Ultrasound Technician
Job Description
Ultrasound technicians secure images of the human body’s internal anatomy through the use of various types of equipment and sonography. Ultrasound technicians are also responsible for analyzing the images to detect potential abnormalities or to ensure that the internal organs and other body parts are functioning properly. Interpretation is perhaps the most significant function of their job because of the seriousness of certain issues if not detected in the early stages. The sonography files of patients are kept on file by the ultrasound technician and often referred back to over time to track progress. In some instances, patients may be nervous about receiving a sonogram, so the ultrasound technician must be able to explain what is taking place to ensure they reach an optimal level of comfort. If the ultrasound technician determines that additional sonograms are needed to generate more detailed images, they must be able to properly communicate their concerns to the patient and reassure them that each procedure will not be painful or cause bodily harm.
Salary
In the United States, salaries for ultrasound technicians range from $45,000 to $52,000. On average, entry-level positions pay $50,000 per year. These figures can vary drastically by location.
Ultrasound Technician Salary Statistics as of 2015
Median annual salary for a Ultrasound Technician is $52,238 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $74,572. The lowest salary reported was $29,904. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Median hourly wage for a Ultrasound Technician is $24 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly wage recorded was $34. The lowest hourly wage recorded was $15. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Bonuses for a Ultrasound Technician are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The biggest bonus recorded was $704 from someone with 15+ years of experience. The smallest bonus recorded was $0 from someone with under 1 year of experience.
These are the top 5 highest paying states for a Ultrasound Technician. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
1. California – $32,311-$82,412
2. Texas – $38,252-$69,184
3. Georgia – $28,231-$51,157
4. New York – $23,633-$59,732
5. Florida – $29,987-$50,770
These are the top 5 highest paying cities for a Ultrasound Technician. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
1. Atlanta, Georgia – $20,273 – $58,511
2. Chicago, Illinois – $25,958 – $57,978
3. San Francisco, California – $23,323 – $58,152
4. Pittsburg Pennsylvania – $26,597 – $52,879
5. Houston, Texas – $26,226 – $50,009
This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Ultrasound Technician from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $58,334 while in 2008 it was just $47,784.
Specialized Fields
• Ocular Sonography: Eye images are examined for potential vision-threatening conditions. This method is rapid in nature and eliminates the need for more invasive procedures. It also expedites diagnosis and treatment.
• Breast Sonography: Images are used to examine breast tissue for lumps that can indicate breast cancer.
• Abdominal Sonography: Imaging is done to ensure internal organs are functioning properly. These include the gallbladder, pancreas, liver, kidneys and spleen.
• Musculoskeletal Sonography: Images generated by lubricated probe focus on muscles, joints, tendons, soft tissue and ligaments. They detect issues such as tears, dislocations, lumps and benign tumors.
• Obstretrics and Gynecology: Sonogram images are used to track the progression of pregnancy and examine the female reproductive system.
• Neurosonography: Sonogram images are used to detect clots and brain tumors by examining the head and central nervous system.
• Vascular and Cardiovascular Sonography: Images are used to detect abnormalities and blockages. The sonograms focus on blood flow from many angles, heart valves and tissues.
Work Environment
Ultrasound technicians are employed on both a full-time and part-time basis, depending on the work location. Clinics provide standard 8-5 schedules, but part-time positions are also available. On the other hand, hospitals offer fixed shifts that vary throughout the daytime and evening hours. Some ultrasound technicians in hospital settings work overnight and are often on-call.
Clinical settings are typically less stressful since the work is somewhat consistent from day to day. However, hospitals are very fast-paced as many patients with varying medical issues and conditions visit throughout the day.
How To Become A Ultrasound Technician
To become an ultrasound technician, it is necessary to obtain an Associate’s Degree or Postgraduate Certificate from an accredited program. In addition, ultrasound technicians should pass the certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
Required
• Associate’s Degree or Postgraduate Certificate from an accredited program
• Pass the certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)
certification exam
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal relationship skills
• Strong manual dexterity
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Sharp critical thinking skills
Optional
• Pass additional certification exams; these vary by specialty
Job Outlook
The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is very bright. Ultrasounds are non-invasive, rapid in nature and painless, making them a favorable option amongst both patients and physicians. In addition, they are less expensive than other invasive procedures, do not require any recovery time and can yield an instant diagnosis. Due to the increased popularity of ultrasounds, many opportunities are available to ultrasound technicians at hospitals, clinics and private healthcare facilities.
Gender Statistics |
Related Jobs |
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87%
13%
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Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 87% of Ultrasound Technicians were females while 13% were males. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.
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Past Jobs Ultrasound Technologist |
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