Becoming an Ultrasound Technician
The field of sonography offers a revolutionary way to look into the human body for diagnostic purposes. Sonography, which uses ultrasound, or sound waves, to produce medical images, evolved from scientific observations of how bats could navigate effectively in the dark with the use of echo location. These same principles were used to develop sonar for detecting underwater objects such as finding the Titanic, which struck an iceberg and sank in 1912. Later, sonar was particularly important during both world wars when submarine warfare emerged.
Experiments using ultrasonics in medicine began in the 1940s, albeit in therapeutic areas, rather than diagnosis. Although ultrasonics were widely proclaimed for their potential to heal various illnesses, the results were disappointing. It would not be until the 1950s, with the development of better technology, that the potential for using sound waves to diagnose illness began to be realized.
Today, sonography is often used in concert with radiography, which employs X-rays or radiation to take images of the body. Ultrasound technicians are sometimes also trained as radiology technicians, so often are competent in both modalities.
What Ultrasound Can Reveal
In sonography -- which literally means “sound writing” -- technicians use ultrasound on the skin, sending high-frequency waves of sound (beyond human hearing) inside the body by a device called a probe or transducer. The waves bounce back, and are caught by a computer, which interprets them into images of the patient's insides. There is no radiation involved, so no risk of exposure to patients.
Sonography is commonly used on pregnant women to observe fetuses and their development inside the womb. You're probably familiar with the use of sonograms to discover the sex of a fetus. The technology can also be used for the brain, heart, kidney, liver, uterus, gallbladder, and other organs to observe abnormalities, or for diagnosing problems with muscles and tendons.
Ultrasound can even bounce off moving red blood cells, so that technicians can create images for diagnosing problems with arteries, such as these:
- blood clots
- blockage
- bulges
- narrowing
- heart valve issues
- leg vein valve issues
Becoming an Ultrasound Technician
If you're someone who likes helping people, and the idea of working with ultrasound for diagnostic purposes intrigues you, then you may be right for a career as an ultrasound technician. Be aware that you'll deal directly with patients so it's helpful if you have good communication skills and you're comfortable working with people who may be under duress because of a suspected illness or even a problem during pregnancy. The need for an empathetic personality can't be stressed enough for this line of work.
You also should feel comfortable working with sophisticated technical equipment, as well as getting patients correctly positioned for the imaging process.
So what about your working environment? You'll likely be on your feet a good part of the day. Some employers that use ultrasound technicians -- such as hospitals -- will probably expect you to work nights and weekends. You'll also have to be in good enough physical shape to do patient transfers. Further, keep in mind you'll probably need to continue updating your skills as technology changes. And, you may need to work toward new certifications in order to advance in your field and reach a higher pay level.
The best way to enter the profession for most people is by earning an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited program. Once you complete your training and certification, you can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician offices, clinics, public health facilities, and laboratories.
Earning Your Degree
As you research programs that offer a degree in this field, you'll want to look for one that gives you training in the following areas:
- Operation of sonographic equipment
- Specific training for sonography of the abdomen, breast, and vascular systems, or pertaining to gynecology, obstetrics, neonatal, and trauma
- Producing diagnostic images
- How to adjust patients, particularly with certain medical conditions
- How to record, analyze, and process diagnostic data for presentation to the interpreting physician
- Cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
- Patient care (including legal and ethical issues), communication, infection control, medical emergencies, physical assistance and transfer
Ordinarily, it takes two years to earn an associate's degree. With an accelerated program, you can earn your degree much sooner.
Upon obtaining your degree, you will need to become certified through either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, as most employers require either of these certifications before they will hire you.
Are you excited about the field of sonography? If you want to work in the field, consider earning your degree through ECPI University’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program. With an accelerated schedule you can graduate sooner than a traditional program and start looking for work sooner. For more information about this career path, contact a helpful admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Sonography - Associate’s
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