Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound Technician Career Overview

Sonography or ultrasonography uses sound waves to create images used in assessing and diagnosing various medical conditions. Its use is most often linked with obstetrics and ultrasound imaging which is used during pregnancy, but can have many other uses.

Sonographers or ultrasound technicians are trained to run diagnostic imaging procedures that gain health information about a patient’s internal functions. They conduct x-rays along with magnetic resonance imaging which uses large magnets to create radio waves to form an image.

They use special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into the areas of patient’s bodies in order to gain needed information. The equipment uses the reflected echoes to form images that can be interpreted and diagnosed by a physician. Sonographers should be technologically savvy and it is beneficial to have an interest in science and health.

Ultrasound Tech Training & Education

While there are several ways in which to become a sonographer, the most common route is through formal training programs offered through colleges or universities. These programs can be completed in 2 years for an associate’s degree or 4 years for a bachelor’s degree. Typical coursework includes classes in:

• basic physics
• anatomy
• physiology
• patient care
• medical ethics

While training programs are open to applicants with a variety of backgrounds, they may be particularly drawn to applicants with a background in science or healthcare. Many training programs also offer internships to give sonographers practical experience in hospitals or clinics.

Ultrasound Technician Career & Salary

Sonography is growing in popularity because it serves as a safer alternative to radiologic procedures. This is because unlike many other diagnostic imaging procedures, sonography does not utilize radiation that can cause damaging side-effects and complications. As a result, careers in sonography are expected to grow rapidly to meet the demand for this technological procedure. While salaries vary, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2004 the median annual earnings of $52,490, with the middle 50 percent earning between $44,720 and $61,360 a year.

Career Fields/Specializations

Ultasound Tech Career

Ultrasound technicians typically work in hospitals, physicians’ offices and clinics. They are in charge of:

• obtaining and recording accurate patient histories
• running specialized equipment
• analyzing technical information
• providing summaries for physicians to use in the diagnoses of patients

Ultrasound technicians should have excellent written and oral communication skills in order to best summarize the diagnostic findings. They must also have exceptional technical knowledge in order to accurately provide readings of patients’ sonographs.

Diagnostic Sonographer Career

Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize in a variety of areas. They are responsible for running diagnostic procedures and for interpreting the resultant information. Diagnostic sonographers may choose a specialty such as

• Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography
• Abdominal Sonography
• Neurosonography
• Breast Sonography

In addition, sonographers may specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography. While there are numerous specialties, it is most advantageous for sonographers to be familiar with procedures for more than one area of the body so that they can be versatile.