Being an Ultrasound Technician

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being an Ultrasound Technician?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being an Ultrasound Tech?

Ultrasound technicians are responsible for performing ultrasound imaging procedures to help professionals diagnose and treat medical conditions. And although sonography is a rewarding career full of opportunities, there are some challenges. To learn more about the pros and cons of this career choice, keep reading.

The Benefits of Being an Ultrasound Technician

As an ultrasound technician, you’ll get to work with patients daily. This is perhaps one of the greatest benefits to students wanting a career in the medical field. Other benefits include:

  • Fast career start: A Diagnostic Medical Sonography program only takes approximately two years to complete from start to finish. This means you can start your new career fairly quickly.
  • Good salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $75,920 a year. Salaries range from $53,790 to $105,340 a year, depending on where you choose to work.
  • Advancement opportunities: There are career advancement opportunities for sonographers, including management roles and even research sonography opportunities as you gain experience.
  • Ability to make a difference in the lives of many patients: Each day, your work in imaging will be a reason patients receive the medical care they need to lead better lives. Your work will truly make a difference.

The Challenges of Being an Ultrasound Technician

Just like any other medical career, there are challenges to being an ultrasound technician, including:

  • Long and varying work hours: Sonographers often work in hospitals and clinics that stay open long hours. You could work nights and/or weekends to best serve your patients.
  • Difficult patients: Some patients will be struggling with difficult emotional situations. These patients may lash out or become angry. You’ll need to be patient and show compassion.
  • Emotional medical situations: You may need to perform an ultrasound on a patient struggling with cancer. Or, you may need to hold the hand of a scared child during their exam. These situations can be emotionally trying for any medical professional.
  • Tough physical demands: You’ll need to help position patients of all sizes for imaging procedures. You’ll also need to carry and push heavy ultrasound equipment daily.

Allow Cambridge to Help You Start Your New Ultrasound Career

Being an ultrasound technician is a rewarding career, despite the challenges. Cambridge offers our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program to students ready to enter the field. To learn more about our program or to apply today, give us a call at 877-206-4279 or send us a message.

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