Category Archives: Ultrasound Technician

Getting An Ultrasound Technician Salary

If you think you’re satisfied with the ultrasound technician salary you are receiving, you should know that you can actually earn more by specializing in various areas of medical diagnostic sonography and the use of the latest technology, like 3-D ultrasound. 3-D is a buzzword these past couple of years because of the use of this technology in movies. However, there are medical uses for this aside from its entertainment value. An ultrasound technician salary is very competitive as it is, but there are many ways to earn even higher salary. Being knowledgeable on this new technology is one way of achieving this aim.

Conventional ultrasound takes 2-D or two dimensional images of the patient’s area of the body for the physician’s assessment and diagnosis. This is commonly used in obstetrics, where images of the pregnant woman’s baby inside the womb are taken for assessment. All ultrasound technicians are trained in this technology because this is what’s commonly used in various medical establishments.

However, there are now a growing number of establishments that use 3-D ultrasound instead of the conventional type. With this new technology, the physician and the parents can actually see the real image of the baby because it is in three dimensions, where the shape and volume of the baby can now be accurately seen. Within a couple of decades, experts predict that 3-D ultrasound will completely replace 2-D imaging.

Since this a new technology, ultrasound technicians need to undergo additional training using these instruments. They should not only know how to use it, but be able to explain the procedures also to mothers who will encounter this for the first time. Naturally, mothers will have apprehensions whenever a new technology will be used on them and their babies. The technician should be able to explain everything in order to relieve the patients’ worries.

With further training and education, you can expect to receive higher ultrasound technician salary. This is true for most jobs in any type of industry; as you gain more training and education, you can expect to receive higher compensation because your employer recognizes this additional skill. A career in this field will not only offer you excellent job security, high ultrasound technician salary, but also excitement and challenges as you tackle new technological advancements in sonography.

Why You Might Want To Become An Ultrasound Technician

Wouldn’t it be a great job to be providing the very first glimpses of the baby to exited expecting mothers? The first time a mother ever sees her baby inside her womb is when she has her first ultrasound, and as an ultrasound technician, you’re the one who is providing that opportunity. In effect, this is the essence of what an ultrasound technician doing obstetric sonography or ultrasonography does. In the medical field, a person working in this role is referred to as an obstetric or gynecologic sonographer. These technicians specialize in the imaging of the female reproductive system. This is one of the most well-known uses of sonography, examining the fetus of a pregnant woman to keep track of the baby’s growth and health. Whilst they are paid a fair ultrasound technician salary, the rewarding feeling of seeing a mother’s eyes light up the moment she sees her baby inside her womb for the first time could be considered as one of the more rewarding aspects of this job.

Aside from taking images of the fetus inside the mother’s womb, though, there are other uses of sonography. Specifically, sonography is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. This isn’t limited to obstetrics, as this technology has many other applications. Notably though, an ultrasound technician receives specialized training when it comes to sonography use. The ultrasound technician salary may vary with each specialization and as their duties vary. Abdominal sonographers are ultrasound technicians which specialize in imaging a patient’s abdominal cavity in order to diagnose and treat conditions that primarily involve the patient’s gallbladder, kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen, bile ducts, and the male reproductive system. Neurosonographers, on the other hand, focus on the nervous system, including the brain. They also study and diagnose neurological and nervous system disorders in premature babies. Some ultrasound technicians specialize in using sonography to study diseases of the breasts. These individuals are called breast sonographers. This type of sonography aids mammography in detecting breast cancer, tracking tumors, monitoring blood supply conditions, and in assisting in the accurate biopsy of breast tissue. The equipment and methodology used can be different for each specialization.

The ultrasound technician salary range in the United States is from $45,357 to $65,246 annually. This includes bonuses which range from $198.69 to $1,011, and profit sharing for those that qualify, at between $550 and $4,000. it’s normal for ultrasound technicians to work overtime, and for that, they are usually paid an extra $31.83 to $45.82 an hour. When it comes to education attainment, those with an Associate of Applied Science degree usually receive between $19.93 and $31.83 an hour. Technicians with a Bachelor of Science degree earn higher at $22.60 to $28 per hour. There are those with an Associate of Science degree that reportedly receive anywhere from $26.23 to $34 in hourly ultrasound technician salary.

