Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, operate a non-invasive sonography machine that uses high-frequency sound waves to collect reflected echoes. These echoes form an image of the patient’s organs and tissues that medical professionals use to diagnose and treat diseases. They may often work with other healthcare professionals as well as partake in patient interaction. Most ultrasound technicians work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care facilities, and diagnostic laboratories. In addition to operating the imaging equipment, ultrasound technicians are usually responsible for maintaining the equipment.
Primary Job Duties
Ultrasound technicians balance patient interaction alongside the technological side of healthcare. During the ultrasound, the technicians may take measurements, calculate the values, and interpret these images. They may need to know how recognize troubled areas and present the results to physicians. The specific duties may vary based upon the specialties, such as monitoring the development of a fetus to evaluating the blood passing through the patient’s vascular system. However, several general job duties that ultrasound technicians participate in may include:
- Answer questions about the ultrasound procedure to patients
- Sterilize the room and equipment where the sonogram takes place
- Perform the ultrasound and capture images
- Evaluate the images and interpret their meaning
- Present the images and diagnosis to healthcare professionals
- Maintain patient records and add notes pertaining to the ultrasound results
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), diagnostic medical sonographers held 58,500 jobs in 2012, with most sonographers working in hospitals. Others found employment in healthcare settings, such as physicians’ offices as well as diagnostic or medical laboratories. Since many of these healthcare facilities are open 24 hours, ultrasound technicians may work evenings, weekends, or even overnight. Most sonographers work in dimly lit rooms, but they may use the machines by patients’ bedsides. They may be on their feet for a majority of the day and may be called upon to turn patients who are disabled.
Individuals interested in becoming ultrasound technicians should possess several important skills. They should be very detail oriented since they need to follow precise instructions when operating the equipment and when determining what images are healthy or unhealthy. They may need strong interpersonal skills because they work closely with patients and may need to reassure them in order to obtain quality scans. Ultrasound technicians may also need strong technical skills since they must understand how to operate complex machinery and computerized instruments. Finally, they may need hand-eye coordination skills since they need to secure quality images by moving the equipment across patients’ body and interpret what images come across the screen.
What Do Employers Look For?
Employers searching for ultrasound technicians typically seek candidates who are well rounded and have experience in more than one specialization. Those who have knowledge about the fields of radiologic technology and echocardiography may find better job opportunities. Employers may also look for individuals who are physically fit and healthy because technicians spend much of their day on their feet and may need to do heavy lifting. Since ultrasound technicians are responsible for maintaining their equipment, they may benefit by knowing office procedures when they need to order ultrasound equipment and supplies.