Job Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians

Health care is one of the most stable sectors of employment in the United States and has continued to grow despite the poor economy of the last several years.  Because of this, the job outlook for ultrasound technicians is excellent.  In fact, the U.S. governments Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the profession is growing “faster than average,” meaning that more job openings can be expected in this field than in most others in the coming decade.

Reasons for a Favorable Job Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians

This is an excellent time to consider becoming an ultrasound technician.  The profession is also known as being a ultrasonographer or diagnostic medical sonographer.  There are several reasons that the job openings are growing faster than the average openings for most professions.  First, ultrasound is being used to diagnose an increasing number of ailments as well as monitor health conditions such as pregnancy, heart issues and abdominal conditions.

Secondly, ultrasound testing is used disproportionately on older patients because they tend to have more medical issues.  As the nation’s population ages, there are more elderly adults – and those adults are living longer today than they have at any time in U.S. history.  Therefore, the sheer number of ultrasound tests being done every year is rising rapidly.  The last reason for the very favorable job outlook for ultrasound technicians is that as advancements are made to the sonographic equipment, it can be used in broader ways within the healthcare community.  Ultrasound is non-invasive and continues to take the place of invasive diagnostic and exploratory surgeries and procedures.

The Salary Outlook is Favorable Too

With that increase in demand for diagnostic medical sonography comes an increase in the average salary paid to those in the profession.  With demand increasing over the next decade by as much as 20%, good-paying jobs will continue to open up for those who have the proper training.

 

Taking Advantage of the Growth in Sonography Jobs

Those who will be able to take the best advantage of the excellent job outlook for ultrasound technicians are those with a good education from an accredited college, university or online ultrasound training program.  In addition, the sooner a person enters the field, the sooner they will be able to advance and the more choice of jobs they’ll have as their experience grows.  This might be the right time to learn the training requirements for your state and find a school that can provide you with the education you need to get take advantage of the favorable job outlook for the ultrasound technician.

Ultrasound Technician Training in Georgia

There has never been a better time to get ultrasound technician training in Georgia. The field in which ultrasound technicians work is more technically known as diagnostic medical sonography, and the field is growing rapidly.  Ultrasound is being used more than ever today and thousands of new jobs are expected to open in the next 10 years.  Demand for diagnostic medical sonographers, ultrasound technicians, will be increase and so will wages. This guide will show you how to get ultrasound technician training in Georgia.

State of Georgia Requirements for Ultrasound Technicians

Georgia is like most states in that it does not have any state requirements for ultrasound technicians.  Instead, the state leaves it up to the medical field to set educational and training requirements for those who want to work as an ultrasound technician in Georgia. Employers are not hiring anyone without the proper education and training.  Becoming a registered ultrasound technician will also help your career.  Here are the Details.

Ultrasound Technician Training in Georgia

There are 3 levels of ultrasound technician training in Georgia.  As you consider education, the most important thing is to find a school with a program certified by the CAAHEP, the Commission on Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program. A CAAHEP certified program gives employers the confidence that you’ve been fully trained in all of the duties required to be successful as an ultrasound technician in Georgia. Here are the levels of ultrasound technician training in Georgia.

1. Associate Degree: This is a 2-year degree in diagnostic medical sonography or something closely related.  It includes classes in human anatomy and physiology, obstetrics, ultrasound science, patient care and more.  The degree also requires extensive clinical experience working with practicing ultrasound technicians. This is the most common level of training for ultrasound technicians in Georgia and elsewhere.

2. Bachelor Degree: This is a 4-year degree that includes everything learned in an associate degree program.  Additional education usually includes business classes.  A bachelor degree is often chosen by those who wish to eventually get into the management of an ultrasound clinic or become a hospital administrator.

3. Certificate: This is a 1-year degree that is offered only to those who already have a degree in a related field or had specific medical training in the armed services.  For example, if you have a degree in physical therapy and want to become an ultrasound technician, a certificate program would provide you with the specifics of medical sonography.

Becoming a Registered Ultrasound Technician

Once you have a degree, the next important step to consider is becoming a registered ultrasound technician.  More technically, this is known as becoming a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, or RDMS.  The field has a professional association known as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, or ARDMS.  This nationwide organization offers a comprehensive exam that demonstrates expertise as an ultrasound technician. Passing the exam and becoming an RDMS will open more job opportunities, lead to higher wages and allow you to go further in your career.

If you are interested in this field, now is a very good time to get more information about ultrasound technician training in Georgia. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers – ultrasound technicians – is expected to be high in the next 10 years and beyond.  Many new jobs will be opening up, and with the high demand for ultrasound technicians will come exciting opportunities for rewarding, high-paying careers.  Take the first step today by getting more information about ultrasound technician training in Georgia.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm

http://education-portal.com/articles/Ultrasound_Technician_Requirements_to_Start_a_Career_as_an_Ultrasound_Tech.html

Ultrasound Tech Training in Virginia

This is a very good time to pursue ultrasound tech training in Virginia because the use of ultrasound is increasing rapidly. There is expected to be greater demand for ultrasound technicians in the next decade and into the future. The information in this guide will help you prepare for a rewarding career as an ultrasound tech in Virginia.

State of Virginia Requirements for Ultrasound Technicians

The State of Virginia does not regulate or certify ultrasound tech training, so there are no state requirements for education. However, employers are considering only those job seekers with a degree or certification that demonstrates their knowledge of the field, known more technically as diagnostic medical sonography.  As you look into educational opportunities, here are your options. You must have completed one of these levels of ultrasound tech training in Virginia to be considered for a job in the field.

1. Associate Degree: This 2-year degree is the most common type of education pursued by those entering the field of diagnostic medical sonography.  This degree combines classroom work with clinical experience, fully training you to perform all the duties required of an ultrasound technician. The course work includes classes in human physiology, anatomy, obstetrics, the science of ultrasound, patient care and more.  The clinical experience comes through supervised work with practicing ultrasound techs.

2. Bachelor Degree: This 4-year degree covers everything learned in an associate degree but adds more class work, usually in the business side of managing an ultrasound department or clinic, or working as a hospital administrator.  It is a popular choice for those who want a career in management of an ultrasound department or clinic.

3. Certificate: This 1-year degree is an option for those who already have a degree in a related medical field or who have passed training in the armed services.  For example, if you have an associate degree in radiology (x-rays) and want a job as an ultrasound tech in Virginia, then the one-year program will be sufficient.  It builds on the foundation you already have and trains you in the specifics of diagnostic medical sonography.

Note: When you consider schools for ultrasound tech training in Virginia, make sure the one you choose has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program, or CAAHEP.  Most employers are only considering graduates of schools accredited by the CAAHEP.

Becoming a Registered Ultrasound Technician

There is an important additional step you can take once you’ve earned your degree in ultrasound technology.  That is to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, or RDMS.  This is a voluntary step and it is achieved by completing a comprehensive exam given by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.  Becoming an RDMS demonstrates expertise in the profession and is often essential to career advancement and higher wages.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in its most recent report states that jobs for ultrasound techs in Virginia are expected to grow “much faster” than jobs in other professions.  In the next 10 years it is expected that thousands of new jobs will open up, increasing the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers and leading to exciting, high-paying career opportunities.  This is an outstanding time to start ultrasound tech training in Virginia.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm

http://education-portal.com/articles/Ultrasound_Technician_Requirements_to_Start_a_Career_as_an_Ultrasound_Tech.html