Ultrasound technicians enjoy faster-than-average job growth.
Careers in ultrasound radiology span a range of medical specialty areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, abdominal sonography, neurosonography and mammography. Many radiology positions don’t require advanced degrees, although a bachelor’s degree will qualify radiologists for supervisory, management and director roles. Radiologists should be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological comfort, like to work with machinery and technology and be detail-oriented. Ultrasound radiologists enjoy better-than-average job growth and opportunities in medical, clinical and private imaging environments.
Ultrasound Radiologist
Radiologists are specialists in taking and interpreting medical imaging. They are trained to operate and read MRI’s, X-rays, and computed tomography scans as well as ultrasounds in medical diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasound radiologists help doctors evaluate sick and pregnant patients, get ultrasound images for medical staff for diagnosis and consultation and ensure patient safety during ultrasound procedures. Radiology training programs vary in length from one to four years, including professional certificates, associate's degrees and bachelor’s degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ultrasound radiologist positions will see 18 percent growth through 2018.
Ultrasound Radiologic Nurse
Radiologic nurses are nurses who are trained to operate and read diagnostic imaging. Ultrasound radiologic nurses prepare patients for and coordinate ultrasound procedures, care for them during procedures and coordinate patient care and procedures with doctors. Ultrasound nurses require four-year nursing degrees and additional training in ultrasound technology. Licensed practical nurses and registered nurses can specialize in ultrasound radiology and expect "faster-than-average employment growth and favorable job opportunities," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Ultrasound Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists assist nurses and doctors during imaging operations. They operate imaging machinery, position patients, adjust and maintain equipment and schedule procedures. They may have administrative responsibilities such as record keeping, patient chart preparation and patient registration. Radiologic technologists require some specialized training in radiology such as certificates or associate's degrees but may advance their careers with further education like four-year degrees. They specialize in X-ray, mammography, computed tomography and ultrasound technology. Career paths for technologists include teaching other technologists, technology equipment sales and equipment training. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that radiologic technologists can expect faster-than-average job growth with employment prospects increasing by 17 percent through 2018.
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