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Ultrasound Technologist

Nature of the Work | Working Conditions | Employment | Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement | Job Outlook | Earnings | Schools | Sources of Additional Information


Ultrasound Schools

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Online Radiology Schools

Online Pima Medical Institute
Radiography - Associate's
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Online Allied Health Institute
Electrocardiograph Technician - Diploma
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Ultrasound Schools

Arizona Phoenix Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Arizona Phoenix Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Connecticut Farmington Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Connecticut Farmington Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Florida Tampa Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Florida Jacksonville Sanford-Brown Institute
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Florida Fort Lauderdale Sanford-Brown Institute
Cardiovascular Sonography (Invasive) - Associate's
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Florida Melbourne Keiser University
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Florida Fort Lauderdale Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Florida Orlando Sanford-Brown Institute
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Florida Orlando Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Florida Fort Lauderdale Keiser University
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Vascular Sonography
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Florida Jacksonville Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Florida Fort Myers Keiser University
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Florida Fort Lauderdale Keiser University
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Florida Fort Lauderdale Sanford-Brown Institute
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Georgia Atlanta Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Georgia Atlanta Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate
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Illinois Hillside Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate
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Illinois Tinley Park Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Certificate
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Illinois Hillside Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Certificate
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Illinois Tinley Park Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate
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Indiana Indianapolis Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Diploma
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Indiana Indianapolis Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Maryland Landover Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate
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Michigan Grand Rapids Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Michigan Dearborn Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Michigan Dearborn Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Minnesota Eagan Argosy University
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Missouri Fenton Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate of Applied Science
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New Jersey Iselin Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Diploma
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New Jersey Iselin Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate
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New York White Plains Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate
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New York Garden City Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate
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New York New York Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate
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New York White Plains Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Ohio Cleveland Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Diploma
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Oregon Portland Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Oregon Portland Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Pennsylvania Feasterville Trevose Sanford-Brown Institute
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Pennsylvania Feasterville Trevose Sanford-Brown Institute
Cardiovascular Sonography - Diploma
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Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Pennsylvania Feasterville Trevose Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Diploma
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Rhode Island Cranston Sanford-Brown Institute
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound - Certificate
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Rhode Island Cranston Sanford-Brown Institute
Cardiovascular Sonography - Certificate
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Texas Dallas Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate
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Texas San Antonio Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Texas San Antonio Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Texas Houston Pima Medical Institute
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
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Texas Houston Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate
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Texas Houston Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Texas Dallas Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Wisconsin West Allis Sanford-Brown College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate's
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Wisconsin West Allis Sanford-Brown College
Cardiovascular Sonography - Associate's
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Ultrasound Jobs

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Significant Points


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.


Ultrasound Nature of the Work

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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.


Ultrasound Working Conditions

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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.


Ultrasound Employment

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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.


Ultraound Job Training and Advancement

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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.


Ultrasound Job Outlook

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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.


Ultrasound Job Earnings

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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.


Ultrasound Colleges

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Sources of Other Ultrasound Information

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radiology degrees Ultrasound Imaging Portal - RTstudents.com has topical information pages for all radiology modalities. Find information on mammography, cat scan, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and more. You'll find radiology forums, radiology job information, daily radiology news and even radiology stock market information.


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