Kekaha, HI

The goals for ultrasound technician program in Kekaha are to train students to become professional sonographer in medical field, to reach to develop interpersonal skill in interact with patient and medical administrative, to train utilizing sound waves to producing picture of human body while in examination procedure, to assist to improve ability to practice proper patient care, to make sure student have ability to procedure high quality image with optimum info to diagnosis process, and to provide understanding, medical ability, problem solving skill to work in sonography occupation.

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.

Are There Different Types of Medical Sonographers?

Because sonography is used on so many different areas of the body, most sonographers choose to specialize in one or more areas. These include: obstetric/gynecologic sonographers, who study the female reproductive system; abdominal sonographers, who inspect organs such as the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen and the male reproductive system; neurosonographers, who study the nervous system and the brain; breast sonographers who aid in mammography in order to detect breast cancer, track tumors, monitor blood supply conditions, and assist in biopsy of breast tissue; and vascular and cardiac sonographers, who study the heart and blood vessels.

Education Requirements to become Ultrasound Technician in Kekaha

Sonography students need to complete an associate’s degree or postgraduate certificate program from an accredited program in Kekaha in order to be eligible to take the qualifying exams. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are also available. People who are already in a related allied health profession may be candidates for one-year certificate programs.

It is crucially important to make sure that the school you attend is accredited. Ultrasound schools in Kekaha are poorly regulated compared to X-ray and other medical professions, so do your research. To find out if a school is accredited, check with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Some (but not all) hospitals, community colleges, universities, vocational schools, and the Armed Forces provide accredited sonographer training programs.

High school students interested in applying to an ultrasound technologist training program in Kekaha, 96752 should pursue a curriculum rich in science, computer, and math courses. Familiarity with computers is important, since most ultrasound equipment is computer-based. Physics courses are helpful as well, since you will be required to learn and master ultrasound-based physics courses and exams.

Online ultrasound training programs do exist, but it is important to verify that these programs are accredited and that they will provide you with clinical hours. While the classroom work can be done online, the extensive clinical time that will be required cannot.

Ultrasound Technician Career Overview in Kekaha

Ultrasound Technician Schools in Kekaha

Ultrasound technician schools are located throughout the Kekaha, but how do you know if the one you choose will give you the education you need? Consider some of the following criteria when comparing colleges:

Accreditation: Look for ultrasound technician schools in Kekaha that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) or regional accrediting agencies. Without accreditation, students are unable to apply for federal financial aid or earn professional certification.

High-tech facilities: As an ultrasound technician, you’ll work with technology and state-of-the-art equipment every day. This is why it’s important to find a school that offers instruction in high-tech facilities. Once you’ve gained knowledge in the classroom, you’ll want to put your skills to the test with hands-on training. Be sure to tour a school’s facility and learn what type of access you’ll have to the labs on campus.

Externship opportunities: One of the best ways to understand a day-in-the-life of an ultrasound technician is to get out in the field. Look for a school that partners with local medical facilities or labs for externships. Real-life experience is invaluable; you’ll be able to shadow a sonographer, ask questions and learn about the challenges and rewards of the job. No textbook can offer that type of experience.

What is the Job Outlook for Sonographers in Kekaha?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical sonography jobs should grow 15 percent in Kekaha between 2008 and 2018, much faster than average. This is due to an aging population and the increased use of ultrasound technology as a safe alternative to radiological procedures. Uses for ultrasound technology are also expected to expand in the future.

Salary – According to the BLS, the median salary for medical sonographers in Kekaha is $62,275. This salary is higher than the average for allied health professionals with similar training.

Career Advancement – Advancement is possible by adding sonography specializations in order to increase your marketability. Also, taking on administrative duties, such as managing a department, can increase your earning potential. Also according to the BLS, the top 10 percent of sonographers make over $83,246 in Kekaha.