Be an Ultrasound Technician
Learn more about being an Ultrasound Technician
What is an Ultrasound Technician?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, more commonly referred to as Ultrasound Technicians, use ultrasound technology to examine the body’s blood vessels, organs, and tissues. Ultrasound is commonly used in obstetrics, the field of study concentrated on pregnancy, but ultrasound is also used for many other medical reasons. Ultrasound Technicians play a key role in helping detect and monitor a variety of medical conditions such as tumors, cysts, growths, cancers and many other potentially life-changing health risks.
How do you become an Ultrasound Technician?
The first step in becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer involves completing an education from an accredited school. There are several degree level options: certificate program, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor’s degree. Student must then finish any clinical work experience requirements (requirement by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography). Some states require certification as part of their licensure process for Ultrasound Technicians. Even if certification is not required in certain states, certification can provide sonographers with a professional assessment of their skills, which employers typically prefer.
Are Ultrasound Technicians in high demand?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for Ultrasound Technicians continues to grow at a high rate compared to overall averages. The need for Ultrasound Technicians is growing because using sonar imaging is a great alternative to invasive diagnostic procedures.
Healthcare Career College, located in Paramount, CA, serves ultrasound technician students in Long Beach, Compton, Lakewood, Downey, Bellflower, Norwalk, Cerritos, the greater Los Angeles area and north Orange County.
How much do Ultrasound Technicians make?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the 2018 median pay for an Ultrasound Technician and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is estimated to be at $67,080 per year or $32.25 an hour.
Where could I work as an Ultrasound Technician?
Ultrasound Technicians can work in many different areas in the medical industry. Depending on their specialty or area of concentration, Ultrasound Techs can work in doctor’s offices, outpatient centers, medical/diagnostic labs, hospitals, clinics, and many other healthcare facilities. Some popular specializations include: Adult Echocardiography (focus on the heart and surrounding structures), Obstetrics (focus on pregnancy), Gynecology (focus on female reproductive organs), Musculoskeletal Sonography (focus on joints, tendons, ligaments, typically used in sports medicine), and Abdomen (focus on small parts like liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen or bladder).
Ready to start the path to your new career? It’s easy – Complete the online form for Healthcare Career College near Long Beach, CA.
Is a Career as an Ultrasound Technician Right for You? Take the Healthcare Career College "Diagnostic Medical Sonography Career Training Readiness Quiz"
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Key Takeaways
What does an ultrasound technician do?
Ultrasound technicians use specialized imaging equipment to create diagnostic images of organs, tissues, blood vessels, and developing babies, helping physicians diagnose and monitor medical conditions.
What skills are needed to become an ultrasound technician?
Successful ultrasound technicians need technical skills, attention to detail, strong communication, compassion, and the ability to work closely with patients and healthcare teams.
Why choose a career as an ultrasound technician?
Ultrasound technology offers strong job demand, opportunities for specialization and career growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact by providing essential diagnostic imaging for patient care.