What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do? 

Ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to see organs, blood vessels, and soft tissue. Ultrasound technicians manage the entire sonography process, from patient engagement to documenting test results.

Their primary responsibilities include:

Patient Preparation 

Preparation for an ultrasound varies based on the images ordered. Still, patients should understand the test’s purpose and what to expect, including how long it will take and if discomfort is likely.

Depending on the type of sonogram, patients may need to lie down, sit up, or assume a side-lying position to provide access to the affected area. Reviewing the procedure step-by-step will ensure the patient’s cooperation with your instructions.

Making the patient as comfortable as possible using pillows or support devices is a must; some exams take up to 30 minutes. You’ll communicate with the patient throughout the procedure, answering questions and providing reassurance.

Conducting Sonograms

Sonographers operate ultrasound equipment, including the transducer, a handheld device that produces high-frequency sound waves, and the monitor that captures the images.

The process begins by applying a water-based gel to the patient’s skin to facilitate the transmission of sound waves. Filling in air gaps reduces image distortions while protecting the patient’s skin against friction as the transducer is moved to optimize images.

As sound waves penetrate the body, they bounce back as they encounter different body structures, creating an echo that generates images on a monitor. Ultrasound technicians adjust machine settings in real-time, manipulating the depth and frequency of sound waves to obtain the most comprehensive pictures.

Image Analysis

Radiologists review ultrasound images for quality, clarity, and completeness, creating reports that identify and describe the condition of body structures. Using measurement tools in the ultrasound software, they can note organ dimensions, flow velocity through blood vessels, and many more parameters.

Ultrasound technicians, however, must be adept at interpreting images during an ultrasound exam or risk missing abnormalities. Both the radiologist and the referring physician rely on their expertise.

Clean Up 

Ultrasound technicians assist patients with post-exam cleanup, wiping gel from their skin and providing supplies for cleansing sensitive areas. Between patients, you’ll maintain the changing areas, restock your workstation, and sanitize equipment to prevent the spread of infection.

Patient Education

Patients are naturally curious about their test results, so ultrasound technicians can provide general information about the findings without being too detailed. Educating patients about the next step in the diagnostic process helps ease their anxiety.

How Do You Become an Ultrasound Technician?

Becoming a medical sonographer requires a higher education. Students can choose from degree or diploma programs, but most choose vocational training for its accessibility and convenience. Students graduate work-ready and prepare for certification in less time than their college-educated peers. It’s a fast track to a new and rewarding career without spending four years in a classroom.

What Do You Learn During an Ultrasound Technician Program?

Sonography is a straightforward yet complex procedure that requires technical expertise, a firm grasp of ultrasound science, sound clinical judgment, and people skills, all things you’ll learn in a vocational school sonography program.

The curriculum covers:

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and physiology courses for ultrasound technicians explore the structure and function of the human body as it relates to sonography.

Topics include:

Medical terminology — the medical terms used to describe anatomy, physiology and pathology related to ultrasound examinations.

Body structure — how the body is made from the cellular to the systemic level, including major structures and organ systems.

Physiology — basic biochemical processes and how organs work together to support life.

Pathophysiology — abnormal physiological processes affecting the structure and function of organs and blood vessels.

Principles and Protocols of Sonography

This course expands on basic anatomy and physiology, delving into the specifics of ultrasound technology, the principles of imaging and protocols for different types of sonograms.

Students learn about:

Ultrasound anatomy — how structures appear in various imaging modalities, including ultrasound.

The ultrasound technician’s role — a review of the ultrasound technician’s responsibilities and professional expectations.

Scanning protocols — methods for optimizing image quality for abdominal, gynecological, obstetric, vascular, and cardiac sonograms.

Patient positioning — positioning techniques based on the type of ultrasound and the patient’s body morphology.

Acoustical Physics and Instrumentation

Students learn the fundamental principles and concepts related to ultrasound equipment and imaging.

Concepts include:

Basics acoustics — the fundamentals of sound waves, including wave properties, frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and velocity.

The Pulse-Echo Principle — how echoes are processed to generate visual representations of internal structures.

Image formation — the principles of image formation, including beam steering, focusing and the creation of cross-sectional images.

The Doppler Effect — an introduction to Doppler technology and the interpretation of Doppler waveforms.

Artifacts — preventing unwanted distortions in ultrasound images, such as shadowing, reverberation, and acoustic enhancement.

Ultrasound instrumentation — the components of ultrasound equipment, including the control panel, monitor, and transducer.

Cross-Sectional Anatomy

Ultrasound requires the interpretation of cross-sectional images. This course helps students see the body from a whole new perspective.

You’ll study:

Imaging modalities — the imaging methods that produce cross-sectional images, including ultrasound, CT, and MRI, including their advantages and limitations.

Directional and positional terminology — the terms used to describe the location of structures on different anatomical planes.

