 Program Description
The Ultrasound Technologist program prepares graduates for entry-level employment as an Ultrasound Technologist with specialization in general sonography (Abdominal & Small Parts, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Vascular ultrasound). Working in hospital imaging centers, physicians' offices or clinics, the Ultrasound Technologist plays a very important role on today's medical diagnosis and treatment team. Upon completion of the Ultrasound Program Pre-requisite classes students may take the National Registry Exam (ARDMS, SPI) and a specialty exam upon program completion.
Earnings
The median annual wage of diagnostic medical sonographers was $61,980 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent of sonographers earned wages between $52,570 and $73,680 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,950. Median annual wages of diagnostic medical sonographers in May 2008 were $62,340 in offices of physicians and $61,870 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Job Outlook
Employment change. Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 18 percent through 2018 - faster than the average for all occupations. As the population continues to age, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. Additional job growth is expected as healthcare providers increasingly utilize ultrasound imaging as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to radiological procedures. Ultrasound imaging technology is expected to evolve rapidly and spawn many new sonography procedures, enabling sonographers to scan and image areas of the body where ultrasound has not traditionally been used.
Hospitals will remain the principal employer of diagnostic medical sonographers. However, employment is expected to grow more rapidly in offices of physicians and in medical and diagnostic laboratories. Health care facilities such as these are expected to increase in number because of the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances and less expensive ultrasound equipment that permit more procedures to be performed outside of hospitals.
Job Prospects
Job opportunities should be favorable. In addition to job openings from growth, some openings will arise from the need to replace sonographers who retire or leave the occupation permanently. However, job opportunities will vary by geographic area. Sonographers willing to relocate will have the best job opportunities. Sonographers with multiple specialties or multiple credentials also will have good prospects.
Opportunities should be favorable because Ultrasound Technology is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures, as patients seek safer treatment methods. Unlike most diagnostic imaging methods, Ultrasound Technology does not involve radiation; so harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are rarer for both the patient and the Ultrasound Technologist. Ultrasound Technology technology is expected to evolve rapidly and to spawn many new Ultrasound Technology procedures, such as 3D-ultrasound for use in obstetric and ophthalmologic diagnosis. However, high costs may limit the rate at which some promising new technologies are adopted.
Hospitals will remain the principal employer of Ultrasound Technologists. However, employment is expected to grow more rapidly in offices of physicians and in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2012 due to the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital.
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