Enrol In Ultrasound Tech Schools Today To Become An Ultrasound Technician/Technologist
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When most people think of ultrasounds, they think of pregnancy and viewing the baby, but really a career as an ultrasound technician involves so much more than that. By attending ultrasound tech schools, you have the opportunity to learn all the different levels and aspects of this exciting career.
Job Description
An ultrasound technician, which is the same as an ultrasound technologist and is also known as an ultrasonographer or a diagnostic medical sonographer, is responsible for forming images of a person's body using equipment that transmits high frequency sound waves.
From this image, they can then take pictures, videos or sent to another doctor for diagnosis. The job will also include gathering a patient's medical history and explaining all procedures to them, using and maintaining the proper equipment, positioning the patient to get the best results, and selecting the most appropriate images to send to the doctor.
Depending on where you work, you may also have to organize work schedules, order supplies, and even manage your dpeartment. You also have the choice to specialize in a variety of fields including obstetrics, neurosonography, abdominal or opthalmic sonography. The majority of jobs available in this field are in hospitals, but more and more openings are becoming available in private diagnostic centers.
Ultrasound Tech Schools Curriculum
No matter which degree you take, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, physics, ethics, caring for patients and handling instruments.
Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees
Either one of these degrees is adequate to allow you to start practicing in the field. To be admitted into any ultrasound tech program, you will need a background in health care or science. In the 2 year associate's degree program you will have basic studies in vascular, abdominal, obstetric and small parts sonography, while in the 3-4 year bachelor degree program will provide more advanced studies in these fields, as well as in-depth training on patient care, psychology and administration.
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There are many different programs for ultrasound tech training, but be sure that the one you choose has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Some of the top schools around the US to pursue either of these degrees are Newman University, University of Oklahoma and Seattle University.
Licensing and Certification
You do not need to be licensed in any state to practice in this field, but you can take an exam offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) which will certify your competence. However attractive to employers, it is not mandatory. Once you are registered, you will need to continue your education in order to maintain that state.
Career Outlook and Salary
It is likely that ultrasound tech careers will continue to grow for a number of factors. Partially it will be due to the ageing population, but a desire for procedures other than radiology as well as an increase in demand for diagnostic imaging will also factor in. The average salary in 2002 was around $48,660, with the highest level reaching about $66,680.
With the right ultrasound tech training at accredited ultrasound tech schools, you can find yourself working in a stimulating, fast-paced environment sooner than you realize.
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