How To Get A Job As An Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians are a vital part of the health care system. Well-educated, experienced Ultrasound Technicians are in high demand.
Ultrasound Technicians work in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and doctors’ offices. Although they generally work a forty hour week, their services may sometimes be needed on weekends, evenings, and holidays.
To be successful, Ultrasound Technicians must be compassionate, patient, observant and detail oriented. They must be physically fit, have good communication skills and enjoy helping others. This job involves long periods of sitting.
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create images of tissue, blood flow, and the organs within the body. With the help of these images, doctors are able to make more accurate diagnoses, and recommend the most beneficial treatment for diseases and other medical conditions. Perhaps the best known use of ultrasound is the creation of the image of the unborn fetus.
Ultrasound Technicians greet their patients, and make them comfortable. They may only ask a few pertinent questions or they may take a medical history. They reassure the patient that the procedure is painless (both for the patient and themselves), explain what the imaging process involves, and answer any of the patients concerns. If necessary they will help the patient into the desired position. They then apply a gel to the area to be imaged and pass a hand-held instrument over this area. This creates an image of the area on a viewing screen, from which the Technician records data, and later analyzes it. Ultrasound Technicians also prepare reports, and keep records.
Education
Those who wish to become Ultrasound Technicians must first get a high school diploma or GED. Course taken in high school should include English, mathematics, chemistry, and computers.
It would be wise to get some experience, paid or volunteer, in a hospital or other medical facility. This experience will give students an idea of what it would be like to be employed in the medical community.
Once a high school diploma is received, it is necessary to get some formal training in ultrasound technology. This training is available in vocational and technical schools, community colleges and universities.
A certificate or diploma is available with one year of training.
Two years of training are necessary to obtain an Associate degree, and four years of training are necessary for a bachelor degree.
Get the best education you can afford. This will enable you to get the best jobs, make the highest salaries, and be eligible for early promotion.
Whatever course you choose to take, make sure it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Their site as given below.
Training will include instruction in such things as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and medical ethics.
Once your training is complete, you will be eligible to become a Registered Ultrasound Technician. To do this you must pass an exam administered by the American Radiological And Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Association. To become registered you must have graduated from an accredited training program.
Be aware that requirements for Ultrasound Technicians may vary and that you may get a job without being registered. However, more and more employers are demanding their Technicians become registered, thereby proving their educational knowledge, practical skill, and dedication to their profession.
In order to maintain your registered status, you must take regular training courses to keep your knowledge up to date.
Ultrasound Technicians can also become certified.
Make sure that you understand fully what is required in the area in which you wish to seek employment.
With experience and education, some Ultrasound Technicians specialize, advance to positions as supervisors, or become involved in education or specialized sales.
