Could I get a job as a ultrasound tech with an associates or bachelors in medical lab technology?
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010I want to become an ultrasound technician. If I get an associates or bachelors in Medical technology could that get me a job in ultrasound? How much do ultrasound techs make each year? and will this job be in high demand?
No, medical technology will not prepare you for ultrasound. You need to either complete a 2- or 4-year degree in diagnostic medical sonography, or become a radiographer (x-ray tech) and cross-train into ultrasound. Any way you choose to do it, you’re going to need to take and pass your registry exams through ARDMS if you want to have a good chance of getting hired.
Ultrasound techs are paid very well; average yearly pay in 2006 was about $57,000 a year. Job availability is good, though not as good as some other health fields, such as nursing. However, as the baby boomers begin retiring in the next couple of years, their positions in ultrasound jobs will need to be filled, and demand will increase.
Oh, and it’s "ultrasound technologist" or "sonographer", not "technician". It’s kind of strange, but sonographers and ultrasound instructors are really sensitive about this! ;.)
Good luck!
While you might be able to start training on the job with only a high school diploma, you could also enroll in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in sonography.
Government economists expect job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers to be faster than the average for all careers through 2016. As the population ages, more people will need their services.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average salary of $60,590 for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2007.
References :
collegeboard
No, medical technology will not prepare you for ultrasound. You need to either complete a 2- or 4-year degree in diagnostic medical sonography, or become a radiographer (x-ray tech) and cross-train into ultrasound. Any way you choose to do it, you’re going to need to take and pass your registry exams through ARDMS if you want to have a good chance of getting hired.
Ultrasound techs are paid very well; average yearly pay in 2006 was about $57,000 a year. Job availability is good, though not as good as some other health fields, such as nursing. However, as the baby boomers begin retiring in the next couple of years, their positions in ultrasound jobs will need to be filled, and demand will increase.
Oh, and it’s "ultrasound technologist" or "sonographer", not "technician". It’s kind of strange, but sonographers and ultrasound instructors are really sensitive about this! ;.)
Good luck!
References :
Ultrasound student