Become an Ultrasound Tech

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

Should I Become an Ultrasound Technician

A job as an ultrasound technician (also called a medical sonographer) can be an ideal choice for people who are looking for a medical or technology career that includes powerful human connections. If you’re a “people person” with an interest in science, medicine and technology, ultrasound tech may be just the job you’re looking for.

6 Reasons to Become an Ultrasound Technician

1. You Can Take Your Career in Many Different Directions

The word “ultrasound” makes most people think of pediatrics and OB/GYN offices. Certainly, that’s one direction you can go in your career. But you can also specialize in other types of imaging, such as:

  • Abdominal sonography
  • Breast sonography
  • Musculoskeletal sonography
  • Gynecologic sonography
  • Cardiovascular sonography
  • Vascular sonography

2. A Variety of Work Environments

With the ability to take your ultrasound skills in so many different directions, you’ll also have a wide range of different work environments to consider. Sonographers may work in hospitals, private doctors’ offices, clinical or lab settings, and other medical facilities.

3. Sonography Is a Rapidly Growing Field

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical sonographers is expected to grow 14% by 2030. That’s much faster than the 8% average growth for all occupations. The need to diagnose medical conditions will only rise as our population ages, so the demand for ultrasounds will be strong.

4. Attractive Annual Salary

According to BLS and PayScale, the average annual salary for medical sonographers is around $65,000. Pay rates vary depending on location, experience and specialty. Of course, at the beginning of your career, you’ll probably make less than the average, like most other jobs. As time goes on, you’ll earn more. BLS says the top 10% earners are paid in the mid-$90,0000 range. 

5. Educational Training Can Be Completed Relatively Quickly

You can obtain your Associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography from Cambridge in approximately 28 months. The ability to get your credentials quickly makes ultrasound tech careers attractive both to those just starting in life and those who are looking to make a career switch into a more satisfying field.

6. The Job Is Interactive

Unlike some medical jobs, like billing or coding, ultrasound techs get to interact with people every day. From patients to doctors to co-workers, you’ll be able to talk to people, learn from them, and even have the chance to hear them thank you and appreciate you for the work you’re doing. If you like being around people, you’ll like this job.

Ready to Explore the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Cambridge?

An Associate’s degree from Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology gives you the credential you need to start a career in the rewarding and satisfying field of sonography. For more information, give our advisors a call at 877-206-4279 or send us a message.

More on becoming an ultrasound tech