Ultrasound technicians should have good interpersonal and communication skills. This is particularly important considering you must be able to explain the technical procedures and results to patients who are often feeling nervous when they come to see you. It is also important for you to pursue continued education, learning what the latest developments in your field of expertise are, because the field of diagnostic medicine is continually evolving and improving. The use of diagnostic imaging, particularly sonography, is constantly advancing which makes it an exciting career to pursue.

Government projects higher demand for BMETs in the near future

If you are looking to start a career in repairing laboratory machines and equipment, you may just have made the right choice. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2010-2011) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an estimated 27 percent increase of demand for medical equipment technicians in the future. The job opportunities are described as “excellent” by the said agency.

Formally known in the medical world as biomedical equipment technicians, or BMETs, these individuals are the ones who repair, maintain, standardize, and adjust an extensive range of medical equipment and machines. These devices can range from simple electronic pacemakers and electric wheelchairs to very complex machines such as CAT scanners and ultrasound equipment.

The demand for BMETs has exponentially grown as medical technology continues its advancement. The increasing number of industries that employ biomedical machinery as part of their operations can also be attributed as one of the factors of the skyrocketing call for BMETs.

For starters, BMETs are employed by hospitals, medical research centers, and corporations that manufacture and sell medical devices and equipment. Today, certain branches of the military are training selected individuals to become experts in biomedical technology, which can potentially lead to a BMET career. Aside from repairing medical equipment, several BMETs can also cross over to a career in medical equipment marketing and sales as well as customer service. BMETs who have further training and specialized skills can also enter into the field medical technology research.

BMETs are among the most in-demand professionals in the United States. That said, salary rates vary according to a BMET’s area of expertise, level of experience, certifications, as well as employers’ standards. An ultrasound technician salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $60,000 while an endoscopy repairer earns around $25,000 to $40,000 a year.

A BMET’s salary also depends in the industry where he or she belongs: Below is a list of the median wages for BMETs in 2008 according to the sector they work in (as shown in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook):

  • General medical and surgical hospitals – $45,990
  • Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance – $44,740
  • Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers – $42,950
  • Health and personal care stores – $32,770
  • Consumer goods rental – $29,020

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also expressed that with the expected increase of people entering the elderly population in the 2008-2018 decade as well as the growing complexity and advances of the medical technology and medical equipment, increased demand for BMETs is also to be expected.

Areas of expertise such as radiology, surgery, clinical laboratory, and nuclear medicine are expected to provide excellent avenues for career advancement in the future. Many experts suggest that a career in any of the said fields will render more excellent employment opportunities compared to other specialized fields.

Getting Into the Ultrasound Technician Profession

Becoming an ultrasound technician is just one of the many fields that you can get into in the healthcare industry. The medical field offers many career options for those who are interested in helping the people who are sick and are in pain. So for those who want to become an ultrasound technician or a sonographer, read below to know more about how you can join the lucrative field of sonography.

An ultrasound technician or a diagnostic medical sonographer is a specialist who is responsible for using pioneering technology that would aid in viewing the internal organs and other parts of the body. They do this by sonography as well as ultrasound diagnostic images through the use of transducers and high frequency sound waves. This type of diagnostic imaging will allow the view of the patient’s internal organs, tissues, and blood flow in order to help the medical practitioners to lead to a correct diagnosis. One popular use of sonography is in pregnant women where imaging is used to check the condition of the fetus inside the mother’s womb.

The ultrasound technician salary is generally relatively high.To work as an ultrasound technician, it would require you to complete an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in ultrasound technology. These degrees and training programs may be offered in trade schools, community colleges, and online. For quality education, it is important that you enrol in a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduating from an accredited school will make you a good candidate for most ultrasound technician jobs. Once the program is completed, you should register with the American Registry for Diagnostic Sonography or the ARDMS as a professional ultrasonographer.

Since the medical field is growing every day, more and more highly trained professionals are in demand. This is due to the increasing population of the older aged people. The employment opportunities are good for those who have completed a training program and are registered. If you choose to be a diagnostic medical sonographer, then you are picking a career field that does not only require expertise but also commitment and a compassionate heart. Another great thing about the healthcare industry is that it will always need healthcare workers. So whether you are looking for a new and a long term career, then you might consider looking into becoming an ultrasound technician.

You may find employment in hospitals, diagnostic and medical laboratories, as well as physician’s offices. The average ultrasound technician salary in the United States is $65,037. There is also an expected 18 percent growth in the employment opportunities for ultrasound technicians between 2008 and 2018, as predicted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This employment growth is considered to be faster than average. There lies a great future for you in the medical field, most especially in the field of sonography. Take your formal training now and avail of the great opportunities ahead of you.

