There Are 11 Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools In California
The demand for ultrasound technicians is increasing as doctors and hospitals move from traditional radiology procedures. Unlike radiology procedures, sonograms use no radiation and are safe for adults, children, and fetuses. Sonograms are not only safer, they are less expensive. A person who performs and reads sonograms is called an ultrasound technician.
Sonograms use sound waves to produce an image for diagnosing medical conditions. Originally performed primarily on obstetric patients, sonograms are now used for other views of the body. Ultrasound technicians now perform and read sonograms for diagnosing potential problems in the abdominal organs such as the liver or spleen. Ultrasound technicians also perform sonograms on the breast, the brain, and the heart. Ultrasound Technician Schools prepare them to work in the field of sonography.
Ultrasound technicians may become credentialed by attending one of the 11 accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in California. Some may complete training by graduating high school and enrolling in either a community college, technical school, or university. While enrolled in school, they will study anatomy and physiology, physics, medical ethics, and instrumentation. Ultrasound technicians may pursue a two year associates degree or a four year bachelors degree. The Armed Forces also provides training in ultrasound technology. In addition, larger hospitals may offer a training program to high school graduates who have studied math, physics, and biology.
Ultrasound technicians may also pursue certifications and licenses. While a license is not currently state required, a degree and addition of a license can be beneficial in terms of salary. To gain a license and become a registered ultrasound technician, students must graduate with a degree or have a comparable work record. They must also pass a physics exam and an instrumentation exam. All licensed and registered ultrasound technicians are licensed through The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Persons who wish to pursue a career as an ultrasound technician should have good hand eye coordination, get along well with others, and enjoy continuing their education and learning, as continuing education is necessary in order to stay current on licensure and as diagnostic equipment and procedures change as technology advances.
Salaries for graduates of Ultrasound Technician Schools range in $50,000-$73,000 range. The higher paying salaries are generally found in larger hospitals by ultrasound technicians who hold a degree and certification. Ultrasound technicians can expect to not only work full time hours, but can also expect to work nights, weekends, and to be available on call. Full health and dental benefits are generally offered as part of an ultrasound technicians benefits package.
What does an Ultrasound Technician do?
Ultrasound Technician (also known as Ultrasonographers or Sonographers) is a rapidly growing career within the allied medical profession, as well as the veterinary and animal sciences profession. The medical aspect of this field is encompassed within the practice of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). Now with the recent and rapid improvements in diagnostic imaging, these types of professionals are in increasingly in demand in hospitals and other medical, university, or veterinary facilities. The great thing with ultrasound is that it is safe both for the patient and the ultrasound technician, since you are using sound waves instead of radiation or chemicals.
So exactly what does an Ultrasound Technician do? Well simply put, graduates from one of the ultrasound technician Schools use sound waves to detect images of body structures such as muscles, tendons, joints, and internal organs for possible diseases or pathological conditions. They can be also used to monitor normal ongoing conditions like pregnancy or monitor disease progress. Like we previously mentioned, this is not limited to human beings, but is also being applied in much the same way with animals in the veterinary field. However, there is more to ultrasound than just using devices. Ultrasound technicians have a myriad of responsibilities such maintaining, calibrating, and adjusting equipment. You will also guide patients in proper positioning to get the best image possible. There will also be some paper work involved as ultrasound technicians also have to maintain medical records with regards to ultrasound exams, not to mention the need to take down and be familiar with patient histories as well. You will also be assessing equipment for purchasing and assist in the day to day management of the department, clinic, or office as well.
Now the use of ultrasound for Obstetrics is the most commonly known use of this diagnostic imaging modality. However ultrasound technicians are not simply limited to diagnostic imaging. There are also therapeutic procedures, which utilize ultrasound to guide interventional treatment or diagnostics such as biopsies. Ultrasound technicians work with other medical professionals such as doctors and veterinarians who interpret the scans that they perform. Doctors can also choose to specialize in this field as well.
An ultrasound career is not limited to basic procedures since like doctors you can also choose to sub specialize in a variety of specialties such as echocardiography, OB- Gyne sonography and the like. Take a look at the list below and see the other specializations that ultrasound technicians are involved in.
So we hope that this question has answered the question for you – what does an Ultrasound Technician do? Armed with this information, you should now be in a better position to make a informed decision as to whether you should be searching for Ultrasound Technician Schools In California.