So far I gather that entering the ultrasound technician profession or diagnostic medical sonography as it is often referred to, is very rewarding profession in the field of health. Such specialists have to assist in identifying diseases by producing pictures of the internal structure of the human body with the help of high-frequency sound waves.
Table of Contents
If this field interest you then it is important to bear the following into mind. You will have to cover the educational requirements, getting certification, and, of course, the salary expectation of an ultrasound technician. It is a profession that combines touch type care with high technology and promises sound remunerations on the way.
Ultrasound Technician Graduation Trends
Steps to follow
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED
First of all, to become an ultrasound technician step by step, it is necessary to complete high school or pass GED examination. Subjects like Maths, Science, Health are beneficial since they will help create a basis for what you will learn in your college.
Step 2: Get a Degree or Certificate in Sonography
To be a registered one, the potential side need to have formal education in diagnostic medical sonography. There are two common paths:
There are two common paths:
Associate Degree in Sonography: This is the most popular of the choices and normally lasts about 1. Taking 5 to 2 years and being available online and in print form, this publication is quite versatile. The programs offered comprise theoretical classes together with clinical practice and the areas of study include Anatomy, physiology, physics, and medical imaging.
Bachelor’s Degree in Sonography: However, if you are interested in seeking more challenge and higher paid jobs or interested in going special in a particular field, having a bachelors degree is probably desirable. Such programmes normally last for about 4 years and they provide opportunities for advancement into other sub-specialties.
Step 3: Pick a Specialization
- Abdominal sonography
- Obstetrics and gynecology sonography
- Cardiovascular sonography
- Breast sonography
- Vascular sonography
The first one is that specializing enables you to carry out your activities in an area that concerns you most and at the same time improve the chances of a job-search in that line.
Step 4: Obtain Certification
Even if it is not necessary in the majority of states, most employers prefer or set a requirement of certification by a recognized body. The ARDMS credential is the best known among all the mentioned, but now there are a couple more. A requirement for certification with the ARDMS is the passing of an examination in the area of specialization. Certification gives you a guarantee that you have met the standard of the industry and your job prospects are improved.
Step 5: Get practical Experience
Real life experience is something that an ultrasound technician cannot afford to do without. Many educational programs also offer students clinical practice in the form of rotations where the participant works with real patients but under the tutelage of the professional sonographers. Such practical experience is very useful to sharpen the skills, and gain confidence in case of actual working environment.
Step 6: Remain Current and Be Credentialed
Sonography as a specialty is dynamic, and more often than not, certification requires a sonographer to attend more advanced classes in order to update himself/herself with new forms of equipment and methods. Many certification have continuing education and must be renewed every few years. It means that being in touch with the advancements that are in line provides greater competitive in the particular industry.
Ultrasound Tech Salary: The Best Thing That You Can Expect
Let me highlight one of the beneficial aspects of this profession – that is, the fairly high pay for sonsographers. The BLS suggests that in 2023 diagnostic medical sonographers earn approximately $77,199 a year on average. Though, those who already have the top skills may earn more than $100000 per year, so this profession is financially satisfactory for many people.
Nevertheless, the wage may depend on regional affiliation, experience, education, and type of specialization. For example:
Entry-Level Ultrasound Tech Salary:
A starting salary starts from $50000 to $60000 for whoever is entering the health facility for the first time.
Experienced Ultrasound Tech Salary:
The wages of such a surgeon with several years of experience are usually from $ 75000 -$ 85000.
Specialized Ultrasound Tech Salary:
People, who have concentrations in niches such as cardiovascular or neurosonography, for instance, tend to be paid better; some sonographers make more than $100,000 per annum.
Job Outlook and Demand
According to demand, the employment of ultrasound technicians is expected to rise in the following one decade. According to BLS’s projection, entry level positions for this profession will be growing at a much faster rate of 14% by 2033. It has grown due to the high demand for ultrasound technicians because of the aging populace and the enhanced utilization of ultrasound as a safer technique as opposed to the other modalities.
Top Universities Offering Ultrasound Technician Courses
| University | Program | Location |
| Johns Hopkins University | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound | Baltimore, MD |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Los Angeles, CA |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Birmingham, AL |
| University of Washington | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound | Seattle, WA |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Fort Myers, FL |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Klamath Falls, OR |
| George Washington University | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Washington, D.C. |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Chapel Hill, NC |
Conclusion
It is in fact an honorable strive to be an ultrasound technician; however, one has to work hard and concentrate on achieving this dream. Your professionals are very necessary in the healthcare setting and the salary of ultrasound technicians is relatively reasonable and should increase in the course of the future. Also, many of the most desirable remote jobs in healthcare are growing, and ultrasound technicians have the possibility to get a job in such a flexible, remote atmosphere. This flexibility can be productive for achieving a balance between the working and personal life and can increase the attractiveness of the career. By properly use of the information provided in this guide you are clearly on the right track towards a rewarding career in ultrasound technology as well as the possibilities of remote employment which the filed offers.
