A Career as an Ultrasound Technician

The emerging technology in the field of ultrasound technology is expected to create a growing demand for qualified ultrasound technologists. Ultrasound technology is being used in more fields of medicine and to perform more highly complex medical procedures and diagnostic testing.

Ultrasound involves the use of high intensity sound waves that are bounced into the body and echo off solid objects. The density of the objects send back echoes of varying intensity. The echoes are measured and recorded as images on a screen. Ultrasonographers work with ultrasound machines and ultrasound equipment to perform diagnostic testing.

A great number of ultrasound technicians use ultrasound equipment to assist doctors in evaluating the health of a developing fetus during pregnancy. Others may work as a cardiovascular ultrasound technician. There are also opportunities available for vascular ultrasound technologists and sonographers.

Job Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians

The job outlook for ultrasound technologists is promising; the employment rate in the field is expected to increase by approximately 19% through 2016, which is rated faster than average. Most of the employment opportunities will be in hospitals and doctors offices with the rest being in radiology centers or mobile clinics.

Salaries

Salaries for ultrasound technologists ranged from a low of $40,960 to a high of $77,520 per year. Sonography made CNN's list of best paying jobs for associates (2 year) degrees.

Education

You may enter the field of diagnostic ultrasound technology with a vocational certificate, a 2 - year degree, or a four- year degree. There are many differences in diagnostic medical sonography programs, so doing some research before making any decisions is prudent. You want to make sure that the program that you are considering is accredited . At this time, no state requires a license in diagnostic ultrasonography although voluntary certification by examination is available in a variety of ultrasound specialties. It is helpful to have a background in math and science if you are seeking to enter one of the many ultrasound technician schools.

The two - year medical training programs in ultrasound technology are the most prevalent. Students can expect to take classes in anatomy and physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care and medical ethics. Some students who choose to seek a degree at a ultrasound technician school may qualify for financial aid, so be use to enquire at the financial aid office of the ultrasound technologist school that you are interest in attending for more information.

You can have an exciting career in a medical job, with the right medical training, and a good ultrasound technology school. Research the subject and see if this career would be right for you.