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Benefits of Becoming an Ultrasound Technician

Those looking to pursue a trade as an ultrasound technician may be wondering about the benefits this career offers.

There are many wonderful aspects of this rewarding and growing career.

Salary
Salary is one of the most attractive benefits of being an ultrasound technician. Entry level workers in this field can expect approximately $17.00 per hour, while more experienced candidates can expect to receive approximately $28.00 per hour or more. Workers can also expect to receive a good amount of overtime pay on a regular basis. Although there are different factors which affect salary, it is an extremely well-paid profession.

Satisfaction
Ultrasound technicians can perform their job each day feeling satisfied and fulfilled, knowing that they are making an important difference in someone’s life. They identified potential problems, communicated them with a doctor, and prevented further issues or possibly saved a life. An obstetric sonographer can feel satisfied knowing that they allowed a patient to see their unborn baby for the first time, or, made someone’s dreams come true when they told them the gender of their baby. This is extremely rewarding, and a much-needed part of the medical field.

Job Growth Potential
Jobs in this field are expected to grow faster than average, allowing for increasing demand of sonographers. Growth is due to the aging population, technology, and alternative procedure.

On The Job Training
Sonographic techniques are always changing. The ultrasound technologist must keep up with these changing techniques, so they will constantly be learning and gaining experience. Sonographers are constantly learning, as well as sharing their knowledge with others. A sonographer can gain support through classes and group meetings. They will learn new and innovative techniques within the field. This can help them move up within the medical field.

Job Security
There is always a need for ultrasound technologists, even during slow economic times. It is a field that continues to grow year after year. Ultrasound technologists are less likely to face layoffs due to poor economic conditions. Year after year, ultrasound technology jobs continue to remain secure. It is not difficult to find an entry-level position after completing the required education for this career.

Patient Interaction
For those who enjoy working with patients, but do not wish to become a nurse or pursue medical school, a job in ultrasound technology is perfect. A sonographer will interact with patients every day and make a difference in their lives as well. They will have the opportunity of getting to know patients and having them trust and depend on them and their expertise.

Specialties
An ultrasound technician chooses the type of work they do. They can choose to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, or perhaps neurosonology. The ultrasound technician is certainly not limited to the type of work they choose to perform.

Advancement
An ultrasound technician can advance to administration, research and education positions. This career choice does not pose limitations and hard work will provide the sonographer with advancement opportunities. Their efforts are constantly being rewarded in this field of work, providing a feeling of personal accomplishment.

Sonography Is A Good Career Choice For Working Mothers
Due to the flexible hours that the career demands, sonography is a great choice for working mothers. With the excellent pay that sonographers receive, a working mother can choose to work part time if needed, and still earn a wonderful salary. This allows for job satisfaction and a good balance between work and personal life.

Excellent Benefits and Insurance
Sonographers receive an excellent benefit and insurance package from their employers, which provides personal security, and also passes along to their families. Aside from helping others, this job also provides positive benefits to the sonographer and their loved ones.

Important Ultrasound Technician Certifications

Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate

The RDMS credential ensures a high standard of diagnostic medical ultrasound practice worldwide and promotes best practices for enhanced patient safety. The RDMS credential is designed to certify competence in the field of diagnostic medical sonography.

Registered Vascular Technologist Credential

The RVT credential assesses the competency needed to perform a vascular sonography scan. To earn a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential, you must pass the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination and the VT examination within five years. After passing the SPI examination, you can earn additional credentials without having to retake the SPI examination, provided you maintain active status.

How Much Does a Trained Ultrasound Tech Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015, ultrasound technician salary was $30.90 per hour or $64,280 per year. Many technicians maximize their income by working longer hours during peak seasons. As with any occupation, ultrasound technician salary is dependent on the job, employer location, level of experience, and whether or not a union is involved. Ultrasound tech salary is usually implemented in the form of hourly wages, which will increase based on skill level, knowledge, and experience.