Ultrasound technology is increasing and has proved to be a safer alternative to other methods. Nowadays people are relying on ultrasound technology to diagnose and treat any kind of disease. Therefore there is an acute need for professional ultrasound technician due to the rise in patients. A career in ultrasound technology holds a very good future and it has been predicted to increase many folds in the near future.
Job description
The ultrasound technicians are also known as sonographers who explain the procedure to the patient and also position them for imaging. They use a transducer to get the images and ensure that the equipment is set properly so that it captures the desired images. They also have to take care of safety measures and ensure that the patient is properly handled while going through the process.
Specialties
Ultrasounds technology is very useful for detecting the progress of the un-born infant and to see how the fetus is developing. Images are used to monitor the growth of the fetus and for a variety of other purposes as well. They are used to detect and treat gallbladder problems, kidneys and many other organs including abdominal areas. Technicians can also scan the nervous system and the brain to detect disorders. Ultrasound is also used in mammography and to detect breast cancer. Obstetric is also a good option to specialize in. one can also opt for cardiac sonography field that involves the study of muscle tissue in the heart. The other specialties are vascular and ophthalmologic sonography.
Workplace
The work of an ultrasound technician is based in hospitals, clinics, physician’s clinic and a lab. They can also be employed in outpatient care centers, universities or medical imaging lab. The job also comes with many duties and responsibilities as it involves the health of the patient. The techs should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as they have to interact with patients about the procedure, the scan and also explain the result.
Education required for ultrasound technician
The ultrasound technician’s education comes in various programs and courses to choose from. They mostly consist of a certification program, a diploma course and a bachelor’s degree program. However, the programs should be accredited by the Commission of accreditation for allied health education programs. The programs are all available in many universities and colleges all across the U.S.
Degree programs are offered at the associate’s and bachelor’s level. There are as many as 173 accredited programs being offered in the U.S. the study consists of physiology, anatomy, patient care, ethics etc.
Professional certification
Although it is found that certification or licensing is not required, some employers are now emphasizing on their employees having a certificate so that they can appoint someone who knows his job to perfection. Technicians meeting the education and clinical experience prerequisites can appear for the ARMDS examination.
Career outlook and salary
The future prospects as an ultrasound technician is great, studies say that the job is on the rise due to the increasing aging population and the popularity of the ultrasound technology. The salary too is attractive and was reported to be annually around $62,660. The salary can go as high as $83,950 as per one’s experience and the lower range or for the beginners is around $43,600 as reported in the year 2008.
The salary too is attractive and was reported to be annually around $62,660. The salary can go as high as $83,950 as per one’s experience and the lower range or for the beginners is around $43,600 as reported in the year 2008. Most of the experienced parmacist wont fetch more than 50K – 70K per annum. From this point of view, we can see that ultrasound technicians are making more money than pharmacists. Recently, we had an interview with Jason Holmes. He has given estimation that pharmacy salaries ranges will go down in 2013. For more info regarding pharmacy technician salary, please check his blog. His 25 years experience in pharmacy field, has given an attention to think about getting into that field.