Thoracic anatomy — a detailed look at thoracic anatomy and associated structures, including the lungs, heart, mediastinum, and major blood vessels.

Abdomino-pelvic anatomy — an in-depth study of the cross-sectional abdominal and pelvic anatomy, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, gastrointestinal organs, and reproductive organs.

Musculoskeletal anatomy — an examination of the cross-sectional anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues.

Cross-sectional blood vessel anatomy — the anatomy of major blood vessels, including arteries and veins.

Abdominal Sonography

Ultrasound is a common imaging modality for a broad range of abdominal disorders.

This course covers:

Abdominal anatomy — a closer look at each organ within the abdominal cavity and their presentation on ultrasound.

Vascular anatomy — an examination of the abdominal vasculature, including the abdominal aorta.

Blood flow assessment — measuring blood flow in major vessels using Doppler ultrasound.

Gallbladder, liver, and biliary ultrasound — examination of the gallbladder, liver, and biliary system, including the detection of gallstones and other abnormalities.

Pancreatic sonography — techniques for visualizing the pancreas and identifying pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Spleen and renal imaging — assessment of spleen and kidney size and texture, plus the detection of abnormalities, including tumors and cysts.

Gastrointestinal imaging — a thorough exploration of the GI tract, from the stomach through the intestines, emphasizing evaluation for obstructions or inflammation.

Patient care and communication — how to prepare and guide patients through an abdominal ultrasound examination.

Scanning techniques — obtaining optimal diagnostic images of abdominal organs through proper patient positioning, transducer positioning, and manipulation.

OB-GYN Sonography I and II

Unlike X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), i\ultrasound produces no ionizing radiation or magnetic field, making it the imaging method of choice for visualizing a growing fetus.

Students in this course examine:

Reproductive anatomy — a detailed look at female reproductive anatomy, including disorders of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and Fallopian tubes.

Embryology and fetal development — fetal development from the embryonic stage through the third trimester, including gestational milestones.

Pelvic sonography — pelvic imaging techniques, including assessment of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding tissues.

Fetal biometry — measuring fetal parameters, including head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length.

Obstetric Doppler ultrasound — the use of Doppler technology to assess fetal and maternal blood flow.

Gynecological sonography — evaluation of gynecologic conditions, including assessment of the endometrium and adnexal structures.

High-risk pregnancy care — imaging related to high-risk pregnancies with complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction.

Infertility treatment — the use of ultrasound to assess for infertility-related conditions.

Vascular Sonography

Vascular sonography is an effective way to diagnose blood vessel and circulatory system disorders. It’s an increasingly popular specialty pursued by many ultrasound technicians.

This course explains:

Hemodynamics — the principles of hemodynamics and how blood flows within the circulatory system.

Doppler ultrasound — a real-world look at how Doppler technology is used to assess blood flow velocity and turbulence.

Arterial studies — evaluating arterial structures, including assessments for stenosis, peripheral arterial disease, vessel occlusion, and aneurysms.

Venous studies — assessment for deep vein thrombosis, venous insufficiency, and varicose veins.

Duplex ultrasonography — combining B-mode imaging and Doppler ultrasound for comprehensive vascular assessment.

Vascular access — assessment of vascular access sites, including ultrasound-guided procedures for creating vascular access.

Superficial Strategies

Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to skin, nerves, and tissue closer to the body’s surface.

Topics in this course include:

Superficial anatomy — an overview of skin anatomy, including subcutaneous structures.

Soft tissue imaging — the use of ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue injuries.

Breast ultrasound —ultrasound as an alternative to mammography and imaging techniques for breast tissue.

Skin lesions — evaluating superficial and multi-layer skin lesions.

Guided procedures — the use of ultrasound to guide biopsies, aspirations, and injections.

Medical Law and Ethics

As members of the healthcare team, ultrasound technicians must be familiar with the rules, regulations and guidelines governing medical practice.

Students in this class discuss:

Healthcare law — federal and state regulations related to healthcare, including privacy laws, patient’s rights, and legal issues specific to medical imaging.

Ethical decision-making — a review of the ethical principles that guide medical decision-making.

Scope of practice — what ultrasound technicians can and can’t do by law, including a discussion of professional boundaries.

Malpractice and liability — legal concepts related to liability and malpractice, including what constitutes negligence.

Cultural competency — how to provide culturally and generationally sensitive care.

Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Capstone

A capstone course helps students integrate and apply what they’ve learned into a final project. Assignments may take many forms, from research papers and case presentations to demonstrations and more. An opportunity to demonstrate competency, it’s your time to shine.

Externship

No ultrasound technology program is complete without clinical experience. Vocational schools offer externships to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. You’ll work side-by-side with seasoned sonographers on real cases in a clinical setting, refining your skills while gaining confidence.

