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How to Become an ultrasound tech in NC. If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging career in the medical field, then becoming an ultrasound technician may be the perfect fit for you.
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Introduction
ultrasound technician careers in North Carolina are expected to grow by 34% from 2016 to 2026, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the state, which is projected to be 11% over the same time period. As of May 2017, there were approximately 1,780 ultrasound technicians employed in North Carolina.
What Does an ultrasound tech Do?
Ultrasound techs, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use special equipment to create images or conducttests on patients. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Most ultrasound techs work full time, and some work evenings or weekends.
Ultrasound techs typically need at least an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field. Some states have certification requirements. In addition, ultrasound techs must complete on-the-job training.
The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $74,320 in May 2019. Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The Steps to Becoming an Ultrasound Tech
If you’re looking into becoming an ultrasound tech, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go over all the steps you need to take in order to become an ultrasound tech in North Carolina. We’ll cover everything from completing your education to passing the required exams.
Complete an accredited program
The first step to become an ultrasound tech is to complete an accredited program. There are many schools across the country that offer accredited programs, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one near you. Once you’ve completed your accredited program, you’ll be eligible to take the national ultrasound tech certification exam.
Become licensed in North Carolina
The first step to becoming an ultrasound tech is to become licensed in North Carolina. To do this, you will need to complete an accredited ultrasound technician program. Once you have completed your training, you will then need to pass the national examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). After passing the examination, you will be required to apply for a license through the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.
Consider pursuing additional credentials
In addition to becoming registered with the ARDMS, some sonographers pursue extra credentials. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers two credentialing exams above the RDMS—the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) and the Registered Breast Sonographer (RBS). Both of these designations require passing an additional exam and having a certain amount of experience in the field. The RPVI is geared towards those who want to specialize in vascular sonography, while the RBS credential is for those who want to specialize in breast sonography.
What to Expect After Becoming an Ultrasound Tech
After you have completed your program and received your certification, you will need to find a job. Most likely, you will find a job in a hospital working in the radiology department. You may also find a job in a private clinic. Some ultrasound technicians also work in research laboratories. Once you have found a job, you will need to complete a few more steps before you can start working.
Job outlook
The ultrasound technician job outlook is good. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 24 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and the demand for diagnostic imaging will spur growth in the field.
Ultrasound technicians held about 71,000 jobs in 2018. Most worked in hospitals, but many also worked in physicians’ offices, especially those of obstetricians and gynecologists. A small number worked in outpatient care centers and medical and diagnostic laboratories.
Salary expectations
As an ultrasound tech, you can expect to earn a good salary. The average salary for an ultrasound tech in the united states is $75,000 per year. However, salaries will vary depending on your experience, education, and location. In some states, such as California and New York, you can expect to earn a higher salary than the national average.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming an ultrasound tech in NC is a great way to start a rewarding career in the medical field. With the right training and certification, you can be on your way to helping patients in need and making a difference in your community.
