As a sonogram technician, you can have the joy of helping parents see the miracle of life. You are the one who provides parents with their first glimpse at their developing child. You also may have the responsibility of performing sonograms for people who have tragic illnesses, such as cancer. A sonogram technician has a wide variety of responsibilities and helps people at their most important stages in life. Whether one is having a new baby or dealing with a tragic illness, sonogram technicians play a vital role in helping that person.
What’s it like to be a sonogram technician?
As a sonogram technician, you will likely work in a hospital setting. You may also work in a private office. Because there is a demand for sonogram technicians, you may be able to take as few or as many hours as you would like. Some people decide that they want to be a sonogram technician on a part-time basis and only work 10 to 20 hours a week. In this important role, you have the ability to help doctors in diagnosing forms of cancer. You may help doctors determine exactly which parts of the body they may need to perform surgery upon for a biopsy. Conversely, you may have the task of telling parents whether they will be having a baby boy or girl.
Education Requirements
You only need a two-year degree in order to become a sonogram technician. You can pursue a two-year degree at a community college or vocational school. You may also be able to find a one-year program that is available online for pursuing your dream of becoming a sonogram technician. You should take courses that help you feel comfortable with medical terminology. You will be expected to know about different parts of the heart, brain, liver and uterus. You may also decide to specialize in a particular type of imaging technology for an area of the body. People will frequently decide that they only want to perform sonogram work for pregnant women. Others decide that they want to specialize in a complex area of study, such as neurosonography.
When you do find a few programs that interest you, you should make sure that they have been fully-accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This committee is responsible for putting forth standards in the sonography field. You will then want to obtain a professional certification from the American Radiological and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. The process of registering for this certification should not be time-consuming, as you will not have to take any exams.
Salary & Types of Jobs
The average salary for a sonogram technician can vary from $30,000 to $60,000. Sonograph technicians who work with cancer patients are frequently paid in the $40,000 to $50,000 range due to the specialized knowledge that this position requires. If you are able to be promoted to the head of a sonography department in a hospital, then your salary will increase. Upon the completion of a sonography program, you should begin applying for jobs at local hospitals or at private practices. You may want to apply for a job at an OB GYN or the office of a cardiologist. If you do decide to specialize and become a echocardiographer, then you will be paid at a higher rate in comparison with other sonogram technicians.
Entering this field can be exciting for anyone who has a passion for helping doctors in the process of diagnosing major illnesses. It can be rewarding to know that the work of a doctor would not be possible without your assistance.