If you are contemplating a career change and have an interest in the medical profession, you may want to consider the rapidly growing field of diagnostic ultrasound technology. You will be trained to perform medical imaging procedures that can help doctors diagnose many life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke. Ultrasound technologists can make an above-average income.
Training Requirements
Education training programs for ultrasound technologists can be found at most two-year community colleges and culminate in an associate's degree. Larger universities may also offer training for ultrasound technologists as a four-year bachelor's degree program. Occasionally, training programs can be found in allied health schools, as well as some vocational and technical schools. These programs usually take about nine months of full-time study to complete.
Courses and Certifications
As an ultrasound technology student, you will take a variety of core courses including computer science, medical terminology, life science, math and health. You will learn hands-on techniques during practicum work in an approved medical facility. Make sure that your program is accredited, because you will need to register with the American Radiological and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Association prior to seeking employment. Those with at least an associate's degree can also test for national certification through the ARDMS.
Other Requirements
If you are planning to train to become an ultrasound technologist, good interpersonal skills will be an asset, because you will have constant physical contact with patients. You will be required to calm patients who will likely be nervous, as well as fully explain imaging procedures and any instructions left by their physician.You must also be in good physical condition, since you will be required at times to lift as much as 50 pound of equipment. You will also be required to stand on your feet for extended periods of time.
Job Duties
Registered ultrasound technologists are often referred to as sonographers and are skilled medical professionals, trained in the use of an ultrasound, a high frequency diagnostic machine that uses sound waves to see images. This noninvasive procedure gives physicians and other medical staff an inside view of the patient's body. The procedure is also considered much safer than exploratory surgery procedures and has none of the harmful effects of traditional X-rays.
Pay and Job Outlook
Salaries for ultrasound technologists can vary depending on geographic location and experience. In a 2009 survey by Payscale.com, the median salary for a beginning ultrasound technologist ranges from $17.69 to about $25 an hour. After a year on the job, you can expect to earn a median income of up to $28.13 an hour. After five years of ultrasound technologist experience, your income earning can average upwards of $31 an hour, and qualified ultrasound technologists with at least a decade or more of job experience can earn up to $34 an hour, or more than $70,000 each year working full-time.
The job forecast for ultrasound technologists is expected to be very good through the year 2016 with both full-time and part-time positions available.
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