Final Thoughts

Diagnostic medical sonography is a growing field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects increased demand for ultrasound technicians through 2032. If you’re ready for a challenge, why not turn your passion for science into a secure and fulfilling career by enrolling in a vocational school program? It’s the training you need today for the success you want tomorrow.

Want to Learn More?

Are you fascinated by the advances in 21st Century medicine that allow your health providers to see real-time pictures of blood flow in your arteries or watching a baby move? Enroll in the Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Associate Degree program from Meridian College and get the training you need for a rewarding new career as an ultrasound technician.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a ultrasound technician.

The post What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do?

Ultrasound technicians use high-frequency sound waves to capture images of a patient’s internal body structures. Also known as medical sonographers, they play a critical role in the diagnosis of disease.

While you may be familiar with the use of ultrasound to assess babies in the womb, sonography is also used to evaluate the thyroid gland, breast tissue, blood vessels, and abdominal organs. Unlike a biopsy, it’s a non-invasive test.

As an ultrasound technician, you’ll help doctors put together the pieces of medical puzzles by contributing high-quality images. Job responsibilities include:

Preparing Patients for Exams

Most ultrasounds require a change of clothing for patients both to protect their clothes from the ultrasound gel and to improve access to body parts for ultrasound technicians. You’ll help patients prepare for the test by explaining the procedure and offering them suitable clothing to wear while protecting their privacy.

Performing Ultrasound Examinations

Using ultrasound equipment, you’ll obtain ultrasonic images by moving a transducer over the patient’s skin around the affected area. A layer of water-soluble gel smooths the movement of the transducer and eliminates air gaps that could impede sound wave conduction. You’ll be responsible for operating the ultrasound machine, choosing the settings, and selecting an appropriate transducer.

Image Evaluation

After capturing the images, ultrasound technicians review and evaluate the diagnostic quality of the images. A clear view of body structures is essential for diagnostic purposes, so if you’re not satisfied with the results, you can redo the test.

While you won’t interpret the results, you’ll identify normal and abnormal structures, document your findings, and note them in the report that you’ll forward to the patient’s physician.

Team Collaboration

Ultrasound technicians are part of a multidisciplinary team. As a professional in your field, you’ll serve as a resource for healthcare providers, collaborating with radiologists, obstetricians, cardiologists, and other medical professionals on tough cases.

Equipment Calibration and Maintenance

Ultrasound technicians typically calibrate and maintain the equipment they use. Periodic calibration of the ultrasound machine is necessary to ensure accurate and reliable imaging. The process involves a physical inspection, verification of systems settings, and installing software updates. These quality assurance measures help identify malfunctions that could affect performance parameters.

Daily maintenance chores include disinfecting ultrasound equipment. Keeping the transducer clean prevents the spread of transmissible disease.

Environmental Safety

Ultrasound is less risky to patients than radiation. Still, it’s not entirely without risks. Ultrasound technicians maintain a clean work area and follow strict safety protocols to minimize harm to patients and coworkers, such as sanitizing shared surfaces between patient visits.

Ultrasound technicians may also assist with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining inventory, or assisting in quality assurance activities within their departments.

How Do You Become an Ultrasound Technician?

Sonographers need a certificate or a degree, most have an Associate of Science degree. Certificate programs that take only a year to complete are available for people with an existing degree in the medical field. Most students enroll in associate degree programs because graduates qualify for most of the same jobs as their bachelor’s educated peers.

Graduates are eligible for certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), a critical credential for working in most hospitals. If you’re on the fence about career choices, consider this, ultrasonography is consistently named among the top ten highest paying jobs you can get with an associate degree, according to CNBC.

What Do You Learn During an Ultrasound Technician Program?

Ultrasound technician programs take students from beginner to expert with comprehensive courses in health and science. The curriculum covers:

Anatomy and Physiology

Ultrasound technicians require a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Sonography programs cover body structure and function with an emphasis on the organ systems and tissues ultrasound technicians typically evaluate. Courses are tailored to the role with a focus on the musculoskeletal, nervous, reproductive, and abdominal organ systems.

Ultrasound Physics

Students learn the fundamental principles and concepts related to ultrasound equipment and imaging. Topics include:

Ultrasound basics — how sound waves behave including frequency, speed, wavelength, and attenuation.

The Pulse-Echo Principle — how ultrasound devices convert ultrasonic pulses into diagnostic images.

The Doppler Effect — an introduction to and its application in ultrasound imaging including the principles of spectral, color and power Doppler and the interpretation of Doppler waveforms.

Transducers — types of ultrasound transducers, how they work, and transducer selection based on application and examination requirements.

Beam Formation — how ultrasound beams are created and focused.

Tissue interactions — the reflection, scattering, absorption, and transmission of ultrasound waves and how interactions with tissue affect image formation.

