Ultrasound
Technologist
Nature
of the Work | Working Conditions | Employment | Training,
Other Qualifications, and Advancement | Job
Outlook | Earnings | Schools | Sources
of Additional Information
Online Radiology Schools |
Online |
Pima Medical Institute |
Radiography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Online |
Allied Health Institute |
Electrocardiograph Technician - Diploma |
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Apply Online |
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Ultrasound Schools |
Arizona |
Phoenix |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Arizona |
Phoenix |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Connecticut |
Farmington |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Connecticut |
Farmington |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Tampa |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Jacksonville |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Fort Lauderdale |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Cardiovascular Sonography (Invasive) - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Melbourne |
Keiser University |
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Fort Lauderdale |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Orlando |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Orlando |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Fort Lauderdale |
Keiser University |
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Vascular Sonography |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Jacksonville |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Fort Myers |
Keiser University |
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Fort Lauderdale |
Keiser University |
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
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Apply Online |
Florida |
Fort Lauderdale |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Georgia |
Atlanta |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Georgia |
Atlanta |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Illinois |
Hillside |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Illinois |
Tinley Park |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Illinois |
Hillside |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Illinois |
Tinley Park |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Indiana |
Indianapolis |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Diploma |
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Apply Online |
Indiana |
Indianapolis |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Maryland |
Landover |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Michigan |
Grand Rapids |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Michigan |
Dearborn |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Michigan |
Dearborn |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Minnesota |
Eagan |
Argosy University |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Missouri |
Fenton |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate of Applied Science |
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Apply Online |
New Jersey |
Iselin |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Diploma |
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Apply Online |
New Jersey |
Iselin |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
New York |
White Plains |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
New York |
Garden City |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
New York |
New York |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
New York |
White Plains |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Ohio |
Cleveland |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Diploma |
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Apply Online |
Oregon |
Portland |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Oregon |
Portland |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Pennsylvania |
Feasterville Trevose |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Pennsylvania |
Feasterville Trevose |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Diploma |
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Apply Online |
Pennsylvania |
Pittsburgh |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Pennsylvania |
Feasterville Trevose |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Diploma |
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Apply Online |
Rhode Island |
Cranston |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Rhode Island |
Cranston |
Sanford-Brown Institute |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Texas |
Dallas |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Texas |
San Antonio |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Texas |
San Antonio |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Texas |
Houston |
Pima Medical Institute |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) |
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Apply Online |
Texas |
Houston |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate |
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Apply Online |
Texas |
Houston |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Texas |
Dallas |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Wisconsin |
West Allis |
Sanford-Brown College |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
Wisconsin |
West Allis |
Sanford-Brown College |
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's |
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Apply Online |
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More than half of all ultrasound technologists were employed
by hospitals, and most of the rest worked in offices of physicians
or in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic
imaging centers.
Ultrasound technologists may train in hospitals, vocational-technical
institutions, colleges and universities, and the Armed Forces.
Ultrasound technologists should experience favorable job
opportunities, as sonography becomes an increasingly attractive
alternative to radiologic procedures.
Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in
diagnosing ailments. Besides the familiar x ray, another common
diagnostic imaging method is magnetic resonance imaging, which
uses giant magnets that create radio waves, rather than radiation,
to form an image. Not all imaging technologies use ionizing
radiation or radio waves, however. Sonography, or ultrasonography,
is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment
and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Many people associate
sonography with obstetrics and the viewing of the fetus in
the womb, but this technology has many other applications in
the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Diagnostic medical ultrasound technologists, also known as ultrasound
technologists , use special equipment to direct nonionizing,
high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient's body.
Ultrasound technologists operate the equipment, which collects
reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped,
transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis
by a physician.
Ultrasound technologists begin by explaining the procedure
to the patient and recording any medical history that may be
relevant to the condition being viewed. They then select appropriate
equipment settings and direct the patient to move into positions
that will provide the best view. To perform the exam, ultrasound
technologists use a transducer, which transmits sound waves
in a cone- or rectangle-shaped beam. Although techniques vary
with the area being examined, ultrasound technologists usually
spread a special gel on the skin to aid the transmission of
sound waves.
Viewing the screen during the scan, ultrasound technologists
look for subtle visual cues that contrast healthy areas with
unhealthy ones. They decide whether the images are satisfactory
for diagnostic purposes and select which ones to show to the
physician.
Diagnostic medical ultrasound technologists may specialize
in obstetric and gynecologic sonography (the female reproductive
system), abdominal sonography (the liver, kidneys, gallbladder,
spleen, and pancreas), neurosonography (the brain), or ophthalmologic
sonography (the eyes). In addition, ultrasound technologists
may specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography.
Obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound technologists specialize
in the study of the female reproductive system. Included in
the discipline is one of the more well-known uses of sonography:
examining the fetus of a pregnant woman to track its growth
and health.
Abdominal ultrasound technologists inspect a patient's
abdominal cavity to help diagnose and treat conditions involving
primarily the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas,
and spleen. Abdominal ultrasound technologists also are able
to scan parts of the chest, although studies of the heart using
sonography usually are done by echocardiographers.
