Amherst, NH
Ultrasound technician in Amherst ranks among one of the highest salaries in medical field. According to the estimates of Indeed.com, diagnostic medical sonography is the 3rd best paying job that can acquire with an associate degree. High salary and great employment outlook make this profession the most popular choice.
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Job Description of an Ultrasound Tech
Ultrasound technicians perform duties that produce results similar to other diagnostic imaging fields, including X-rays and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines. The difference is sonography uses reflected sound waves to create an image of the inside of a patient’s body. Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to view a fetus.
Ultrasound technicians are trained to operate ultrasound equipment and to look for abnormal problem areas in an image. They must ensure that the image is clear enough for the doctor and other medical staff to make an accurate diagnosis. Also, the ultrasound technician may be required to obtain measurements, perform calculations and evaluate the results.
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 to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Amherst?
Sonographers usually earn at least an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate in Amherst, NH. They may also earn professional ultrasound certification or state licensure related to a specialty. High school students interested in sonography should take human anatomy, physiology and mathematics courses. The final level of education that sonographers need depends on their career goals.
- Certificate program. Sonography certificate programs in Amherst provide sonography training to people who already work in related healthcare jobs, such as nursing. Sonography certificates can be earned in as little as one year.
- Associates degree. Associate degrees in sonography in Amherst are sufficient for entry-level positions. Associate degrees can be earned in two years.
- Bachelors degree. A bachelor’s degree in sonography in Amherst enables sonographers to become consultants or department heads. Students with a bachelors degree can also apply to a medical school. Students with an associates degree can earn a bachelors degree within two years. Otherwise, students usually complete a bachelors degree program in four years.
- Graduate degree. Graduate degrees in ultrasound technology in Amherst are appropriate for students that want to teach at the university level. Advanced degrees equip students to perform specialized research and to publish their findings in medical journals. Most master’s degree programs take at least two years to complete.
- On-the-job training. Sometimes, nurses or radiologists learn sonography on-the-job. In these cases, continuing education courses can supplement experiential knowledge. Most states require sonographers to earn medical continuing education (CME) credits throughout their careers in order to retain their ultrasound technician certification.
Ultrasound Technician Career Overview in Amherst
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 (2013-2021) in Amherst 48% Median Salary (2011)* (Amherst) $61,552 Find A School Ultrasound Technician Schools in Amherst
Ultrasound technician schools are located throughout the Amherst, 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 Amherst 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.
Find A School What is the Job Outlook in Amherst?
The job outlook is bright. In fact, employment of sonographers in Amherst is expected to increase by 36 percent between 2014 and 2022, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Much of the growth is due to the fact that ultrasound technology is increasingly being seen as a good alternative to more costly and invasive diagnostic procedures. It is also being used in more and more doctors’ offices, diagnostic labs, and outpatient care settings.
Experienced professionals who maintain certification in multiple sub-specialties will continue to have the best job prospects.
Salary for this occupation depends a lot on geographic location, type of employer, part-time or full-time status, and level of experience. In general, though, the typical sonography salary provides a good living. In fact, ultrasound technicians have one of America’s highest paying jobs without a degree requiring more than about two years of school.
Based on national estimates from Sept 2015, typical annual wages break down this way:
- Median wages were $64,5184.
- The highest-earning 10 percent made $92,987 or more.
Find A School Ultrasound Technician Schools in Nearby Cites :
- Ultrasound Technician Schools South Effingham – Find Best Sonography Programs 3882, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Francestown – Find Best Sonography Programs 3043, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Glen – Find Best Sonography Programs 3838, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Chocorua – Find Best Sonography Programs 3817, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Bethlehem – Find Best Sonography Programs 3574, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Epping – Find Best Sonography Programs 3042, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools East Hampstead – Find Best Sonography Programs 3826, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Belmont – Find Best Sonography Programs 3220, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Gonic – Find Best Sonography Programs 3839, NH
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Richmond – Find Best Sonography Programs 3470, NH