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If you’re considering a career in ultrasound technology, you probably have a lot of questions. What does an ultrasound tech do? What is the job outlook for this career? We’ve got answers to all of your questions.
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The Job of an Ultrasound Technician
An ultrasound tech, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer is a medical professional who uses special technology to create images of the human body. These images are then used by doctors to make diagnoses. ultrasound techs typically work in hospitals, but they may also work in outpatient facilities, medical offices, or even in mobile units.
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses sound waves to develop pictures of structures inside the body. An ultrasound exam may be used to examine the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, uterus, ovaries and other organs. Ultrasound is often used during pregnancy because it produces real-time images and does not use radiation.
During an ultrasound exam, a transducer (probe) is placed in contact with the patient’s skin. A gel is applied to the patient’s skin to help reduce friction between the transducer and the skin. The transducer sends out inaudible sound waves that are reflected back from the internal organs like an echo. The returning sound waves are converted into electrical impulses that form a picture called a sonogram or image.
What is an Ultrasound Technician?
An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a medical professional who uses ultrasound technology to take pictures of the inside of the human body. These pictures, called sonograms, can be used to help diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.
Ultrasound technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics or private offices. They may work closely with other medical professionals such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists. In some cases, they may also provide patient education and support.
Most ultrasound technicians have at least an Associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Some states also require licensure or certification. Ultrasound technicians typically need to be able to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy equipment. They must also be able to pay close attention to detail and follow instructions carefully.
The Duties of an Ultrasound Technician
An ultrasound tech, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, uses special equipment to create images of organs and tissues inside the body. Thes images are then used by physicians to diagnose and treat patients. Ultrasound techs typically work in hospitals, but may also work in private clinics or diagnostic centers.
Prepare patients for ultrasound procedures
The duties of an ultrasound technician typically include preparing patients for ultrasound procedures, operating the ultrasound machine, and providing results to physicians.
In preparing patients for procedures, ultrasound techs explains the procedure and its purpose to patients. They also instruct patients on how to position themselves on the exam table and may help them to get comfortable. Once the patient is ready, the ultrasound tech will apply a gel to the area of the body being examined and then move a transducer device over the gel. The transducer emits sound waves that create images of the inside of the body that can be viewed on a computer screen.
During an ultrasound exam, it is important for patients to remain still so that clear images can be obtained. The ultrasound tech will monitor the patient during the exam and provide any necessary assistance. When the exam is complete, the ultrasound tech will remove the gel from the patient’s skin and clean up any equipment that was used. The Tech will then provide results to a physician who will interpret them and provide a diagnosis.
Perform ultrasound procedures
An ultrasound tech, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a trained healthcare professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of the human body. These images are used by physicians to diagnose and treat patients.
Ultrasound techs typically work in hospitals, clinics or private medical offices. They may also work in mobile units that travel to patients’ homes or other locations.
Ultrasound techs typically have an associate degree or professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography. Some ultrasound techs may also have a bachelor’s degree.
Ultrasound techs must be able to operate the equipment and understand the image quality required for each specific procedure. They must also be able to keep detailed patient records and maintain the equipment properly.
Record images and patient data
An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a professional who uses special equipment to create images of the human body. These images can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.
Ultrasound technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics or private practices. They may also work in research laboratories or provide mobile services to patients who are unable to travel to a healthcare facility.
Ultrasound technicians typically have an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Some jobs may require certification, but this is not always necessary.
The duties of an ultrasound technician include operating the ultrasound equipment, recording images and patient data, and communicating information to doctors and other healthcare professionals.
The Education and Training of an Ultrasound Technician
To work as an ultrasound tech, one must have at the very least, an associate’s degree in medical sonography. Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree. The coursework for an ultrasound tech program will include, but is not limited to, classes in algebra, anatomy, physiology, and physics.
Education
Most ultrasound technician schools offer a 2-year Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), according to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). To be eligible for admission to these programs, you need to have completed high school or earned a GED.
There are also some 4-year Bachelor of Science degree programs in DMS that are becoming increasingly popular. These programs can lead to management and research positions, as well as provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the field so that you can be a more effective diagnostic medical sonographer.
In addition to didactic coursework, all DMS programs include clinical rotations where students gain hands-on experience working with patients and using ultrasound equipment. Most programs require students to complete between 1,200 and 1,500 hours of clinical training. The type of setting in which you complete your clinical training can vary depending on the program you choose
Training
ultrasound technicians must complete an accredited training program before they can be licensed or certified to work in the medical field. There are many different types of programs available, including two-year associate degree programs, four-year bachelor’s degree programs, and certificate programs that last anywhere from six months to a year. Some programs even offer online course options for those who want to study at their own pace or who need to balance their education with other commitments.
The Salary and Career Outlook of an Ultrasound Technician
If you’re looking for a career in the medical field that doesn’t require years of schooling, you might want to become an ultrasound technician. Ultrasound techs use special equipment to create images of patients’ internal organs. They typically work in hospitals, but they can also work in private clinics. The salary and career outlook of an ultrasound technician is quite good.
Salary
The average salary for an ultrasound technician was $68,970 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your pay will depend on your employer, geographic location and level of experience. The highest-paid 10 percent of workers in this profession earn more than $93,480 per year, while the lowest paid 10 percent make less than $47,190.
Career Outlook
Career outlook for ultrasound technicians is positive, with a projected job growth of 20% from 2018 to 2028.* That’s much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, meaning there should be plenty of opportunities for those interested in this profession. The median salary for an ultrasound technician was $71,410 in 2018.*
*Job growth and salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
