Ultrasound Technician

👤Patient Care💰High Pay⚡Quick Start

Operate ultrasound equipment to create diagnostic images of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow for medical diagnosis.

Median Salary	$89,340 per year
Job Growth (10yr)	+13%Excellent
Education	Associate Degree
Time to Start	2 years

Work Settings

•Hospitals
•Physician offices
•Medical and diagnostic laboratories
•Outpatient care centers
•Private imaging clinics
•Mobile imaging services

Primary Duties

•Operate ultrasound equipment to capture high-quality diagnostic images of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow
•Prepare patients for examinations by explaining procedures and ensuring their comfort and safety
•Follow specific imaging protocols based on physician orders and clinical indications
•Analyze sonographic images and create detailed technical reports for interpreting physicians
•Document precise measurements and preliminary findings in patient records
•Maintain and clean ultrasound equipment, including high-level disinfection of transducers
•Assist patients with positioning and movement during examinations
•Collaborate with physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals on patient care

How to Become Ultrasound Technician

Complete prerequisite coursework

Complete required college-level courses including Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Physics, Medical Terminology, and Math if not already completed

Duration: 12 months

Apply to CAAHEP-accredited sonography program

Research programs, prepare application materials, complete interviews, and potentially wait for acceptance from competitive programs

Duration: 9 months

Complete sonography education and clinical training

Full-time study including classroom instruction, scan lab practice, and extensive clinical rotations at healthcare facilities

Duration: 24 months

Prepare for and pass certification exams

Study for and pass the ARDMS SPI exam and at least one specialty exam (Abdomen, OB/GYN, or Vascular)

Duration: 6 months

Job search and employment

Apply for positions, complete interviews, and begin onboarding with strong job prospects for certified graduates

Duration: 3 months

Continuing Education

Maintaining your professional certification requires ongoing continuing education to stay current with evolving technology and practices. You'll need to complete a specific number of continuing education credits within each renewal cycle (typically 30-36 CEUs every three years, depending on your certifying body) and pay annual renewal fees. All certified sonographers must adhere to their certifying body's code of ethics, and failure to meet renewal requirements can result in credential suspension or revocation.

Certifications & Licenses

•Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) - Required
•Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam - Required
•Basic Life Support (BLS) certification - Required
•Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) - Optional specialty
•Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) - Optional specialty
•Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSKS) - Optional specialty
•ARRT Sonography (S) certification - Optional alternative

Citations

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