ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN SALARY, EDUCATION, and CAREER
Ultrasound is used widely in the field of medicine to examine the growth and development of the fetus. It is also used to view internal and examine internal organs. The device is known as ultrasound and the person operating it, is known as ultra sound technician.
Education requirements of ultrasound technicians:
To join ultrasound course, a background in subjects such as mathematics, science and physics is required. Anatomy, physiology, ultrasound physics, medical ethics and patient care are some of the courses included in the syllabus which aid one to become an ultrasound technician. To become an ultrasound technician, one can either opt to do a certificate program or associate degree program or bachelor’s degree program.
After the course completion, one has to register with the American Radiological and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) Association before applying for the job.
Coursework for different degree programs:
Understanding the different courses included in the associate, bachelors and masters degree program helps one to understand the exact job of an ultrasound technician.
A) Certificate program: One can choose a particular field of sonography like vascular sonography, abdominal songraphy etc. to become an ultrasound technician.
B) Associate degree program: This degree is obtained with two years of study. The coursework includes diagnostic medical ultrasound, medical ethics and legal issues, Patient care, Anatomy, Abdominal ultrasound, Obstetric and gynecological ultrasound, use and maintenance of Ultrasound instruments as well as Cardiac and Vascular sonography.
To enter this program, one need to finish high-school and have a background in maths, life sciences and physics. After achieving this degree, one can work as an ultrasound technician or as a sales person for ultrasound equipment.
C) Bachelor’s degree program: This degree is obtained with four years of study. To enter this program, one much finish high school or obtain associate degree. the coursework for this program is same as that of associate degree but it also includes pathology and Neuro sonography. As this is an in-depth program, after its completion, one can work as an ultrasound technician in diagnostic centers or hospitals.
D) Master’s degree program: This program is for two years and one needs to have a bachelor’s degree to apply for this degree. the ultrasound technician can choose to specialize in any one field like gynecologic sonography, echocardiography etc. Once this program is finished they can work as professors or may enter the research field.
Responsibilities of ultrasound technician:
a) Responsible for taking diagnostic images of the fetus or internal organs of the patient as requested by the doctor.
b) Operating the ultrasound equipment.
c) Maintaining the ultrasound equipment.
d) Must be in good physical condition as the job sometimes requires the ultrasound technician to change the position of the patients.
e) Should be able to suggest the correct angles to the patient’s in-order to obtain the best images for diagnosis.
f) Explaining the process of ultrasound to the patient.
g) Adjusting the ultrasound equipment.
h) Record and maintain the patient’s medical history.
i) Maintain the results of a patient’s ultrasound.
j) Must be able to handle complex ultrasound equipment.
k) Must be friendly and communicative.
l) Should be abreast of latest technological advancements in diagnostic equipment.
m) Is responsible for maintaining patient charts.
n) Equipment investments have to be inspected by the ultrasound technician.
Salary package of ultrasound technician:
It depends on the level of expertise and experience of an ultrasound technician. The salary starts from $50,000 to $72,000. On a per-hour basis, the ultrasound technician can earn about $25 or more depending on level of education and experience. The median salary is $61,000 to $64,000. Their annual salary may exceed $80,000.
Types of ultrasound technician:
a) Gynecologic sonography – this job requires the ultrasound technician to examine the fertility and the well-being of the fetus.
b) Abdominal sonography – this job requires the ultrasound technician to examine the digestive system.
c) Neuro sonography – this job requires the ultrasound technician to examine the nervous systems like the nerves in the brain, spinal cord etc.
d) Vascular sonography- this job requires the ultrasound technician to examine the blood vessels.
e) Cardiac sonography – this job requires the ultrasound technician to examine the heart.
f) Mammography- this job requires the ultrasound technician to examine the breast to detect tumors or cancer.
g) Therapeutic ultrasound- this job requires the ultrasound technician to provide physical therapy to treat scar tissue.
Tips to choose the right ultrasound program:
a) The program must be accredited by CCAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). Visit the site -http://www.caahep.org/ and look up the program.
b) Check the course work offered by the school or college.
c) Check the graduation rate of the college.
d) Check the employment opportunities provided by the college.
e) Check the student to teacher ratio.
f) Check whether the college or school provides opportunity for clinical experience.
g) Check if any financial aid is offered by the college.
Top colleges for an Ultrasound Technician:
a) Newman University: It is located in Wichita, Kansas. It is accredited to CCAAHEP and offers a bachelor degree in sonography. The students graduating form this university are eligible for ARDMS.
b) University of Oklahoma: It offers undergraduate degree program in sonography and also practical hands-on experience as it is associated with a hospital. the employment rate is very high.
c)Seattle University: It is located in Seattle, Washington.It offers both associate and bachelor degree in sonography.
d) Mercy college of health sciences: It offers a 3 year program in sonography and is located in Iowa.
e) Kettering college of medical arts: It offers a bachelor degree along with a major in sonography. It is located in Kettering, Ohio.
f) Charles drew university of medicine and science: It offers bachelor’s degree in sonography which is accredited by CCAAHEP. It is located in Los Angeles, Califronia.
g) Keiser college: It is located in Arlington, Virginia.It offers associate degree in sonography.
h) American Institute College of Health Professions: it is located in Denver, Colorado. It offers bachelor degree in sonography.
The above mentioned are some of the top colleges in USA for an Ultrasound Technician.