Artifacts — the identification of common artifacts in ultrasound images, such as reverberation, shadowing, and acoustic enhancement.

Safety and bioeffects — the potential biological effects of ultrasound on tissues and the safety guidelines that protect patients.

Instrumentation and Equipment

Ultrasound equipment varies by facility, but students are familiarized with the average machine and its functions, including time-gain compensation (TGC), dynamic range, focus, and depth controls. You’ll learn to operate the equipment and adjust the settings to optimize image quality.

Students are also introduced to quality assurance and quality control programs in the ultrasound field, learning about the importance of equipment calibration and maintenance, and adherence to best practice standards.

Pathophysiology

An extension of the anatomy course, this class covers the common diseases affecting different organs. You’ll study the appearance of normal and abnormal tissue and vascular structures on ultrasound, learning to recognize signs of pathology.

Image Evaluation

Ultrasound technicians learn to evaluate ultrasound images effectively by studying normal and abnormal anatomy associated with different conditions. This is a must-have skill for providing accurate reports to healthcare professionals.

Patient Care and Communication

Communication skills are critical for ultrasound technicians. In this course, you’ll learn how to explain procedures to patients and address their concerns with a professional and compassionate demeanor.

Medical Law and Ethics

Healthcare is a highly regulated field with strict legal and ethical standards. This class explores the regulatory requirements relevant to medical imaging, including informed consent and patient privacy, plus the common ethical considerations today’s healthcare workers face.

Sonogram Techniques

This is a hands-on course covering the practical aspects of performing ultrasound scans. You’ll learn how to position patients, apply ultrasound gel, and use the transducer to obtain images of body areas as requested by providers.

Students explore specialized ultrasound applications in fields, such as obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurology. You’ll get a clear understanding of the many types of careers you can cultivate as a sonographer.

What Are Some of the Jobs Available for Ultrasound Technicians with a Degree?

Ultrasound technicians with a degree can chart their own course in a variety of work settings. Here are just a few examples.

Hospitals

Many ultrasound technicians work in hospitals where they perform examinations on patients with a wide array of disorders. Depending on the size of the facility, you could work as a generalist in the radiology department or as a dedicated sonographer in a specific department such as obstetrics, cardiology, internal medicine, or vascular imaging. Working as a generalist in a hospital is a great way to gain experience and work hours toward a specialty certificate in the field of your choice.

The ARDMS offers certificates in these areas:

• Abdominal Sonography
• Breast Ultrasound
• Fetal Echocardiogram
• Neurosonology
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatric Sonography
• Sonography Principles and Instrumentation

Physician’s Offices

Many private practices, particularly those specializing in obstetrics, gynecology, urology, and orthopedics, hire sonographers. In these settings, you’ll perform diagnostic imaging and assist with ultrasound-guided procedures, such as joint aspirations and steroid injections.

Outpatient Care Centers

Outpatient facilities offer medical services, such as ultrasound examinations, for patients who are not hospitalized. You can work in an urgent care or specialty clinic. The need for cardiology, orthopedic, and vascular care services is so great that standalone clinics are opening to manage hospital overflow, and most have on-site sonographers.

Imaging Centers

Imaging centers focus only on medical imaging, x-rays, ultrasonography, MRI and CT scanning. For patients, services are less costly. For staff, it’s an opportunity to see a diverse subset of patients without working hospital hours. It’s also an environment in which you’ll work exclusively with other imaging professionals, so you’ll learn a lot.

Maternal Medicine Centers

These centers specialize in high-risk pregnancies and fetal ultrasound examinations. Ultrasound technicians in these settings perform detailed scans to evaluate fetal development and assist in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities or birth complications.

Mobile Imaging Services

Mobile imaging centers travel to different places to perform ultrasound exams for facilities without equipment, like nursing homes, or for patients who can’t travel.

Medical Sales and Support

Someone must sell imaging equipment, and who could be better at that than a sonographer? If you like road life, it’s a fun and flexible job helping facilities find the right equipment. And you’ll help train staff by providing demonstrations and technical support.

Ultrasound technicians working in any of these settings also have opportunities for career advancement. With experience, continuing education, and certifications, you can grow into supervisory or leadership positions.

Final Thoughts

The healthcare system is expanding quickly and with it comes unprecedented career opportunity. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase in job openings for sonographers through 2031. If you’re not satisfied with your current job and long for a role in which you make a difference in your community, Meridian College is waiting for your call.

Want to Learn More?

Are you fascinated by the advances in 21st Century medicine that allow your health providers to see real-time pictures of blood flow in your arteries or watching a baby move? Enroll in the Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Associate Degree program from Meridian College and get the training you need for a rewarding new career as an ultrasound technician.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a ultrasound technician.

The post How Do You Become an Ultrasound Technician? appeared first on Meridian College.