Ultrasound Technician Job Description Information

Many job opportunities exist in the ultrasound technologist field. There is a constant mounting need for professional imaging experts to work in various medical environments. Ultrasound technologists employ sonography, which involves using sonic waves to produce images of human organs as well as internal tissues.

 

Significance

• The capturing of images helps medical professionals diagnose and treat various medical conditions, such as pregnancy, cancers, and heart illnesses. A sonographer follows the orders of physicians and sends various readings and particular angles of the images to the proper medical facilities for analysis. This is done by using special equipment dedicated to taking ultrasounds. Imaging equipment used for diagnostic work is done by the use of radiation. However, ultrasound equipment is considered harmless and safe, for the patient as well as the technologist who utilizes the equipment on a daily basis.

Function

• Ultrasound technologists are generally employed by diagnostic imaging facilities or hospitals. They are required to be in exceptional physical condition because they often have to lift, move and shift patients while performing ultrasounds. Ultrasound technologists work one on one with patients. As they work with the equipment, they explain what they are doing. Ultrasound technologists perform scheduling of patients, record patient information, and collect patient records. They are also required to evaluate diagnostic sonographic information and present and report a summation of the results to doctors for further diagnosis.

Education Requirements

• People who desire to become ultrasound technologists must graduate from an accredited and recognized educational program. Individuals who are registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) may also be considered. Persons who have health care experience or a general radiology background may require more instruction in the area of sonography.

Salary

• The average ultrasound technologist makes approximately $53,000 to $58,000 annually. The average pay range for experienced ultrasound technologists is $61,000 a year. The upper ten percent of ultrasound technologists makes more than $72,000.00 annually. Ultrasound technology is a wonderful field to enter into for those who want to be a part of the medical industry.

Recertification

• After becoming an ultrasound technologist, technologists must stay current with modern technology and re-certify their proficiency and skills when necessary. When technologists remain current in modern ultrasound technology, it helps them provide the best quality, most accurate for patients.

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Ultrasound Technician Salary Information

Ultrasound technicians, also called sonographers, work in doctor's offices and hospitals. They operate equipment that uses sound imaging to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. According to a 2005 survey by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), the average salary for sonographers was $61,984. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the 2008 national wage estimate as $61,980. Salary depends on several factors.

 

Education

• Whether you obtain an associate's degree or bachelor's degree, your level of education has less impact on your salary than attending a school with an accredited program. After you finish your education and clinical training, you'll want to get certified with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). See Resources below.

Certification

• The ARDMS is a respected nonprofit organization; many employers look for applicants who have met its high standards. Ultrasound techs with ARDMS certification can expect to earn more.

Experience

• Employers determine salary based largely on position and experience. Some entry-level techs make half as much as those in senior positions, such as managers and chief technologists.

Specialties

• There are several specialties among sonographers, including obstetrics, neurosonology (brain and spinal cord) and echocardiography (heart). Those with more specialties can earn more.

Setting

• The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) found in 2007 that sonographers who worked in doctor's offices made an average of $62,014--about the same as techs at nonprofit hospitals ($62,286). Those employed by for-profit hospitals made less ($60,606).

Location

• Where you live can influence your salary. The ASRT reports that sonographers and other radiology specialists in California, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., had the highest salaries in 2007; West Virginia, South Dakota and Alabama had the lowest.

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How to Become a Ultrasound Technician

Sound waves can be directed into the body to produce high-quality images of various organs and systems. Sonographers, also known as ultrasound technologists, are the medical professionals who operate the equipment which generates these images. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that as the population ages, the demand for imaging services is increasing. More than 9,200 new jobs will be added through the year 2018, making employment opportunities favorable for aspiring ultrasound techs.

1. Choose a training program. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a certificate is appropriate for those with prior health care experience. Individuals with no prior health care experience are advised to enroll in an associate or bachelor's degree program. As an ultrasound technology student, you will take courses in in anatomy, medical terminology and physics and instrumentation. You will learn how to perform sonograms of the abdomen and chest, as well as obstetric sonograms. Sonography programs are approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
2. Apply for the certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Candidates for sonography certification must be graduates of an accredited training program, and the certificate or degree must have been earned no more than five years before taking the certification exam. The 360-question exam includes patient care, sonographic procedures and ultrasound principles. You are allowed three attempts to pass the exam within a three-year period.
3. Maintain your certification by registering with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Registration must be completed on an annual basis. Certified ultrasound techs can use the designation of R.T., or registered technologist. In addition to registration, which can be completed via mail or online, certified ultrasound techs must earn 24 continuing education credits each year. Acceptable forms of continuing education credits include college courses and advanced CPR certification. 

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