What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a diagnostic device that provides images inside our body. Ultrasound produces two-dimensional ultrasonic recordings of internal organs, for use by physician in diagnosis of disease and study of malfunction of organs. Obstetric ultrasound is used in detecting and examining pregnancies. This is just an example of an ultrasound.
Who operates the ultrasound device?
Personnels who operate this device are called ultrasound technicians. Ultrasound technicians or also known as sonographer uses ultrasound equipments to take readings for specific areas of the body for diagnosis as requested by the physicians. The ultrasound technician then interprets the result to the physician to come up with a diagnosis. Certain conditions requires sonography such as pregnancy and cancer. Sonographers must be in good physical conditions in order to position patients during the examination. Prior to the procedure, the technician instructs and assist the client proper positioning to provide comfort and for physical examination. The technician should be good at operating computers and machines because a single mistake in operating and interpreting results is crucial. The technician also keeps the client’s records for further use. The technician should keep the device in good and working condition. If problems occur, the technician is the one to repair the device. Ultrasound technicians could also specialize in their field, such as obstetrics, abdominal, and neurosonography.
Training and Certification
Just like any other diagnostic specialists, ultrasound technician courses or trainings are offered in universities, college, or even in hospitals. There are also vocational programs offered which gives trainees certificates once they are done. Bachelor’s degree are given at universities for a 4 year training. The Armed Forces also offer training courses for ultrasound technician because this is also helpful in their field. Continuous education and trainings are provided for the technician to be updated to the latest improvements of the device and because of the modern technology.
Salaries and Bonuses
In line with this expertise, an Ultrasound technician could have an average salary of $4 – $6 per month ($53,000 – $58,000 annually). Also employers offer other benefits for outstanding sonographers which includes housing and health benefits. Also, the salaries vary in different factors such as experience, education, and place of work. For example, sonographers who work in physician’s offices or private departments receive higher salary than those who work in general hospital.
Unlike the xray technicians, sonographers doesn’t have health hazards n their work field because it does not include radiation in the procedure.
