How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

<P>An ultrasound technician is a medical professional who operates special equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to scan a patients body parts, such as their abdomen, which then creates images of the patients internal organs in that area in order to help doctors diagnose a variety of conditions. This procedure is also performed on pregnant women in order to regularly check on the health and progression of a fetus.</P> <P>A technician performs an ultrasound by applying a gel like substance, which is used as a conductor, on the patients area of skin which is being scanned, such as their abdomen, then places a wand-like transducer device against the skin of the area needing to be scanned. This then produces an image on a monitor that the technician can view during the procedure. This device may also be inserted into specific parts of the body in order to get a closer look at certain organs such as female reproductive organs.</P> <P>The General information about this career should be the first thing researched. There is an array of ultrasound technician information available, such as different areas of expertise and the education and training required for someone to become a technician. They are responsible for a number of duties, including patient preparation for the procedure, performing the procedure itself, working directly with patients and doctors, the knowledge of how to use highly technical imaging equipment, and a vast knowledge of anatomy, and knowing how to navigate well through the different areas inside a patients body using precision and good hand to eye coordination. An ultrasound technician must also possess several character traits as well including professionalism, understanding, patience, how to remain calm, and caring. Technicians work in direct contact with the patients during the procedure and these character traits are very important in helping to ensure the patient is calm and comfortable during the procedure. They also work closely with doctors by creating images of a patients internal organs using an ultrasound machine which then allows a physician to view specific organs on a monitor to help them make a diagnosis. It is also important for technicians to be able to make sound judgments in deciding if the imaging scan will be sufficient enough for making a proper diagnosis, or if additional imaging or testing procedures are needed.</P> <P>There is also a variety of ultrasound technician information regarding the different fields of study, such as abdominal, obstetric and gynecological, and vascular ultrasound procedures. They also work in an array of settings such as hospitals, doctors offices, or other private imaging clinics.</P> <P>A technician must possess either one of these to gain an ultrasound technician education starting with a certificate, associates degree, or bachelors degree from an accredited college, university, hospital program, or any other program offering continued education; although, an associates degree or bachelors degree is preferred in this profession. Most of the time these programs take 1-2 years to complete and require previous education in natural sciences, basic physics as well as algebra. Ultrasound technician education will include the study of anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, physics, and patient care. A technician may also further their education and broadens their career choices by becoming certified in the different fields of study such as in obstetrics working closely with pregnant women in monitoring the progress of their unborn babies.</P> <P>An ultrasound technician plays a major role in helping physicians diagnose disorders and diseases a patient may have by creating images using sound waves to scan the patients internal organs. Technicians have always been more popular in the field of obstetrics; however, they are becoming more prevalent in the field of cardiology as well.</P>