Ultrasound Tech
's Job
If you're searching for a secure career that will most likely resist layoffs in a poor economy, then consider a job as an ultrasound technician. With the aging baby boomers, there is an increasing demand for certain positions within the medical field. According to Ultrasound Technicians, there is currently a high demand for ultrasound technicians and this trend will continue in the future.
Definition of Ultrasound
Ultrasound, or sonography, is a type of medical imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. Ultrasound is noninvasive and is used to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasound is frequently used to monitor the health and development of an infant while it is still in utero.
Job description
An ultrasound technician operates ultrasound equipment on a patient to aid a physician with diagnosis or treatment. Prior to this process, the ultrasound technician is responsible for explaining the procedure to the patient, choosing the appropriate equipment, and preparing the patient for the imaging. The technician performs the ultrasound examination and then captures the images that the ordering physician will use. The tech also maintains a record of ultrasound results and assists the physician in interpreting the images
Education
Ultrasound technician education usually requires two to four years of study to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography. If you're already trained in a field of medicine, then there are special one-year certificate programs to become a ultrasound tech. You can do ultrasound coursework at a medical college or university, but some junior colleges and career institutes also offer the training. Upon graduation from ultrasound school, you can choose to become nationally registered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Although this isn't required, obtaining the ARDMS certification enhances your chances of employment as an ultrasound technician.
Training Curriculum
Ultrasound Technician Schools reports that the typical required curriculum is divided into the classroom portion, the lab portion, and an externship. The coursework consists of anatomy, physiology, ultrasound principals, radiology, instrumentation, physics, patient care, and medical ethics.
Skills
Possessing a mechanical aptitude, congenial interpersonal skills, and strong communication skills is a favorable combination for an ultrasound technician. As an ultrasound tech, you'll be working with complex medical equipment and you'll need to get along with patients and have to communicate well with doctors and patients.
Salary
According to indeed.com, the average salary for an ultrasound tech is $59,000. Your salary will be dependent upon your years of experience, degree type, job location, and type of certification.
Tags: ultrasound tech, ultrasound technician, ultrasound technician
