Although manufacturing, automotive and others have experienced redundancies in the millions and a loss in productivity, the medical field has thrived and expanded. When it comes to patient health and service, there can be no compromise on cost or the availability of human resources.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics informs us that in 2009, an ultrasound technician’s salary was slightly over $63,000. Since this figure was issued, it has gone up by another couple of thousand dollars due to the rate of growth in this particular sector.
The (one to four year) ultrasound technician course is a highly interactive and fulfilling field to study. The students will be taught biology and physics up to the level necessary (dependent upon the program in question) to effectively operate their scanners. Many ultrasound technician schools are unlikely to even application forms from candidates who don’t already have at least a high school level of knowledge in healthcare or science. Then, it generally takes two years to graduate, unless you already work in a hospital and have arranged a departmental transfer. The rules, however, state that only fully qualified technicians will be given absolute autonomy: the practice sessions will always be monitored.
As a trained sonographer, you will use sonic waves to produce images on a screen. The job mostly entails prepping patients, answering any questions about the procedure, ensuring that they obey the proper precautions, and double-checking their medical history.
Ultrasound travels freely through fluid and soft tissues, so it can analyze the ovaries, the kidneys and even the liver. As well as helping to diagnose conditions, ultrasound can be used to detect deformities in the heart valves (this process is called an echocardiogram), and the widening of blood vessels. Another, more specialized technique involves inserting a sonic probe directly inside the body. For instance, if it is situated within the vagina or rectum, extremely accurate pictures of the pelvis and/or reproductive organs can be obtained.
Although there are many ultrasound generalists, with seniority you can choose to become an instructor in the field. The areas with the highest levels of employment of sonographers are general surgical hospitals, physician clinics, and medical research and development facilities.
Ultrasound technicians have extremely lucrative careers.