Become an Ultrasound Technician with Quality Education from Accredited Schools

In today’s trying times and with the economy that most countries in the world are facing, you might want to look for a lucrative career in the healthcare field. Careers in the healthcare field are among the most stable on the market and one of the best career opportunities in healthcare can be found in the field of diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology. This is a highly recognized and also among the fastest growing professions in the United States, resulting in an excellent ultrasound technician salary.

An ultrasound technician or a diagnostic medical sonographer provides the patients with services that make use of ultrasound technology that produces high-frequency sound waves in order to create images of the internal structures of the body. They work in coordination and supervision of the physicians who are responsible for the interpretation of the diagnostic images produced. Aside from performing the ultrasound procedure, the ultrasound technicians also provide patient education to promote good health. They also perform other tasks such as schedule and coordinate tests, records results, prepare operational logs, and also keep the ultrasound equipments in good condition.

This profession, however, requires that you receive quality ultrasound technician training from any of the accredited ultrasound technician schools available. The best ultrasound technician training is needed in order become more competitive in the job market. They may also specialize in different areas such as in breast, nervous system, obstetrics and gynecology, vascular, or cardiac sonography. Ultrasound technician trainings are provided in hospitals, vocational institutions, colleges, and universities. An associate’s as well as the bachelor’s degree in ultrasound technology of 2 to 4 years may be obtained from college and university programs.

There are more than 150 ultrasound technician schools that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). After completing the education from any of the accredited schools, the ultrasound technician may voluntarily obtain a licensure. Licensure or registration is also very important since even most employer prefer hiring those registered ultrasound technicians than those who are not. One can be registered by taking an examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Successful examinees will obtain the Registered Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential.

The quality education that one can obtain from good ultrasound technician schools are great investments that will one to pass the certain examinations needed in order to find a good employment in the future. The median annual ultrasound technician salary in the United States is approximately $65,037 as of 2011. Over the next decade, there will be a considerable growth in the employment opportunities for ultrasound technicians and it is expected to increase by 19 percent between 2008 and 2018.

The ultrasound technician career offers lucrative opportunities for those who are interested in this field. Not only is the monetary benefit excellent, but it also offers job satisfaction as ever day the ultrasound technician deals with people who are in need of their healthcare services.

Why Pursue an Ultrasound Technician Career

If you are looking for a change in your current career or if you are planning on which career path to take, then you might consider becoming an ultrasound technician. The ultrasound technician career is becoming highly in demand these days and it could be a worthwhile profession. What made this profession more attractive is the lesser educational requirements and the chance of earning a good ultrasound technician salary.

Basically, an ultrasound technician is someone who is responsible for performing diagnostic procedures with the use of high frequency sound waves. They operate equipments and use it on patients to create visual depictions of the specific parts of the body such as the blood vessels, tissues, and organs. They are also the ones responsible for preparing the patients prior to undergoing sonography tests. They position the patients accordingly, as well as make sure that the visual images obtained are clear and detailed.The Ultrasound techs are also responsible for keeping patient records and results, and submit them to the doctors. These images are then used by the medical doctors in getting a view of the patient’s body to guide them in making accurate diagnosis and treatment plans. Ultrasound is a non-invasive and non-radiographic type of diagnostic procedure that could safely capture the images of the body, which is why the demand for this kind of healthcare service is higher than ever.

Today, there are many fast track ultrasound technician programs offered wherein you may earn either a certificate or a diploma. A fast track career for certification usually takes one year to complete. The next education level is that of an associate’s degree which can be completed in about two years. You also have the option to continue for another two years, for a total of four years, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in ultrasound technology. The level of education that you obtain will greatly influence the amount of ultrasound technician salary you can earn in this field. When choosing a program, make sure that it is one of the 200 accredited schools or programs by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Once the degree is completed, you can obtain your certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The certification may not be standard requirement prior to practice in some States, but this could greatly improve your chances of getting employed and getting a higher salary.

As of October 2011, the average ultrasound technician salary in the United States is $52,000 per year. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the ultrasound technician career will increase by 18 percent within the year 2008 until 2018. The employment opportunities for ultrasound techs are most likely in hospitals while others may be able to find employment on physician’s offices and laboratories.

