Obsetric ultrasound technicians often perform scans to date and monitor pregnancy.
Ultrasound technicians, sometimes called diagnostic medical sonographers, use specialized equipment to produce visual images of tissues, organs, and blood flow inside of the body. The images they obtain allow doctors to diagnosis and assess a variety of medical conditions.
About
Ultrasound technicians work closely with patients to perform diagnostic tests. Using equipment that sends high-frequency sound waves into a designated area of the patient's body, they are able to create a real-time, moving image of the patient's anatomy.
Training
Technicians receive specialized training through programs available at a variety colleges, universities, and vocational training schools. Some programs require as little as one year of education to obtain a certificate, but most programs require further training and award associate's or bachelor's degrees.
Specialization
Ultrasound technicians may pursue further training to specialize in a particular area of sonography, such as cardiac, vascular, breast, abdominal, or neurosonography. One of the most common areas of specialization is in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Credentials
Members of this healthcare profession do not need to obtain a license to practice. However, ultrasound technicians may benefit from seeking registration or certification through professional organizations such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). These organizations provide credentials for general sonography and the specialized areas, making a technician more employable.
Employment
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers was $61,980. The majority of ultrasound technicians work in hospitals, but there are also career opportunities at specialized clinics, physician's offices, or other healthcare facilities. Ultrasound technicians often perform their work in a darkened room, but at times they may also work at a patient's bedside.
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