Neuro ultrasound technologists focus on the nervous
system, including the brain. In neonatal care, neuro ultrasound
technologists study and diagnose neurological and nervous system
disorders in premature infants. They also may scan blood vessels
to check for abnormalities indicating a stroke in infants diagnosed
with sickle-cell anemia. Like other ultrasound technologists,
neuro ultrasound technologists operate transducers to perform
the sonogram, but use frequencies and beam shapes different
from those used by obstetric and abdominal ultrasound technologists.
Ophthalmologic ultrasound technologists use sonography
to study the eyes. Sonography aids in the insertion of prosthetic
lenses by allowing accurate measurement of the eyes. Ophthalmologic
sonography also helps diagnose and track tumors, blood supply
conditions, separated retinas, and other ailments of the eye
and the surrounding tissue. Ophthalmologic ultrasound technologists
use high-frequency transducers, made exclusively to study the
eyes, which are much smaller than those used in other specialties.
In addition to working directly with patients, diagnostic
medical ultrasound technologists keep patient records and adjust
and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules,
evaluate equipment purchases, or manage a sonography or diagnostic
imaging department.
Most full-time ultrasound technologists work about 40 hours
a week. Hospital-based ultrasound technologists may have evening
and weekend hours and times when they are on call and must
be ready to report to work on short notice.
Ultrasound technologists typically work in healthcare facilities
that are clean and well lighted. Some travel to patients in
large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment.
Ultrasound technologists are on their feet for long periods
and may have to lift or turn disabled patients. They work at
diagnostic imaging machines, but also may perform some procedures
at patients' bedsides.
Diagnostic medical ultrasound technologists
held about 37,000 jobs in 2002. More than half of all sonographer
jobs were in hospitals. Most of the rest were in offices of
physicians or in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including
diagnostic imaging centers. According to data from the Sonography
Benchmark Survey conducted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical
Sonography, about 3 out of 4 ultrasound technologists worked
in urban areas.
There are several avenues for entry into the field of diagnostic
medical sonography. Ultrasound technologists may train in hospitals,
vocational-technical institutions, colleges and universities,
and the Armed Forces. Some ultrasound training programs prefer applicants
with a background in science or experience in other health
professions, but also will consider high school graduates with
courses in mathematics and science, as well as applicants with
liberal arts backgrounds.
Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2-
and 4-year programs, culminating in an associate or a bachelor's
degree. Two-year programs are most prevalent. Course work includes
classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics,
patient care, and medical ethics. The Commission on Accreditation
for Allied Health Education Programs accredits most formal
training programs-about 102 programs in 2003.
Some health workers, such as obstetric nurses and radiologic
technologists, increase their marketability by seeking training
in fields such as sonography. This usually requires completion
of an additional 1-year program that may result in a certificate.
In addition, ultrasound technologists specializing in one particular
discipline often seek competency in others; for example, obstetric
ultrasound technologists might seek training in, and exposure
to, abdominal sonography to broaden their opportunities.
Although no State requires licensure in diagnostic medical
sonography, organizations such as the American Registry of
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound technologists (ARDMS) certify
the competency of ultrasound technologists through registration.
Because registration provides an independent, objective measure
of an individual's professional standing, many employers prefer
to hire registered ultrasound technologists. Registration with
ARDMS requires passing a general physics and instrumentation
examination, in addition to passing an exam in a specialty
such as obstetric and gynecologic sonography, abdominal sonography,
or neurosonography. To keep their registration current, ultrasound
technologists must complete continuing education to stay abreast
of technological advances related to the occupation.
Ultrasound technologists need good communication and interpersonal
skills because they must be able to explain technical procedures
and results to their patients, some of whom may be nervous
about the exam or the problems it may reveal. Ultrasound technologists
also should have a background in mathematics and science.
Employment of diagnostic medical ultrasound technologists
is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations
through 2012 as the population grows and ages, increasing the
demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. In
addition to job openings due to growth, some job openings will
arise from the need to replace ultrasound technologists who
leave the occupation permanently.
Opportunities should be favorable because sonography is becoming
an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures,
as patients seek safer treatment methods. Unlike most diagnostic
imaging methods, sonography does not involve radiation, so
harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are
rarer for both the patient and the sonographer. Sonographic
technology is expected to evolve rapidly and to spawn many
new sonography procedures, such as 3D-sonography for use in
obstetric and ophthalmologic diagnosis. However, high costs
may limit the rate at which some promising new technologies
are adopted.
Hospitals will remain the principal employer of diagnostic
medical ultrasound technologists. However, employment is expected
to grow more rapidly in offices of physicians and in medical
and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.
Health facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly
through 2012 due to the strong shift toward outpatient care,
encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological
advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside
the hospital.
Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical
ultrasound technologists were $48,660 in 2002. The middle 50
percent earned between $41,420 and $56,020 a year. The lowest
10 percent earned less than $35,800, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $66,680. Median annual earnings of diagnostic
medical ultrasound technologists in 2002 were $50,390 in offices
of physicians and $47,530 in hospitals.
The ultrasound job market continues to be hot and ultrasound
jobs are plentiful.