Ultrasound technicians use ultrasound technology to capture photos of babies in utero, or to help diagnose medical problems, such as kidney or gallbladders stones. This job may seem very simple, it’s true, but professionals in this field get paid quite a bit of money of a regular basis. Here, we will explore what education you must obtain in order to become an ultrasound technician, also known as a sonographer, the average pay that they make, as well as where you can find employment in this field.
Education
Ultrasound technicians must have a high school degree. After, they have to complete training that can take anywhere from one-year to up to four years (if going for an undergraduate degree in sonography). The best of these programs are accredited by professional organizations, and these programs give you the most chance of being hired. Even once you are hired on at a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office, you can expect to have to keep up with your education in order to keep your certification current, which is something that everyone who employs ultrasound technicians require. You may also have to obtain a license through taking an exam in some states.
Average Pay
The average pay of ultrasound technicians is quite high. On average, these workers make around $90,000 dollars per year. Some technicians, however, are paid higher (up to $65,800 per year) or paid lower (around $44,950 per year). Certain locations, however, pay higher than others. The highest paying locations in the US include The Northern Mountains in the state of California, as well as the San Jose area. If you want to make a great living as an ultrasound technician, obviously California is it. You can also make much more if you go into education and professional training of other sonographers.
Where to Find Jobs
Ultrasound technicians are often employed in colleges, hospitals, clinics, or doctors’ offices. The highest number of these positions are found in general medical clinics, as well as hospitals. New York City is home to the largest number of ultrasound technicians in an urban area. Nearly every hospital employs at least one sonographer. Keep in mind that with the proper training as a sonographer, you can go nearly anywhere and find at least potential employment leads in the area. Although there is not as huge a demand for sonographers as nurses or other medical professionals, the demand is still there.
