Archive → April, 2010
Is Sonography a Worthy Career Choice?
An Ultrasound Technician, also known as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Ultrasonographer, uses special equipment to “see” into a patient’s body. Ultrasound is a form of non-invasive diagnostic imaging. High frequency sound waves are directed into a specific area of the body and an image is generated from the sound that is reflected. Although this type of imaging is most commonly associated with obstetrics and gynecology, there are many other medical conditions it can be used to diagnose. Yes, Ultrasound or Sonography can be used for more than just “seeing baby in the womb”. Ultrasound Technicians or Sonographers can also find applications in breast sonography, vascular sonography, nervous system sonography, cardiac sonography, and abdominal sonography, just to name a few.
There is no required licensure in the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. However, any individual seeking employment in the field would need to have a background in Healthcare in addition to a Certification or an Associates or Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution. Employers also tend to like applicants that are registered with a recognized Diagnostic Medical Sonography organization. The three recognized organizations are as follows: The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and the American Registry of Radiological Technologists. Interested individuals would have to pass an exam through the organization in order to be officially recognized as an Ultrasound Technician or as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). Continuing education hours would also be required to maintain registration. In addition, this will help to keep the Ultrasound Technician up to date with advances in technology for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography field.
What is a reasonable estimate of an Ultrasound Technician salary? While the pay scale ranges from approximately $43,000 per year to more than $83,000 for the highest ten percent in the field, median average ultrasound technician salary range is approximately $62,000 per year. Generally there is higher pay for professional Sonographers working in physician’s offices versus those who work in hospitals.
Advancement opportunities are available to Ultrasound Technicians who get multiple credentials to work in varied areas of the Sonography field. As an example an Ultrasound Technician might also get certification to specialize in Cardiac and/ or Vascular Sonography. Other opportunities may be obtained by reaching out for supervisory positions, management positions, or upper administrative positions.
For individuals who are already employed in Health care and who are seeking to expand their marketability, there are technical or vocational schools which offer one year certifications in Sonography. For others who are just getting started, accredited schools offer 2 year or 4 year degrees. Courses will include physics, physiology, anatomy, patient care, and medical ethics. Programs are offered at colleges, universities, and online.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers also known as Ultrasound Technicians are currently in high demand. In part this is due to the popularity of Ultrasound as a safe alternative to radiology procedures. Growth is also expected as a result of new procedures that will develop in this field opening up new areas of use for Sonography. Growth in this field is expected to be as much as 27% by the year 2014.