Ultrasound Technician
Surgical Technician
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases.
What Ultrasound Technicians Do
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases.
Common Tasks
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 2Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 4Supervise laboratory sessions.
- 5Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
What You'll Learn
Types of Ultrasound Technicians
Work Environment
Locations
- • Hospitals
- • Outpatient imaging centers
- • Physician offices and clinics
- • Maternity and OB/GYN practices
- • Mobile ultrasound services
Schedule
Most ultrasound technicians work set shifts, with some roles requiring evenings, weekends, or on-call coverage depending on the facility.
Physical Demands
The job involves frequent repetitive scanning motions, sustained arm/hand use, and regular bending or twisting while positioning patients and equipment. You may alternate between sitting and standing and need to move or assist patients safely.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 379,600 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand may grow as the population ages and more imaging is needed to diagnose and monitor chronic conditions. Ultrasound is a widely used, noninvasive, lower-cost imaging option, which can increase utilization in hospitals and outpatient clinics.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong pay potential in a growing healthcare field
- • Direct patient interaction and meaningful diagnostic impact
- • Work is typically indoors with structured procedures
- • Multiple specialties to choose from (e.g., vascular, cardiac, OB)
- • Skills are transferable across many healthcare settings
Cons
- • High repetitive-motion and ergonomic injury risk (shoulder, wrist, back)
- • Time pressure and the need for consistent image quality
- • May involve difficult patient situations and sensitive findings
- • Shift work, weekends, or on-call may be required
- • Ongoing credentialing and continuing education expectations
Common Questions About the Ultrasound Technician Trade
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