I was surprised at the level of personal interactions I have with my patients. I never realized that my job would bring me such joy.[full comment]
The worst part of being an ultrasound technologist is finding a life-threatening illness in a patient who is in generally good health. You may see a cancer that you know...[full comment]
Find an accredited medical sonography program that is at least two years. Be sure the program has internships set up in hospitals, since this is where you will see the...[full comment]
School and Career Surprises: Tips From People on the Job
Each comment from a ultrasound technician includes their career and school satisfaction ratings.
Career: "I was surprised at the level of personal interactions I have with my patients. I never realized that my job would bring me such joy."
School: Studied Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Oakland Community College in Michigan; completed Associate degree in 2009. Career: Ultrasound Tech, female, 2 years of experience, currently based in Michigan.
Best & Worst Things About This Career
As reported by people currently doing the job
"The worst part of being an ultrasound technologist is finding a life-threatening illness in a patient who is in generally good health. You may see a cancer that you know will take a patient's life in two or three months and the patient has no idea. It takes a great deal of compassion and professionalism to handle these difficult situations. The best part of the job is when you've done your job well and find a solution to a patient's health problem that will make her better. It's very rewarding to help these patients both physically and emotionally."
School : BS, Rehabilitation Counseling certification, Medical Sonography Career: Ultrasound Technologist, currently based in Massachusetts.;
Tips for Succeeding in This Career
Helpful Info From Insiders
"Find an accredited medical sonography program that is at least two years. Be sure the program has internships set up in hospitals, since this is where you will see the most pathology. Be prepared. You will most likely need at least an associate's degree in a related field that includes biology and anatomy and physiology. You will have to take a difficult physics component in your coursework and pass certificate exams. Exams include physics and the specialty areas such as obstetrics or abdomen ultrasound."
School : BS, Rehabilitation Counseling certification, Medical Sonography Career: Ultrasound Technologist, currently based in Massachusetts.;
