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Ultrasound Technicians Job Overview

Ultrasound technicians use sound waves to develop an image of soft tissues in a patient’s body. This equipment collects reflected echoes and forms images that are then transmitted, photographed or videotaped for the physician’s interpretation and diagnosis. Ultrasound technicians are responsible for obtaining accurate and complete medical history of each patient. They need to analyze and record technical information and provide factually correct and detailed reports. Ultrasound technicians can choose to specialize in areas like abdominal sonography, breast sonography, neurosonography or obstetric and gynecologic sonography. In addition, they can also specialize in vascular or cardiac sonography.

Ultrasound Technicians Schools and Degrees

The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers offers certificates to ultrasound technicians. To obtain this, one must successfully complete an examination in physics and instrumentation, as well as a second examination in their specialty area. With 30 hours of continuing education credits, one can renew this certification every three years. Students can also opt for two and four year programs leading to associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Employers also prefer candidates who attended a 1-year certificate program. Training is provided to sonographers at hospitals, trade and vocational schools and community colleges, as well as on the job.

Job Requirements

Ultrasound technicians should have good communication skills as they need to explain technical procedures and results to patients. They should also have good hand-eye coordination as it is extremely important to obtain quality images. A background in mathematics and science can prove to be an added advantage for those wishing to take up the profession. They should also be able to maintain accuracy in recording patient information and have the ability to understand the operation of complex diagnostic equipment.

Nature of Work

Ultrasound technicians work in clinics, hospitals or laboratories on a full or part-time basis. Sometimes they may need to work on weekends and holidays, or in shifts. They usually work with diagnostic imaging machines in darkened rooms, but may also perform procedures at patients’ bedsides. Ultrasound technicians may be prone to musculoskeletal disorders like neck and back strain, carpel tunnel syndrome and eye strain. Those working as contract employees may be required to travel to health care facilities. Most ultrasound technicians work about 40 hours a week. However, those who employed in hospitals must be ready to report to work on short notice.

Ultrasound Technicians Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, ultrasound technicians held about 46,000 jobs in the US. Employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow by 19% in the next ten years. Industries offering the highest levels of employment to ultrasound technicians are:

• Employment Services
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
• Offices of Physicians
• Outpatient Care Centers

The mean hourly wage for ultrasound technicians in the US is about $29.13, while the mean annual wages are around $60,590.

Job Numbers and Growth

Ultrasound techs nationally number 46,000. The unemployment level for workers is very low, compared to other occupations. About 1% of employees were unemployed recently.

Area Job Conditions

Ultrasound techs are relatively common in Sebastian (Florida), Jackson (Tennessee), and Florence (Alabama). They are rarer in Salinas (California), Reno (Nevada), and Las Vegas (Nevada).

Workers are paid highest in Santa Cruz (California), Worcester (Massachusetts), and San Jose (California), and lowest in Tuscaloosa (Alabama), Huntsville (Alabama), and Florence (Alabama).

Training and Education

Employees are generally expected to have an associate degree. About 25% of ultrasound techs hold a bachelor's degree or better. Currently 68% of workers have some college education, though not a degree. About 7% of employees were able to get their jobs with a high-school diploma. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

About 17% of ultrasound techs work less than full-time. In 1% of the cases, workers work for themselves.

Ultrasound Techs by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Alaska

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California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

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Illinois

Indiana

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Kansas

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Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

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Missouri

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New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

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South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin