Ultrasound Technician

Also called diagnostic or medical sonographers, ultrasound technicians use a special machine to look inside the human body. During a sonogram, a device called a transducer is held against certain parts of the body. This transducer sends sound waves into the body where they bounce off of the organs and tissues. It then listens to these sound waves as they bounce back and use them to form an image, sometimes in three dimensions, of internal body structures. A trained sonographer can look at these images and identify problems or abnormalities. The sound waves used in this process are too high pitched to be heard by human ears, so the process is a quiet one for the patient. The ultrasound procedure is painless and noninvasive but helps doctors identify many problems.

How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

To become a medical sonographer, you must earn an associate's degree or a certificate from an accredited technical program. Accredited programs are available in a wide variety of settings and can be found at colleges, hospitals and technical schools. Whatever location you choose, it is best to find a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Focus on finding a school that offers internships or other hands-on experiences in the field as part of their training. After completing your education, some states require you to gain certification by passing a certification exam given by the CAAHEP or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). You may have to take additional exams depending upon your specialty. High school students can prepare themselves for their collegiate ultrasound training by taking as many math, science and computer courses as possible.

Education Costs

Although tuition costs vary from one organization to another, College Finder says those looking to become diagnostic sonographers will pay anywhere from $9,375 to $75,000 for an education. This is quite a range, which highlights how important it is to choose your education provider carefully. You don't want to skimp on your education, but you don't want to pay more than necessary, either. Ask many schools to send you free information and compare their programs and costs. The figures listed here include tuition, books, housing, board, travel expenses and certification costs. Your actual costs will be on the low end of the range if you commute to a local school or find grants and scholarships to help finance your education. You will spend more, however, if you elect to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree in the field, which would allow you to teach as well as work. The high salary of this career choice makes for a sound investment, however, so don't let the cost of college deter you from this lucrative and rewarding career path.

Salary and Job Market Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for ultrasound sonographers in 2012 was $65,860 a year. This means half of those working in the profession made more than this and half made less. The average hourly wage during 2013 was $20.29, which represents an annual salary of $67,170. Not only does this career pay well, but the demand for sonographers is on the rise. Between 2012 and 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the need for ultrasound technicians to rise 46 percent, which is much faster than that of most other occupations. This represents an additional 42,700 jobs. Demand is currently highest in California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. In 2013, sonographers with the highest annual salaries worked in California ($86,550), Oregon ($83,830), Washington ($80,820), Alaska ($80,400) and Rhode Island ($78,750).

Important Responsibilities, Traits and Skills for Ultrasound Technicians

Ultrasound technicians must be detail-oriented in order to follow physician instructions accurately. This trait also helps ensure that they properly interpret the images they produce, since the differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue are often subtle. Organizational skills are important, as well, since technicians handle patient records and information. Hand-eye coordination is also a must as technicians often need to move the transducer to different areas of a patient's body while remaining focused on their machine's display screen. Strong interpersonal skills help sonographers appear warm and put patients at ease, allowing for greater cooperation between technician and patient. These skills also help when dealing with patients who may not be feeling - or acting - their very best. Long periods of standing coupled with the need to move patients who cannot move themselves adds physical stamina to the list of characteristics required for the job. The technical nature of the work requires the ability to operate and understand complex diagnostic equipment.

Overview and Summary

A career as an ultrasound sonographer is a rewarding one that allows you to work with and help people every day. This is a great job for those who enjoy being hands-on and would prefer not working a desk job - sometimes the patients will come to you, but sonographers who work in hospitals often make rounds, performing sonograms on bedridden patients. Some technicians work in doctor's offices and health clinics while others work in hospitals. The career pays well and the demand for professionals in this field is expected to grow in the coming years as active baby boomers age. Because of the high demand, some employers pay generous sign-on bonuses to new hires and pay tuition reimbursement for qualified employees looking to further expand their skills. Employers look for certified candidates with a strong background in math, science and computer skills and you can start working on these skills while still in high school, if desired. Most sonographers work full time, although part time work is available. Some, especially those in hospitals, must work evenings, weekends and holidays.