When most people think of ultrasound examinations, they think of pregnancy. While it’s certainly true that ultrasound is used to assess the development of a baby during pregnancy, this imaging test can be used for a variety of other purposes. The versatility of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool means ultrasound technician jobs are always in demand.
In this article, we’ll look at common uses for ultrasound and what training for ultrasound technician careers typically looks like.
Common Uses for Ultrasound Examinations
Because ultrasound is not an invasive or high-risk imaging method, it’s often used as a starting point for diagnostics. Based on the results of an ultrasound, a physician can make better-informed decisions about ordering other examinations. Some examples of common uses for ultrasound include examining organs, assessing the health of the cardiovascular system, and guiding a variety of medical or surgical procedures:
Ultrasound as a Diagnostic Tool
Ultrasound is an imaging tool that can help to reveal a variety of conditions, including:
- Cancerous tumors in the liver, ovaries, or pancreas
- Kidney stones and gallstones
- Aortic aneurysms
- Inflammation of the liver or pancreas
- Kidney diseases
- To detect tears, hernias, and damage to joints
It’s possible to detect abscesses and the presence of excess fluid using an ultrasound, so this form of scan can be helpful for detecting signs of infected internal organs. Based on the results of an ultrasound, a physician might refer a patient for other scans or diagnostic tests.
Ultrasound to Assess Cardiovascular Health
Ultrasound imaging is precise enough to evaluate blood flow in the veins and arteries, and can therefore be used to detect blood clots or blocked arteries and to evaluate the quality of circulation in a person’s extremities. This can alert physicians to potentially life-threatening conditions.
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsies and Surgical Procedures
In addition to detecting issues with certain organs, ultrasound can help to guide surgeons while performing biopsies, kidney transplants and other surgical procedures. This kind of imaging is particularly common in surgical procedures performed via a small incision, such as appendectomies and splenectomies. Without imaging assistance, the surgeon might need to make a larger incision, increasing the recovery time and risk associated with the surgery.
Training for Ultrasound Technician Jobs
At Healthcare Career College, we offer a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that leads to a 19-month diploma or a 24-month degree, giving students multiple options for starting a career as an ultrasound technician.
After completing this program, you’ll have the technical, administrative and practical skills required to work as an ultrasound technician. You’ll also be well-positioned to explore other specializations, for example, by training in cardiac sonography or vascular technology to further advance your career.
If you’d like to quickly start a career in ultrasound technology, enroll in the HCC Ultrasound Technician program today and start learning hands-on diagnostic medical sonography skills that you can immediately apply in the workplace.