When you are an ultrasound technician, you will work with powerful equipment to help patients during the pregnancy cycle or in dealing with illnesses. You will literally direct sound waves into the bodies of patients in order to help doctors figure out the best ways to treat patients. When you work as an ultrasound tech, you will form a close working relationship with doctors and nurses. They will depend upon you for accurate results for tests conducted on patients. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become an ultrasound technician?” If you have always wanted to pursue this career, then you should begin by developing an education plan that will help you succeed in this career.
What’s it like to be an ultrasound technician?
When you become an ultrasound technician, you will work with patients to take sonograms of their body parts. You may need to focus a sonogram on a specific area of the body that may contain a tumor. Ultrasound technicians frequently help patients who already have cancer or are suspected to have cancer. You may decide that you want to specialize in a particular type of sonography. This will help you to earn a higher salary in this position. You may specialize in neurosonography, and this type of specialization will give you the opportunity to work with patients who have brain cancer. You may decide to specialize in echocardiography. When you specialize in echocardiography, you will work with patients who have heart problems. You may have to work long hours during peak times in a hospital setting. You may also have to work odd hours if you decide to work in an emergency room.
Education Requirements
If you decide to become an ultrasound technician, one of the benefits of this career is that you will not have to pursue many years of education. You can find 2-year degree programs at local community colleges that specialize in the study of Ultrasound Technology. You may also find vocational programs that also provide you with the opportunity to specialize in Ultrasound Technology. A vocational program can also give you “real world” experience that is looked upon in a favorable manner by future employers. When you are in high school, you should try to take courses in chemistry and math. These types of courses will expose you to the science field, and you will also gain analytical abilities that are helpful for this career choice. Once you obtain your degree in Ultrasound Technology, you should register as an Ultrasound Technologist with reputable organizations like the American Radiological and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Association.
Salary & How to Get a Job
When you become an ultrasound technician, the starting salary that you will receive is about $64,000 a year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is expected to be great demand for ultrasound technicians in the future. There is expected to be a 44 percent growth in the demand for ultrasound technicians in the next ten years. If you want to find a career in which you will have job security, then this is a great option for you. One way to obtain a position as an ultrasound technician is to participate in a co-op program during your college years. This type of education will give you the opportunity to establish yourself within a local hospital. You will also be able to earn wages that will help you pay off your tuition expenses. Otherwise, you can simply start applying for open positions at local hospitals in order to become an ultrasound technician.
References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_1000118_become-ultrasound-technician.html