Sonogram Technician Education Requirements and Career Information
Job Descriptions February 15, 2013Sonogram technician who are also known as an ultrasound technician, use high-frequency sound waves to image patients’ internal organs and help in the diagnosis of disease and illnesses. Some sonogram technicians work at doctors’ offices and other healthcare facilities, but most are employed in hospitals. In this article, we will take a close look at the training requirements of sonogram technicians.
Education Requirements Sonogram Technician
Although potential sonogram technicians could receive on-the-job training, they usually complete a two-year program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Students enrolled in the program will learn how to interpret output and use sonography equipment. The course topics may include ultrasound equipment, medical terminology, basic echocardiography, anatomy and physiology, and instrumentation. In addition to coursework and under the supervision of sonographers; students will participate in clinical training. Several colleges and universities offers a one-year program, professionals who are working in the healthcare industry typically enroll into the program to change their career.
Certification
While certification is not compulsory for employment in any state, to enhance employment opportunities, many sonogram technicians will pursue certification program. Organizations such as the Cardiovascular Credentialing International, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offer certification. Sonogram technicians may choose to become certified in a sonography specialty. Students who want to receive certification will need to pass an examination and complete training in instrumentation and physics. To maintain certification, sonogram technicians need to complete continued education.
Career Information for Sonogram Technician
There are many sonogram specialties for aspiring sonogram technicians to select from when they have decided to pursue a career in this field. Gynecologic and Obstetric sonographers specialize in diagnosing and imaging the female reproductive system, both during and after pregnancy. To help diagnose ailments associated with organs as the spleen, liver, kidneys, and pancreas; sonographers can focus on imaging patients’ abdominal cavity. Neurosonographers are professionals who are skilled in examining the nervous and brain system. Other sonographers specialize in the study of breast tissue to monitor biopsy accuracy, tumor growth, and blood supply.
Salary Outlook and Career
In 2010, Sonogram technicians earned an average yearly salary of $64,380 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). Job growth of eighteen percent was predicted from 2008 to 2018, with the majority of job growth being in diagnostic laboratories and doctors’ offices. The contributing factors to the job growth are due to healthcare providers selecting ultrasound imaging instead of radiologic procedures and the aging population is in need of diagnostic imaging according to the BLS.
