Considering a career in the healthcare industry and looking to make a positive difference? Exploring the fascinating world of ultrasound technology could be a great option! Careers for ultrasound technicians are on the rise. So much so, that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the industry to add an additional 15,000 jobs by 2031. Plus, an average annual salary of over $75,000 this an even more tempting option. But what type of jobs can you actually get with an ultrasound technician education? Before we dive into that question, let’s cover a few other basics. Like, what is an ultrasound technician, and what do they really do on a healthcare team?

History of Ultrasound Technology

It might surprise you, but ultrasound technology has been around since the 1700’s and began with an Italian physiologist and priest who were conducting experiments to explain how bats were able to fly at night, and led to the discovery of echolocation. The technology continued to evolve and was later used to detect submarines during World War II. However, the first physician to use ultrasound technology for medical imaging was Austrian neurologist, Karl Dussik, who used the depict changes in brain ventricle size as a result of tumor growth. The technology was limited at the time but was later advanced and refined in the U.S.

How Does Ultrasound Technology Work?

Also referred to as diagnostic medical sonography, ultrasound technology is the process of using imaging equipment that generates high-frequency sound waves to record and scan inside a person’s body. It’s mostly used to help physicians and other medical professionals record images to diagnose and evaluate the medical conditions of patients. There are different specialties within ultrasound technology, but one of the most common applications is during pregnancy to monitor and record fetal growth. It’s also used for breast imaging to detect lumps or other irregularities, abdominal pain, and for pelvic organs, muscles, and tendons.

But one major area of healthcare that relies on ultrasound technology is cardiology. Cardiovascular ultrasound technology takes images of the heart valves, walls, vessels, and chambers to evaluate a variety of cardiac conditions. And considering that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., it’s easy to understand why a powerful diagnostic tool like ultrasound technology is so important.

Typical Duties of an Ultrasound Technician

The ordinary duties of an ultrasound technician typically include performing the following activities on a regular basis:

• Prepping ultrasound rooms for patients
• Maintaining ultrasound equipment
• Talking with patients and taking down medical histories
• Performing ultrasound imaging of various parts of the body
• Reviewing images and notating abnormalities
• Documenting findings in patient records to assist doctors with diagnosis

What Are the Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Technician?

Every state varies in their specific requirements for becoming an ultrasound technician. But most positions require applicants have a minimum of an associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. It usually takes two years to complete the program and should cover topics including ultrasound physics, anatomy, and patient care. Also, all ultrasound technicians must obtain state licensure or registration in order to practice and that typically requires passing a state licensing exam. Many ultrasound technology programs will also include an externship that allows for practical experience in a real-world clinical setting. And many employers prefer to hire ultrasound technicians who are certified.

How to Become Certified as an Ultrasound Technician

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (www.ardms.org) has established three credentialing bodies for ultrasound technicians: the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), and the Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS).

To qualify for certification, individuals must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation examination and take a specialty exam related to abdomen, breast, fetal echocardiography, neurosonology, or obstetrics and gynecology (for the RDMS credential), fetal, adult or pediatric echocardiography (for the RDCS credential), or vascular technology (for the RVS credential). There are also organizations, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Cardiovascular Credentialing International, who offer their own sonography and cardiac credentials.

Career Paths for Ultrasound Technicians

Anywhere there are medical facilities – you are likely to find ultrasound technicians. Just about every area of healthcare relies on the skills of ultrasound technicians to diagnose a wide range of patient conditions. You can choose to specialize in one area of ultrasound technology such as:

• Cardiology
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Vascular technology
• Abdominal imaging
• Pediatric sonography

You’ll also find ultrasound technicians working in the research field, performing studies or conducting experiments on the latest technologies. But there are also opportunities outside the clinical setting. Ultrasound technicians can be found working in equipment sales or marketing roles, providing product demonstrations, or working as a brand representative. Depending on what your goals and personal preferences are, there are quite a few options to choose from.

Where can ultrasound technicians look for work?

As for where you can look for work, again, pretty much wherever you have a healthcare facility, you’ll find a need for ultrasound technicians. Ultrasound technicians find work in:

• Radiology Centers
• Research Facilities
• Hospitals and emergency rooms
• Private clinics
• Physician’s offices
• Dialysis centers
• Laboratories
• Urgent care clinics
• Rehabilitation centers

There’s no question that ultrasound technicians are some of the most valuable players in the healthcare industry and play a critical role in physicians being able to diagnose and treat patients. It’s also a career you can literally take anywhere there are people and healthcare. But perhaps the best reason to pursue a career as an ultrasound technician is the amazing feeling of helping people from the inside out – and earning a great living while you’re doing it. If you’d like to explore a career in the exciting world of ultrasound technology, check out the programs in your local area. Or you can visit https://ultrasoundschoolsguide.com/ for a comprehensive list of programs in states across the country.