Money is indeed a very important aspect of any profession, but this is not the only reason why one should pursue any career. With the ultrasound technician career, you will not only be able to earn and provide for your family, but you will also be provided with a stable job in a field that continues to flourish even in this shaky economy.

Be a Part of the Growing Ultrasound Technician Profession

Sophisticated technologies that involve high frequency sound waves for viewing the underlying tissues, organs, and blood vessels in the body in a non-invasive manner are what the ultrasound technician use in their complex job. Good news for the aspirants, the ultrasound technician salary is one of the best in today’s market. The ultrasound technician career is one of the most popular professions and one of the best choices for those whose interest lies in allied healthcare. Next to doctors and nurses, the ultrasound technician is the next most popular profession, thanks to the pregnant women who constantly undergoes ultrasound procedures. Although it is just one of the many fields you can choose from in the medical field, it constantly in demand and it can be very rewarding as well.

An ultrasound technician is also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer that operates advanced equipments with sound waves to help the medical doctors in diagnosing the patients’ diseases. They typically work directly with physicians and other healthcare professionals. They may also specialize in specific fields such as in obstetrics and gynaecologic, neurosnology, abdominal sonography, breast sonography (mammography), vascular sonography, and cardiac sonography. The area of specialty of the sonographers may contribute to the specific ultrasound technician salary they receive.

The ultrasound technician requirements for the profession includes a formal training from colleges or universities that will give the aspiring candidates an associate’s degree which can be completed in two years, or a bachelor’s degree which usually takes four years to complete. The coursework for the program includes anatomy and physiology, physics, ethics, and instrumentation. Another important requirement in this profession is a license. The aspiring ultrasound technician should pass the certification examination from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The certification may not be a standard requirement for the profession, but some employers prefer to hire those with a certification. The certification will also greatly help improve the ultrasound technician salary. An ultrasound technician with multiple specialties may also advance to higher levels including the supervisory, managerial, and administrative positions.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is the government body that keeps track of the all jobs in different fields, predicts that the job growth in the ultrasound technician field is more than the average for all occupations from 2008 through 2018. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also indicates that the average ultrasound technician salary in the year 2011 is between $18 and $25 per hour. The BLS declares that the highest average salary given to the ultrasound technicians can reach to almost $74,000 per year. The highest paying states for ultrasound technicians are Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and also Connecticut. The job can be very rewarding that for those who are interested in pursuing this lucrative profession, it would be best that they invest well in their education in order to succeed.

Helpful Information on the Ultrasound Technician Career

Those who are interested in going for a career as an ultrasound technician is also very much interested in knowing all about the ultrasound technician salary. Aspiring ultrasound technicians would be very pleased to know that the salaries offered to these professionals are very high. This is actually one of the great reasons why many are drawn to the ultrasound technician career. This healthcare field actually involves the use of sonograms and it has one of the best advantages with regards to career opportunities.

An ultrasound technician earns their ultrasound technician salary on an hourly basis and the fact that they don’t require higher training levels such as that of registered nurses and medical doctors. Ultrasound technicians are professionals that make use of high sound frequencies in order to create a detailed image of underlying tissues, organs, blood vessels. These images are then used by the doctors in making accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for the patients. The ultrasound technician profession is a detailed oriented job that comes with great benefits including the monetary gain.

To become an ultrasound technician, one must meet the Ultrasound technician requirements. A high school diploma is needed prior to completing an ultrasound technician training. The ultrasound technician training may be earned from universities, colleges and schools offering them. A one year certificate program is available for those who are already a part of the health care field but a two-year program is required for those who don’t have a medical background. On the average, the associate’s degree can be completed in 2 years. A bachelor’s degree in ultrasound technology may also be taken and it will take 4 years to complete. The level of education that one has acquired may play a big role in the amount of ultrasound technician salary that they may earn.

As of the year 2011, the ultrasound technician salary is between $52,000 and $84,000 annually. The high paying states for ultrasound technicians includes New York, Illinois, Texas, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In New York, the salary ranges from $32,973 to $116,350 per year. The salary in Illinois for the ultrasound technicians is about $93,883 per year. In California, the yearly salary is between $39,262 and $78,537 per year. As for Texas, the annual salary ranges from $22,148 to $71,490. The ultrasound technician salary in Florida ranges from$29,799 to $81,703 yearly. In Pennsylvania, their yearly compensation ranges from $36,492 to $61,511.

