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Ultrasound Technician Job Description
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Ultrasound technicians (also called diagnostic medical sonographers) use imaging technology to help medical practitioners diagnose and treat patient health problems. An ultrasound machine uses sonography to bounce high frequency sound waves off of specific areas within the body. The resulting images can be used to assess and diagnose conditions. Ultrasound technicians are trained in using this technology to capture images of babies during mothers' pregnancy, and other organs.
The responsibilities of an ultrasound technician typically include:
- Preparing patients for procedures
- Selecting correct equipment settings for requested tests
- Helping patients move into specific positions for the best imaging
- Holding and directing imaging devices to specific anatomical locations
- Examining images during procedures for specific cues that indicate healthy or unhealthy areas
- Evaluating images for quality and saving good ones for doctors' review
- Taking measurements and analyzing results before submitting reports to doctors
- Maintaining medical equipment and patient records
- Overseeing sonography or diagnostic imaging departments and purchases of equipment
Ultrasound technicians may choose to specialize in one or more of these areas:
- Obstetric and gynecologic sonography of female reproductive organs
- Abdominal sonography of the kidneys, gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas and spleen
- Neurosonography of the brain
- Breast sonography
- Vascular sonography of blood vessels
- Cardiac sonography of the heart
While most ultrasound technicians work in hospitals, some work as a contract employee and travel to different facilities within an area. They may use portable equipment to visit patients who do not have access to the technology otherwise.
Degrees and Schools
Ultrasound technicians can get a degree or certification in diagnostic medical sonography. Two-year associate's degree programs are most popular, and are offered through vocational schools, colleges and universities. Four-year bachelor's degrees are also available through colleges and universities. Two-year certification programs are offered through some hospitals. One-year certification programs do exist, but are not accredited and are intended for current workers in the healthcare industry who are continuing their education.
Organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredit college, university and some hospital programs.
Program applicants with experience in health care or a science background are preferred by most schools.
Classes
For a degree or certification in diagnostic medical sonography, coursework is usually divided between class time and clinical hands-on practice. Classes usually include:
- anatomy and physiology
- technology and instrumentation
- patient care
- medical record keeping
- introductory physics
- medical ethics
Online Classes and Programs
There are a few CAAHEP accredited online diagnostic medical sonography programs available, providing a convenient and flexible solution for busy students. When evaluating these programs, find out how much clinical time is required, and what kind of job placement services they offer. These may be far more limited than campus-based programs.
Employment Requirements
Completion of an accredited two-year degree or certification program in diagnostic medical sonography is preferred by most employers who hire ultrasound technicians. State licensure is not required, but many employers hire Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) who have been certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
How to Evaluate Schools
Aspiring ultrasound technicians should consider asking the following questions when evaluating programs in diagnostic medical sonography:
- Accreditation - Has the program been accredited by the CAAHEP or other accrediting body? Has an online school been accredited by a distance-learning oversight organization?
- Focus - Are curricula more focused on learning the technology or learning how to work in a medical setting with patients and doctors? Which is needed more by the evaluating student?
- Practical experience - How much importance is placed on supervised clinical experience? Are there plenty of desirable opportunities?
- School and class size - What is the average class size for most courses? What kinds of financial aid are offered (scholarships, loans, work study, grants, etc.)? Does it seem like a large part of tuition is going to amenities, such as special services or facilities, that may not be utilized by the evaluating student?
- Graduate success - Of those who graduate from the program, how many become ARDMS certified? How many find and keep employment?
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- Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician)
- Registered Diagnonstic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Sonogram Technician
- Sonographer
- Sonography Technician
- Ultra Sound Technician
- Ultrasonic Tester
- Ultrasonographer
- Ultrasound Technican
- Ultrasound Technician
- Ultrasound Technologist
- Ultrasound Tester
