How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound technicians, or diagnostic medical sonographers, use specialized medical equipment to capture images of the inside of the body so that health care providers can diagnose and treat various medical conditions. Ultrasound technology is constantly changing and evolving, making it an exciting and rewarding profession to get into.

If you are looking to become an ultrasound technician, here is what you need to know.

Educational Requirements & Training

To become an ultrasound technician, you must have at least an associate degree in diagnostic ultrasound or a related medical field and many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree. You will also need to complete a 3-4 year residency program and pass both a state and national exam to become certified and obtain licensure.

Once you have completed your degree, you can apply to a residency program, which will provide hands-on experience in the field. Residencies provide practitioners with the opportunity to learn the skills required to work with ultrasound equipment and provide patient care.

Additional Certifications & Licensure

In addition to completing a degree and residency as outlined above, ultrasound technicians may choose to take additional classes to acquire specialty certifications. Specialties may include vascular sonography, obstetric sonography, echocardiography, and many more. Depending on the specialty, certifications may require additional education and training and passing an exam.

AI and Its impact on Ultrasound Technicians

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are dramatically changing the practice of ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound machines are now using AI technology to read and analyze ultrasound data and provide the health care providers with more detailed, accurate readings. This technology is revolutionizing the field of ultrasound and providing more opportunities for health care providers and ultrasound technicians.

AI will continue to expand and evolve, so ultrasound technicians must stay up to date on the latest technology and trends if they want to remain competitive in the job market. There are certifications available where ultrasound technicians can learn programming languages to create algorithms for AI-assisted scans.

Career Outlook & Salaries

Ultrasound technicians have an exciting and rewarding career ahead of them. They can expect to make a median annual salary of $81,350, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And due to the high demand for ultrasound technicians, many positions offer competitive salaries and benefits. It is also expected that growth in the field will continue to increase over the next 10 years.

Conclusion

If you are interested in becoming an ultrasound technician, it is important to understand the educational requirements, additional certifications and licensures, and the rapidly advancing technology in the field. AI is quickly becoming a significant presence in the ultrasound field, and those wanting to get into the profession should strive to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. With the expected growth in the field and the competitive salaries, ultrasound technicians have an exciting and rewarding career ahead of them.