images and videos. The ultrasound technician then sends the images and recordings to the physician who ordered the test.
Sonography uses sound waves instead of radiation to create an image of the internal organs. It provides physicians with a clear view of a patient's organs so that they can find and diagnose any problems they might be experiencing.
How hard it is to enter the field of ultrasound tech really depends on your starting point and how much time you're willing to invest.
If you're already in a related healthcare field like nursing or radiologic technology, you can opt for a shorter certificate program that takes around 1-2 years. On the other hand, if you're starting from scratch, you might go for an associate's degree, which usually takes about 2-3 years, or even a bachelor's degree, which is a 4-year commitment.
The coursework can be a bit tough, especially the technical stuff like anatomy, physiology, and ultrasound physics. You'll need to wrap your head around some complex medical and tech concepts, but it's all part of the learning process.
One thing to keep in mind is that these programs don't just involve hitting the books. They also include hands-on clinical training where you'll work with real patients and get your hands on ultrasound equipment under the guidance of experienced professionals. This part of the training is crucial because it's where you put your knowledge into practice.
Once you've completed your program, you'll likely need to pass a certification exam, such as the one offered by the ARDMS, to become a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS). Certification requirements can vary by state, so be sure to check what's needed where you plan to work.
In summary, an ultrasound tech is a rewarding career in the healthcare field that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in patient care.
It typically takes two years to complete to enter this field. This includes completing your education, gaining certification, and obtaining practical experience.
Below are the steps to becoming an ultrasound technician.
To work in this field, you must complete a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor's degree.
Most ultrasound technicians complete their educational program in health sciences, biology, chemistry, or anatomy. If you want, you can also attend a school that offers programs that focus on sonography, called diagnostic medical imaging.
Ultrasound technicians specialize in specific fields in the healthcare industry. Before pursuing a certification, you must choose a specialty. Here are some specialties you can consider.
You also have the option to specialize in more than one field. You must earn your certification for the various fields you plan on practicing in.
There are three pathways you can choose to complete your ultrasound technician certification. They are the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Each of those programs has its requirements and timeline, here's more information about each of the programs.
Offers five certification courses that focus on different areas of sonography. Below are the following certificates they offer.
It’s important to note that you’ll need to reapply for this certification after six years and pay a fee annually.
Here are the following certificates the CCI offers.
To maintain certification, you must pay a fee after your first year and show proof of your continuing education every three years.
This pathway allows you to earn advanced certification. To maintain your certification, you must pay an annual fee and show proof of completion of the required coursework every two years.
There are several types of ultrasound technicians, each specializing in a particular area of the body. Below are some common types of ultrasound technicians.
A medical sonographer aids physicians in diagnosing patients who experience symptoms that need to be internally examined. They’re also referred to as ultrasound technicians because they use ultrasound equipment to take medical imaging.
These ultrasound technicians use specialized ultrasound equipment to produce detailed images of the heart.
They may also use ultrasound equipment to visualize the blood vessels, including the aorta, carotid arteries, and peripheral vessels. Cardiovascular sonographers often use 2D and 3D images of the heart to examine its structure and find irregularities.
Abdominal sonographers take diagnostic images of organs within the abdominal cavity, including the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and kidneys.
They often work in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. Abdominal sonographers undergo extensive training in different areas of the abdomen to aid physicians in diagnosing patients' medical conditions.
This type of ultrasound technician specializes in taking images of fetuses during pregnancy. Obstetric sonographers evaluate the growth of a fetus and track its development. They can also take images of the uterus to see if someone is pregnant and predict the patient's due date.
A musculoskeletal sonographer takes images of the muscles, bones, and joints and is used to diagnose musculoskeletal disorders. They often use the images to identify medical conditions that affect the patient's mobility. Musculoskeletal sonographers look for conditions such as broken bones, sprains, strains, inflammation, cysts, and hernias.
Musculoskeletal sonographers frequently work in medical facilities, hospitals, and emergency rooms because they focus on diagnosing injuries or accidents.
Breast sonographers use specialized ultrasound equipment to create detailed images of the breast tissue, which can help identify any abnormalities indicative of breast cancer or other breast health conditions.
Breast sonographers work closely with radiologists or other healthcare professionals to interpret the images and provide guidance on further testing or treatment options.
A neurosonographer is a medical professional who uses ultrasound imaging to produce detailed images of the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
Neuro sonographers typically work closely with neurologists and other medical professionals to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the brain and nervous systems, such as strokes, brain tumors, and aneurysms.
Neuro sonographers may also perform and interpret the results of other diagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG).
In recent reports, the average annual ultrasound technician salary in the U.S. is $88,220 a year. Below is a chart of the monthly, weekly, and hourly wages of various earners in this field.
Source: ZipRecruiter
The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031. It's estimated that there will be 10,100 job openings for ultrasound technicians each year.
If you still have any inquiries, check out these frequently asked questions and answers.
Neurosonology sonographers are the highest-paid ultrasound tech, followed by pediatric cardiac and cardiovascular sonographers. They can earn over $100,000 a year.
Yes, being an ultrasound technician is worth it. It's a career with amazing earning potential, many job opportunities, and the ability to enter the market quickly. If you're seriously considering entering the medical field, a career as an ultrasound technician is worth considering.
Ultrasound technicians help patients better their health which can be rewarding and challenging. If you're considering a career as an ultrasound technician, this article has guided you by providing you with the information you need to become and succeed as an ultrasound technician.
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