Ultrasound technicians are professionals belonging mainly to the medical field who show their expertise in safe, ultrasound, and non invasive technique of capturing images of bodily systems and the internal organs of the human body. These technicians are popularly known as diagnostic medical sonographers.
The images of the human body are captured in different angles to facilitate the diagnosis and analysis of diseases or any abnormal changes in the body. A particular type of high frequency sound waves are used in the operation of medical image equipment. These images are captured as videos or still pictures and reverted to the physicians for precise identification of medical disorders.
The elementary role of these technicians is to manage the ultrasound instruments and supervise the patients in the procedure. Their main aim is to take clear and detailed images of the patient's body by guiding and channelizing them into specific positions that is in best accordance with the ultrasound imaging.
Moreover, the ultrasound technicians are responsible for making reports for the physicians, capturing detailed and peculiar measurements of the patient's body organs, and investigation of patient information.
It is found that a large number of ultrasound technicians are working with private medical institutions. Besides, some of them also get employed in clinics and hospitals.
Requirements of Ultrasound Technician Work
The basic requirements of ultrasound technician work are given below:
Work Conditions of Ultrasound Technician Work
Ultrasound technicians usually work five days a week and may face irregular work schedules at nights and on weekends. They may need to stand for extended periods of time and may require to perform repetitive movements of maneuvering and lifting up of patients for accurate positioning. This may cause back pain or neck aches to these technicians.
They spend more time in darkened room specially designed for ultrasound imaging which may result in eye strain. They are indirect communication with the patients, however they guide the patients to respective physicians for any queries regarding their medical condition.
Salary for Ultrasound Technician Work
Ultrasound technicians generally receive an hourly earnings that ranges between $15 to $18 approximately. Employees in private practices possessing appropriate formal education typically receive high yearly compensation of about $70,000.
Professionals associated with the median group of ultrasound technicians who have experience and knowledge that is pertinent to the employer's needs earn an estimated annual salary package of $50,000. Whereas, other ultrasound technicians earn approximately $35,000 as a yearly compensation.
On the whole, the salary of an ultrasound technician mainly rests on factors such as work location, educational qualification, and work experience.
Job Prospects of Ultrasound Technician Work
Job prospects of ultrasound technicians are expected to grow at a much higher rate than other medical technician jobs. The employment growth rate is projected to be eighteen percent as per the latest employment updates.
There is much space for progress and advancement in this profession. Candidates can specialize in a number of divisive sub-fields of ultrasound technician vocation which enables them to look forward for an improving career in the field of their own personal interest.
Some of these fields can be abdominal sonography, cardiac sonography, respiratory sonography, cardiovascular sonography, etc.
Ultrasound technician work is predicted to progress in a few years from now. This is due to the rising need for professional diagnostic imaging and ultrasound image processing in major hospitals and health care institutions. Also, the minimal invasive nature of ultrasound imaging method that carries less risk than other tests like X-rays has made it more demanding.