The ultrasound technician profession is indeed very rewarding. Aside from the great ultrasound technician salary that they may receive, they are also provided with many other benefits. It is one of the most stable jobs in healthcare and the profession is also growing fast with a 19% increase in the ultrasound technician employment within the next decade.

Choose a Lasting Career, Choose to Be an Ultrasound Technician

Anybody who wants a long and rewarding career in the allied healthcare industry may just be able to find it in the ultrasound technician profession. It gives the prestige of being in the healthcare field, but it only requires less schooling while also providing relatively good salaries. Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, are among the most recognized professions in the medical setting next to doctors and nurses. This is due to the widespread use of sonogram in pregnant women. With the right education, anyone can become a qualified ultrasound technician within just a short period of time.

On the daily routine of ultrasound technicians, their work involves the use of state of the art tools and equipments such as the transducer that allows transmission of high frequency waves through the patient’s body. The waves bounce off from a targeted body part which will be converted into visual images. Such equipments are used to accurately view and diagnose internal problems within the different body systems which are not visible to the naked eye. Since sonography is non-invasive and it does not involve the use of radiographic technology, it makes the profession more popular and more in-demand. The high demand for ultrasound technicians is expected to continue to grow. Pursuing this career provides a promising future, even in a below par economy.

The path to becoming an ultrasound technician is available in different levels ranging from certificate programs, to associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, up to master’s degree. These programs can be taken from universities, medical colleges, and other private institutions offering such educational programs. Registration with the American Radiological and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) is a must after completion of the program. This profession may also lead to specializations such as in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, gastrointestinal medicine, and many others. Going into these different fields of specialization also comes with different duties and benefits.

According to the work setting, education, State, experience, and specializations, the income of the ultrasound technicians will vary. As of 2009, the median annual ultrasound technician salary is about $63,010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The next decade is also expected to create a substantial growth in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. The United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a 19% increase in the ultrasound technician employment. The growing demand for ultrasound technicians are due to the growing population of the elderly, the baby boomer generation reaching their retirement age, as well as the preference of the many for using non-invasive and non-radiologic technology as a better and safer alternative to x-rays.

This very rewarding career in sonography offers a lot of advantages for the ultrasound technicians. The monetary compensations as well the opportunity to work with different kinds of people, colleagues, superior, and patients can provide a rewarding feeling for the ultrasound technicians. This, along with the predictions of the health industry experts regarding the demand for ultrasound technicians in the years to come are among the main reasons why students are dedicated to pursue this prestigious degree.

Choosing to Pursue an Ultrasound Technician Career Means Choosing a Lifetime of Rewards and Benefits

Having a job that offers financial security is just one of the many reasons why many people are so eager about entering the healthcare field. Everyone needs to have stability, especially when it comes to compensations and payments. If you are one of those many people who are interested in working in the healthcare sector, then you might as well consider going into the ultrasound technician profession especially because it is one of the most recognized professions in the medical field. By taking this career path, you will be able to get some of the best jobs offered in the medical field these days. The job of an ultrasound technician involves the use of state of the art technologies that are able to help the physicians and other medical professionals make a correct diagnosis of the patient’s condition.

Ultrasound technicians, or sonographers as they are also called, may not have a direct role in patient care as that of a doctor or nurse but they are very important as well. Ultrasound technicians work with sonographic equipments that aids in the viewing of the inner parts of the body without opting for invasive diagnostic procedures. Without, doubt sonography has indeed made a great difference in the field of medical diagnostics. Sonography is used in the different sub-fields of healthcare such as in obstetrics and gynecology, echocardiography, mammography, neurosonology, and ophthalmology. These fields then require the sonographer to complete some specific courses regarding the area of specialty they have chosen.

Going for a career as an ultrasound technician means that you have chosen a career field that would only require you to complete a short training period, along with many employment opportunities. This is the kind of job that is both rewarding and exciting at the same time. This job is especially for those who are interested in learning about the human anatomy and how each organ system works. By choosing this career as your profession, you can expect to enjoy different lifetime benefits that will make all the years of your trainings and effort very much worth it.

This profession is one of the most highly demanded professions in the healthcare sector these days that sonographers will be able to find employment in a variety of settings such as in hospitals, medical centers, and physician’s offices. Aside from the promising ultrasound technician salary that they may earn, they are also rewarded with the sense of satisfaction about being of service to others. Whichever angle you may wish to see it, you could never go wrong in choosing this profession. Opting for this profession can be very rewarding as it will be able to provide you with great employment opportunities, career advancements, and job stability.