This article provides an overview of ultrasound technician careers and the requirements to become an ultrasound technician. This article will outline an ultrasound technician's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.
Ultrasound Technician Job Duties
Sonography, or ultrasonography, is a branch of diagnostic imaging that is used to diagnose medical conditions. Sonography uses sound waves to generate images for the assessment and diagnosis of medical conditions. Many people associate this technology with obstetrics and viewing the fetus in the womb, but there are many other applications for sonography.
Ultrasound technicians may also be known as diagnostic medical sonographers or ultrasonographers. They use special equipment to direct high-frequency sound waves into a portion of a person's body to form an image off from the reflected echoes. These images may be photographed, videotaped, or transmitted for review and diagnosis by a physician. Ultrasound technician job duties can include:
- Explaining the procedure to the patient
- Recording any relevant medical history
- Operating the equipment
- Directing the patient in how to move to obtain the best images
- Selecting the best images for the physician to review
- Keeping patient records
- Adjusting and maintaining equipment
Ultrasound technicians may specialize in obstetric and gynecologic sonography, abdominal sonography, neurosonography, or ophthalmic sonography.
Ultrasound technicians may also prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases, or manage a diagnostic imaging department.
Ultrasound Technician Job Skills
The job skills of an ultrasound technician include:
- Ability to understand and operate complex diagnostic equipment
- Physical stamina to assist, lift, or turn patients
- Visual acuity to understand and select appropriate images for physician diagnosis
- Attention to detail to accurately record patient information
- Excellent communication skills and patient interaction skills
- Ability to put patients at ease
Ultrasound Technician Income
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2002, salaries for ultrasound technicians were around $48,660, with the top 10% earning more than $66,680. Earnings for ultrasound technicians vary by industry segment with the median annual incomes for the industries employing the largest number of ultrasound technicians being:
| Industry | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Physicians offices | $50,390 |
| Hospitals | $47,530 |
Training and Education Required to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Most individuals receive training in diagnostic medical sonography in one of the following ways:
- Training in a hospital
- Training from a vocational-technical institution
- Training from a college or university offering a 2-year or 4-year program
- Training in the armed forces
The Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs provides accreditation for most formal training programs. In 2003, they accredited about 102 such programs.
No state requires licensure of diagnostic medical sonographers. Some organizations such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certify the competency of ultrasound technicians. Becoming registered with the ARDMS requires passing a general examination as well as a specialty exam. To keep their registration current, ultrasound technicians must complete continuing education to stay abreast of advances in their field.
Click here for information on Ultrasound Schools and the programs that they offer.
Ultrasound Technician Employment
In 2002, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that diagnostic medical sonographers held about 37,000 jobs in the United States. More than half work in hospitals. Most of the rest work in physicians offices or diagnostic imaging centers. 75% of ultrasound technicians work in urban areas.
Ultrasound Technician Job Outlook
The need for ultrasound technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over most of the next decade. This job growth is being driven by the aging of the population, the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging, and the desire of patients to use alternatives to radiological procedures.
Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of ultrasound technicians, but employment will grow more rapidly in physicians offices and diagnostic centers.
