Taking a Deeper Look Inside

Taking a Deeper Look Inside

Few people can see as deeply inside the human body as ultrasound technicians. They operate sonographic scanners, which create accurate images of the internal organs of patients. Technicians direct sound waves onto an area, and then translate the echoes.

Job Duties of Ultrasound Technicians

If you are having an ultrasound, your technician will generally speak briefly about the procedure, and program the scanner for the ultrasound you are having. Then, the technician will use an instrument to gather video or still images, capturing them for your physician to see.

Most people think of fetal ultrasounds when they think of this job, and this is the most common procedure for which the scanners are used. However, they can also create accurate pictures of the brain, heart, abdomen or breast. Ultrasound technicians earn a median salary of about $66,000 per year.

What Type of Education Do Sonographers Need?

A bachelor’s or associate’s degree is usually the formal training required for this career. Some certificate programs are available, as well. The programs cover ethics, instrumentation, patient care, physiology, physics and anatomy.

Some ultrasound technicians earn certification in the industry, with registrations based on examination scores in instrumentation and physical principles. Passing the test in the United States will earn them a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) title.

What Are Some of the Better Schools for Ultrasound Degrees?

The University of Oklahoma

U of O’s Norman campus is ranked in the top 25 schools in the United States for health programs, according to US News & World Report. This college offers undergraduate degrees in sonography, in association with three degree programs in radiation science and medical imaging. Completing a program successfully will prepare students for basic, entry-level sonographer positions in doctor’s offices, hospitals or clinics.

Newman University

This university, located in Wichita, KS, is a private institution that offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Sonography. Students will examine patients with diagnostic ultrasound. These exams deal with vascular, cardiac and abdominal imaging, in addition to other specialty imaging. Graduates of this sonography program work under medical doctor supervision when they first enter professional sonography.

Seattle University

Seattle University in Washington State is a private college that was ranked sixth best regional university in the west by U.S. News & World Report. This university has a Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Ultrasound and a Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound within its College of Engineering and Science. Their program covers liberal arts and basic sciences, along with many ultrasound specialties.

Other Good Colleges with Sonography and Ultrasound Programs

The Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa offers a health science bachelor’s degree if you first complete an associate’s degree course, which takes six semesters.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, California has community degree and pre-college programs offered.

Bryan LGH College of Health Sciences in Lincoln, Nebraska has bachelor’s degrees in vascular, adult cardiac and diagnostic medical sonography.

The Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences in Orlando, Florida has online bachelor’s degrees and campus associate’s degrees in diagnostic sonography.

Taking a Deeper Look Inside Credit Picture License: SpectrumHealth via photopin cc

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