CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Ultrasound technicians operate the ultrasound machines which are used to examine the inside of a patient’s body.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$73,200
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
2,332
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Ultrasound Technician Job Description
Ultrasound technicians (ultrasound techs) operate specialized equipment that uses reflected sound waves to create an image of the inside of a patient’s body. Ultrasound techs are trained to look for abnormalities in an image. They often obtain measurements or perform calculations that assist in the evaluation of results. They must ensure that the images are clear enough for the doctor or healthcare professional to make an accurate diagnosis.
The field of ultrasound technology is growing. With good pay and the potential for career growth, this is a healthcare field worth exploring. There are numerous certifications available, in a wide array of specialties. This allows for endless and exciting possibilities for a successful and rewarding career.
Ultrasound Technician Job Responsibilities
Ultrasound Technicians may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by location.
- Explain test process to patient and answer questions
- Examine, operate and maintain ultrasound equipment
- Follow safety and infectious disease protocols
- Perform ultrasound testing ensuring that appropriate anatomy and pathology is recorded
- Alert appropriate medical staff of critical abnormalities
- Assist radiologists with ultrasound-guided procedures
Ultrasound Technician Salary
The actual salary of the ultrasound technician can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $73,200*
National average per hour: $35.19*
- $70,054 per year, $33.68 per hour**
- $55,212 per year, $26.54 per hour***
- $68,022 to $82,393 per year****
- $67,332 per year, $32.37 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Ultrasound Technician Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being an ultrasound technician? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Good salary
- Enter the job field quickly
- Many job opportunities
- Use your skills to help people
- Many specialties available
- Potential for career advancement
Cons
- Can be physically demanding when lifting and moving patients
- Risk of exposure to infections and diseases
- May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays
- Daily job can be stressful
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become an Ultrasound Technician?
If you are considering a career as an ultrasound technician, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Choose and complete the ultrasound technician program that works best for you: 1-year certificate or diploma (you are only eligible if you already work in a healthcare occupation such as nursing); 2-year associate’s degree; 4-year bachelor’s degree.
- Pass an exam to obtain certification. Certification is not always required, but is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the ultrasound technician is in the middle of the medical career pathway and can be preceded by entry-level or other mid-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) > Ultrasound Technician > Radiologist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience typically gained through training programs.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Physical stamina
- Strong technical skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Careful attention to safety procedures and protocols
- Active listening skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Extensive knowledge of human anatomy
- Detail-oriented
Ultrasound Technician Certifications
Certification is voluntary in most states, but is preferred by most employers. There are a large number of certifications available in a wide range of specialties.
- RDMS, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS)
- RDCS, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS)
- RVT, Registered Vascular Technologist (ARDMS)
- RMSKS, Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (ARDMS)
- RDMS-AB, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Abdomen (ARDMS)
- RDMS-BR, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer-Breast (ARDMS)
- RDMS-FE, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer-Fetal echocardiography (ARDMS)
- RDMS-OB/GYN, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer-Obstetrics and Gynecology (ARDMS)
- RDMS-PS, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer-Pediatric Sonography (ARDMS)
- RDCS-AC, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer-Adult Echocardiography (ARDMS)
- RDCS-FE, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer-Fetal Echocardiography (ARDMS)
- RDCS-PE, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer-Pediatric Echocardiography (ARDMS)
- BS, Breast Sonography (ARRT)
- S, Sonography (ARRT)
- VS, Vascular Sonography (ARRT)
- ACS, Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (CCI)
- RCCS, Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (CCI)
- RCS, Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI)
- RPhS, Registered Phlebology Sonographer (CCI)
- RVS, Registered Vascular Specialist (CCI)
Certification in CPR is not required for all positions, but is highly recommended:
- CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, First Aid, AED (AHA)
- CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (American Red Cross)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Ultrasound Technician Licenses
New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota and Oregon are the only states that require licensure.
Ultrasound Technician Training and Preparation
Once you have completed your ultrasound technician training program, it is time to prepare for a certification exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Although certification is not required in all states, most employers prefer ultrasound technicians who hold one or more certification.
Preparing for the exams can be done in many ways. Online practice tests are a great way to help you prepare and there are numerous ones available. Flashcards and exam prep books are other useful tools. The ARDMS, ARRT and CCI websites have study guides, practice questions and other useful information to get you prepared for test day.
CPR certification is not required for all positions, but is recommended. There are many ways to obtain CPR certification. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association both offer options for certification. They offer online courses, blended courses and traditional classroom setting training.
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