How to Be Ultrasound Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 23, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, play an essential role in medical care by using sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. As a result of the images they create, physicians can effectively diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. The use of ultrasound technology is beneficial because it is non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, and allows for detailed images of soft tissues that may be difficult to see with other imaging techniques.

To become an ultrasound technician, one must complete a formal education program, which typically involves extensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and ultrasound technology. Upon successful completion of a program, graduates must pass a certification exam to become certified and legally practice as a sonographer.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming an ultrasound technician is to earn a high school diploma or GED.
Complete an Accredited Ultrasound Technician Program. To become an ultrasound technician, you must complete an accredited training program. These programs can be found at many community colleges, universities, and technical schools and typically take two years to complete.
Obtain Professional Certification. After completing an accredited program, you will need to become certified in order to work as an ultrasound technician. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers the most widely-recognized certification in the field.
Apply for a Job. Once you are certified, you can begin applying for jobs as an ultrasound technician. Most employers will require at least one year of experience in the field, so you may need to start out as a volunteer or intern before you can land a paid position.
Maintain Licensure. In order to stay certified and maintain your licensure as an ultrasound technician, you must complete continuing education courses and stay current on the latest technologies in the field.

Ultrasound technicians must have reliable and efficient skills to be successful in their profession. To ensure reliable results, ultrasound technicians must have a thorough understanding of the equipment, be familiar with the operating procedure, and follow safety protocols. They should also complete ongoing training to stay abreast of new technology and techniques.

Efficiency is achieved by having an organized approach to the work environment and the tasks at hand. Ultrasound technicians should strive to be organized and use their time efficiently by setting realistic goals and expectations for their clients. taking time to review images and data can help pinpoint any potential problems and allow for a more accurate diagnosis.

Keeping up-to-date on the latest industry trends, technologies, and procedures can help ultrasound technicians remain reliable and efficient in their profession.

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Job Description

Prepare and maintain ultrasound equipment and related supplies.
Position patients correctly and comfortably for imaging procedures.
Explain procedures, prepare patients and answer questions related to the imaging procedure.
Produce images of internal organs, blood vessels, and other structures using ultrasound equipment.
Evaluate images and adjust equipment settings to optimize image quality.
Record information in patient medical records, including images and data from the procedure.
Identify anatomical structures and abnormal conditions during the procedure and inform the physician.
Assist radiologists and physicians in performing ultrasound-guided biopsies, therapeutic injections and other procedures.
Clean and maintain sonography equipment following manufacturer's instructions.
Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of medical terminology
Knowledge of ultrasound technology
Understanding of sound waves
Ability to operate, maintain, and calibrate ultrasound equipment
Ability to produce high-quality images
Ability to recognize normal and abnormal findings
Ability to explain procedures to patients
Excellent communication skills
Ability to collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals
Computer literacy
Ability to use problem-solving skills
Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Organizational and time management skills

Having strong interpersonal skills is one of the most important skills an ultrasound technician can possess. Interpersonal skills allow the technician to effectively interact with patients, medical staff, and other members of the healthcare team. This is essential for providing quality care and for creating a positive patient experience.

Good communication skills also allow the technician to effectively explain the procedure and answer any questions from the patient. With strong interpersonal skills, technicians can build strong trusting relationships with patients, which can lead to better patient outcomes. strong interpersonal skills also make it easier for technicians to work as part of a healthcare team, facilitating collaboration and helping to ensure the best possible care is provided to each patient.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with ultrasound equipment?
How do you troubleshoot technical problems with ultrasound equipment?
How do you ensure patient safety while using ultrasound?
What procedures and protocols do you follow when performing ultrasounds?
How do you explain complex medical images and results to patients?
What techniques do you use to ensure accurate measurements?
How do you stay up to date on the latest advancements in ultrasound technology?
How do you ensure accuracy and consistency when performing ultrasounds?
Describe a situation in which you had to provide excellent customer service while using ultrasound equipment.
What strategies do you use to stay organized and efficient when performing ultrasounds?

Common Tools in Industry

Ultrasound Machine. Used to create images of the body using sound waves (eg: GE Voluson E8).
Doppler System. Used to measure blood flow and velocity (eg: Philips HD11XE).
Probes. Used to direct sound waves into the body (eg: Philips C5-2 Convex Probe).
Image Acquisition Software. Used to capture and store images from the ultrasound machine (eg: Philips QLAB Software).
Calipers. Used to measure distances and size of objects within the image (eg: Mitutoyo Digital Caliper).
Ultrasound Gel. Used to improve the transmission of sound waves through the body (eg: Aquasonic Ultrasound Gel).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
American Society for Clinical Ultrasound (ASCSU)
International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG)
American College of Radiology (ACR)
National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL)
American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA)

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Common Important Terms

Sonography. The use of sound waves to create visual images of the inside of the body, used to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Doppler Ultrasound. A type of ultrasound that uses Doppler effect to measure the velocity of blood flow in a vessel.
Transducer. A device used to convert electrical signals into ultrasound waves.
Ultrasound Machine. A machine used to produce and monitor ultrasound images.
Vascular Ultrasound. A type of ultrasound used to evaluate the blood vessels, including the arteries and veins.
Fetal Ultrasound. An ultrasound used to assess the development of a fetus during pregnancy.
Abdominal Ultrasound. An ultrasound used to view organs and structures within the abdomen.
Echocardiogram. A type of ultrasound used to assess the heart and its function.
Breast Ultrasound. An ultrasound used to evaluate and diagnose breast tissue.
Osteoporosis Ultrasound. An ultrasound used to measure bone density and assess risk of osteoporosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Ultrasound Technician? A1: An Ultrasound Technician is a healthcare professional who specializes in the use of diagnostic ultrasound imaging to produce images of the body's internal structures. Q2: What are the educational requirements for an Ultrasound Technician? A2: The typical educational requirement for an Ultrasound Technician is an Associate's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Q3: What does an Ultrasound Technician do? A3: An Ultrasound Technician operates specialized medical equipment to produce images of the body's internal structures, such as organs and tissues, for diagnosis and treatment. Q4: How long does it take to become an Ultrasound Technician? A4: It typically takes two years to become an Ultrasound Technician, depending on the program and type of degree earned. Q5: What is the salary range for an Ultrasound Technician? A5: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an Ultrasound Technician is $72,510 as of May 2019.