Paisley, FL
An Ultrasound Technician or sonographer is a healthcare professional who conducts ultrasound examinations to help physicians diagnose and screen medical conditions. A sonogram technician employs medical equipment using sound waves to capture images of internal tissues within the human body. These images are then used to diagnose such conditions such as cancer or heart disease, or to monitor fetal development in pregnancies. You can find information about ultrasound technician schools in Paisley below.
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Job Duties and Responsibilities of Sonographers
What do ultrasound technicians do in general? Sonographers are responsible for a series of activities related to successfully completing diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. The ultrasound technician job duties and responsibilities include:
- Verifying patient clinical history and health status, evaluating related tests and images
- Communicating comfortably and clearly with patient to explain the procedure, answer questions and relay information about what to expect during the procedure
- Communicating any concerns to the referring or interpreting physician as needed prior to the planned ultrasound procedure
- Consulting with medical professionals and independently assessing any possible need to adapt the planned procedure to achieve optimal results
- Administering contrast media through an intravenous line as needed after receiving appropriate approval
- Upholding quality patient care standards as professionally defined before, during and after the procedure
- Operating the ultrasound equipment and analyzing findings in real time during the examination to ensure optimal data is obtained
- Physically moving or assisting the movement of the patient as necessary to ensure comfort, a successful procedure and minimal patient exposure to high-frequency sound waves
- Evaluating ultrasound exam results to identify expected and unexpected outcomes given the procedure plan as well as whether appropriate test guidelines and protocols were followed
- Identifying and documenting unexpected results that may indicate the need for further testing or immediate medical attention
- Completing ultrasound technician worksheets that explain test findings to the physician
While performing these duties, ultrasound technicians help preserve the integrity of the profession by adhering to a professional code of ethics designed to protect patient wellbeing, competent practice, professional standards and public trust. They take active roles in assessing the safety and effectiveness of the equipment they operate as well as the work environment and all aspects of their involvement in the profession.
What are the Different Job Titles?
A sonographer is the same thing as an ultrasound tech. There is no difference. In fact, depending on their place of employment and special area of practice, they can also have job titles such as:
- Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Ultrasound technologist
- Ultrasound technician
- Ultrasonographer
- Diagnostic cardiac sonographer
- Cardiac sonographer
- Echocardiographic technician
- Vascular sonographer
How do I Become a Medical Sonographer in Paisley?
There are multiple avenues to becoming a medical sonographer, including formal education from a college, university, or hospital; technical training at a vocational school; or training in the armed forces in Paisley. No state requires formal certification for medical sonographers; however, certifying bodies exist, most notably the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and many employers prefer certified sonographers because they have been held to a regulated standard. A sonographer can qualify to sit for the exam through formal education or work experience.
If you choose formal education, the types of programs available are:
Associate Degree – These two-year programs are offered at various colleges, and are the most prevalent degree in Paisley. They also make up the majority of the 150 accredited programs nationwide. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, physics, patient care, and medical ethics.
Bachelor’s Degree – A few four-year sonography training programs exist at colleges and universities in Paisley, but they are much less common than associate programs. These programs are also accredited.
Vocational Certificate – Some vocational/technical schools offer one-year training programs in sonography in Paisley, and some employers accept this as sufficient education. This avenue is mainly recommended for professionals who are already employed in the health field and seeking training in ultrasound to increase their marketability. A certificate may not be the best way to get started in the field.
Ultrasound Technician Career Overview in Paisley
| Required Education | Associate’s degree is most common; certificate and bachelor’s degree programs also available |
| Certification | Professional certification may be required or preferred by some employers |
| Projected Job Growth (2013-2025) in Paisley | 45% |
| Median Salary (2012)* (Paisley) | $61,174 |
Choosing Your Ultrasound Technican Program in Paisley
While the length and depth of ultrasound technician programs in Paisley vary, all programs will cover college-level course work in biology, math, physics, written and oral communication, as well as clinical training in ultrasound equipment and techniques.
Certificate Programs
The 1-year certificate program is designed exclusively for students who have experience and education as certified allied health professionals in other fields but are looking to move or expand into diagnostic medical sonography.
Associate’s Degrees
The associate’s degree is the most popular training program for professional ultrasound technicians. Students must be high school graduates to be considered for enrollment in this 2-year training program.
Bachelor’s Degrees
A 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited ultrasound school will provide students with a well-rounded education in addition to the clinical training needed to be successful as an ultrasound technician. A bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography also allows students to sit for advanced certification exams, giving them a competitive edge over other applicants when seeking jobs.
Employment Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians in Paisley
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers in Paisley, commonly referred to as ultrasound technicians, is very promising with a projection of 39% more positions available by the year 2022. The BLS adds that the median ultrasound technician salary in March 2015 was $68,317 annually; the top 13% among the ultrasound job market made over $92,995 and the lowest 18% made less than $46,693. With ultrasound technician demand expected to grow, salaries in turn should reflect the growing value placed on sonography within the medical world.
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