20 Reasons Why Being an Ultrasound Tech Rocks

Ultrasound technologists are allied health professionals that physicians rely on to take internal images and videos of patients’ bodies.

Whether they use diagnostic imaging technology to monitor high-risk pregnancies, identify tumors, or determine neurological risks in patients, ultrasound techs (also known as diagnostic medical sonographers) are a hugely important member of the medical team.

This booming medical career is so fantastic that we compiled a list of 22 reasons why an ultrasound tech program might be a great fit for you!

1) This Is a Job for Social People

Any ultrasound tech will tell you that having excellent people skills is a crucial asset. You’re expected to communicate with patients, doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals from all types of backgrounds. Being a compassionate and responsible team member will take you far.

2) It’s a Great Fit for Tech Lovers...

Not only are you expected to stay ahead of the technology curve, but patients will also look to you for explanations about standard medical procedures. You’ll probably get asked tons of questions about the machines you use every day, and you’ll be sure to impress if you have all the answers. 

3) …and Those with Morbid Fascinations

Are you the kind of person who loves watching live surgeries on television? By having the ability to peer inside the human body, sonographers get the first look at what might be affecting patients – without any invasive procedure. If you enjoy discussing the inner-workings of the human body over dinner, this might be a perfect fit.

4) There’s No Such Thing as a “Regular” Day

As an ultrasound tech, it’s impossible to predict a typical working day. You may position patients on the table, take images or videos, discuss test results with physicians, or rush to the emergency room to assist your team. It’s not a nine to five desk job, so you may be expected to move around the hospital. Staying in good physical shape will keep you at the top of your game.

5) You Always Push Yourself to Be the Best

No matter what you do, you aim to be the best. As an diagnostic medical sonographer, the images you generate can mean the difference between life and death. As a trained allied health professional, you’re the expert who understands precisely what you’re looking for.

6) Training Takes Less than Three Years

Though DMS scanning technology may seem overwhelming at first, your diagnostic medical sonography training program will help prepare you for anything that’s thrown your way. Most ultrasound techs finish their training in under 3 years and are able to find terrific job opportunities as soon as they get certified.

7) There’s More than One Way to Start Your Career

Like many professions, there are multiple ways for someone to become an ultrasound tech.  Going back to school is never easy for anyone, but this field provides something for everyone. 

You can pursue four-year ultrasound tech degrees or certificates at a community college or technical school. The latter typically offers quicker and more affordable education opportunities. If you’re working a full-time job or raising a family, ask a school representative whether day or night classes are available for your ultrasound tech training.

Already working in an allied health career? It’s not unheard of for employers to help you finance further training in specialized fields. 

8) Get Hands-on Experience with an Internship

After completing your classroom and lab hours, ultrasound tech training is accompanied by an internship. This hands-on experience places you in a real medical setting, where you’ll work alongside a veteran mentor who will provide amazing insight into your future career.

Don’t underestimate the importance of an internship: A great attitude and excellent comprehension may lead to a direct job offer with the same hospital or clinic (even before you receive certification).

9) Don’t Be Haunted by Student Debt

Instead of pursuing a four-year degree, many people save serious money by attending technical schools. Not only are the rates more affordable than universities, but financial aid options are still available. Get your ultrasound tech certification and start working without the pressure of owing tens of thousands of dollars in student loans.

10) A Job Market You Can Count On

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a massive demand for ultrasound techs, with a whopping job growth rate of 17% through 2026. Much of this comes down to aging Baby Boomers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 75% of senior citizens have more than one chronic health condition. It’s reasonable to assume that the need for non-invasive procedures will increase dramatically over the coming decades, which means that becoming an ultrasound tech comes with more job opportunities than ever.

11) Great Entry-Level Salaries

It’s no secret that allied healthcare salaries are some of the most competitive in any U.S. industry, and offer some of the best opportunities for entry-level positions. According to the 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly pay for diagnostic medical sonographers was just over $67,000 (Of course, additional experience and your location influence this a lot). Additionally according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average ultrasound tech salary in New Jersey is $72,500 for full-time employees. 

12) On-the-Job Training Is Commonplace

Becoming an ultrasound tech involves ongoing educational opportunities, and your employer may encourage you to attend seminar training and classes.

These educational experiences are great opportunities to expand your knowledge and skill sets, which can come in handy when applying for higher-paying positions in the future.

13) Help Save Lives Every Day

With the advancement of medical technology, doctors rarely have to open patients up to determine a diagnosis. When ultrasound techs take the right images, they’re able to stop unnecessary – and often risky – invasive surgeries.

14) Everyone Is Welcome Here

Regardless of your gender or ethnic background, diagnostic medical imaging offers opportunities for everyone. By successfully completing your education, having a great attitude, and staying on top of your sector’s developments, the sky’s the limit! 

15) You’ve Always Got Backup

Nearly 30,000 ultrasound techs are currently practicing in the United States today, and having a solid support network will certainly help you down the line. Check out excellent resources for education and careers on the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography website. 

16) Diagnostic Imaging Is Safer Than Other Similar Jobs

In rare cases, medical sonographers leave their career due to work-related injuries, whether through lifting heavy patients or being exposed to radiographic waves. Since ultrasound techs deal with sound waves (and tend to have more reduced physical demands), they face lower risks than, say, an MRI technician or Xray tech.

17) You Can Become a Specialist in Your Field

People often think that ultrasound techs only deal with obstetrics and gynecology, but many of these allied health professionals receive their specialization in breast, abdominal, and/or cardiovascular sonography. All it takes is time, effort, and certification (which may even be employer-sponsored).

18) Choose Your Work Environment

In this fast-growing field, you won’t necessarily need to work in a hospital. In fact, imaging centers, private clinics, and outpatient facilities have come to rely upon the unique expertise that certified ultrasound techs possess. Though sonography departments were once only found in cities, rural communities are also now able to hire committed diagnostic imaging techs.

19) Cut Your Morning Routine in Half

In addition to a minimal morning routine, scrubs, and comfortable shoes will comprise your ultrasound tech uniform. If you want a job that doesn’t require a tremendous amount of time or effort, definitely look into this career (Wouldn’t it be nice to sleep in a bit longer each morning?).

20) Be Inspired Every Day