Considering a career in ultrasound? Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, are in demand. Find out what it takes to be an ultrasound tech.
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Education
Becoming an ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, requires completing an accredited educational program. You can earn a certificate, diploma or degree, and many programs can be completed in as little as one year.
What are the requirements to become an ultrasound tech?
In order to become an ultrasound tech, you will need to have at least an Associate’s degree from an accredited institution. You will also need to pass a certification exam from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Skills
To be a successful ultrasound tech, you’ll need to have strong communication, technical, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also need to have the ability to multitask, as you’ll often be working with several patients at the same time. let’s take a more in-depth look at the skills you’ll need to succeed in this field.
What skills are needed to be an ultrasound tech?
Being an ultrasound tech requires excellent interpersonal skills as you will be working closely with patients. You must be able to put them at ease and provide them with support and reassurance during the scanning process. As well as excellent people skills, you will need to have good manual dexterity as you will be handling a variety of delicate equipment. You will also need to have good eyesight, as you will be looking at a computer screen for long periods of time. Being able to concentrate for long periods of time is also essential. As well as these practical skills, you will also need to have good math skills as you will be required to make calculations when setting up the equipment.
Job Description
An ultrasound technologist, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, uses special equipment to create images of patients’ bodies. The technologist applies a gel to the patient’s skin, and then moves a hand-held transducer device over the gel. The device transmits sound waves through the gel and into the patient’s body. The sound waves bounce off internal organs, and the reflected sound waves are transmitted back to the transducer.
What does the job of an ultrasound tech entail?
Ultrasound techs, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use diagnostic imaging equipment to produce images of patients’ internal organs, blood flow and fetal development. The pictures they create are used by physicians to make decisions about treatment.
To become an ultrasound tech, one must complete a two-year accredited ultrasound program and pass a licensure exam. Many community colleges and technical schools offer accredited programs. Once licensed, many ultrasound techs choose to pursue professional certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The responsibilities of an ultrasound tech depend on their work setting. In general, they collect patient history information, explain examination procedures, position patients on the examination table, operate the sonographic equipment and observe images on a video screen. They may also be responsible for maintaining equipment and patient records.
Salary
Becoming an ultrasound tech is a great way to enter the medical field without having to go to medical school. Ultrasound technicians use special equipment to create images of patients’ internal organs, which doctors use to diagnose and treat medical conditions. The median salary for an ultrasound tech is $74,320 per year.
What is the average salary of an ultrasound tech?
In the United States, the median salary for an ultrasound technician is about $74,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $57,000 to $93,000 per year, depending on experience, education and location.
