An ultrasound technician captures internal images of patients’ bodies to help doctors diagnose conditions. They work in hospitals or medical facilities and require education and certification. Ultrasound technology is used for more than just obstetrics, and training includes anatomy, physiology, and patient communication.
An ultrasound technician is a medical professional who uses imaging equipment to obtain and record internal imaging of patients’ bodies for the purpose of helping doctors diagnose various conditions. Also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, an ultrasound technician typically works in a hospital or independent medical facility or imaging laboratory. There are some educational requirements and certifications that must be obtained before an ultrasound technician can be hired, but because this is a position in the medical field, it is a job that is expected to grow faster than average during the year 2016.
People often first envision an ultrasound technician in one of their more well-known roles as an obstetrician sonographer. While an ultrasound technician is the professional who captures images of a pregnant woman’s developing fetus, there are many other situations in which ultrasound technology is employed. For example, other abdominal images such as the gallbladder, liver, kidneys and pancreas are also obtained via ultrasound.
An ultrasound technician can obtain education and training through a variety of locations, including universities offering allied health programs and vocational training institutions. Most hospitals and doctors prefer to employ technicians who have completed an accredited program. As of 2006, the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) had accredited nearly 150 diagnostic medical ultrasound training programs. As of early 2009, licensing is not a requirement to be an ultrasound technician, but this may become a requirement in the future. However, independent certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography may be required for use by a hospital or laboratory.
There are both two- and four-year degrees available in the area of diagnostic medical ultrasound. Areas of study specific to ultrasound include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and the operation of the equipment used. Training typically also includes hands-on labs. In addition to role-specific medical training, students also receive training in patient relations and communication because they work directly with the patient.
Ultrasound diagnostics and tests are typically ordered and scheduled by a physician and are rarely an emergency, so an ultrasound technician employed by a hospital, physician, or other medical facility will often have a set schedule. There may be limited instances where an after-hours or on-call technician may be required.
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