Ultrasound technicians in Pennsylvania can earn up to $84,000, per year.
Ultrasound/sonographer technician jobs will grow 18 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary nationwide, as of 2008, was $62,000, according to BLS. Pennsylvania ultrasound jobs reflect similar growth. Ultrasound technicians operate equipment that uses sound waves to generate images to diagnose patients' medical conditions. In the case of pregnancies, the ultrasound generates an image of a fetus and charts its growth.
Gettysburg
Ultrasound technicians perform imaging examinations of the abdominal area, and obstetrics, gynecology and retroperitoneal scans. They schedule scans with patients, select scanner parameters for each patient and position them for examinations. Employers expect technicians to maintain their equipment and provide written documentation of their procedures with each patient. All employed technicians in Gettysburg, and elsewhere in Pennsylvania, must possess certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). They also must have CPR certification and an Associate of Arts degree in medical-related studies. Up to two years work experience is necessary.
State College
At State College, Pa., medical service companies may seek ultrasound technicians capable of providing arterial, vascular and Venous Doppler treatment. These health care service providers serve area hospitals, clinics and medical offices by sending trained ultrasound technicians to operate equipment at the facilities' venues or bring company-provided mobile equipment. These companies provide a vehicle, Blackberry and pay overhead expenses for the technician. The job requires ARRT certification, possession of a valid driver's license, the ability to work flexible hours and be on call. Lifting equipment up to 50 pounds is part of the job. Technicians with less than two years' work experience are likely to fall into the lowest 10 percent earning category with an annual salary less than $44,000, as of 2008, according to BLS. However, the top yearly earning potential as of 2008 is nearly $84,000.
Williamsport
Working conditions at some medical facilities can be arduous. Ultrasound technicians must lift and carry equipment weighing more than 100 pounds. They also must provide a full range of scans by positioning patients' bodies that require moving and lifting them. When not lifting and carrying, ultrasound technicians stoop, reach and stand for long periods. Finger dexterity, hand/eye coordination and visual acuity are essential to competently perform the job. At the Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center, for example, the ultrasound technician divides his time at the CT-Ultrasound Department at the Rural Avenue Campus and at the Muncy Valley Campus' Radiology Department. The medical center trains its technicians to respond to disaster situations. They also assist radiologists with invasive medical procedures, which may expose them to blood and body fluids. ARRT certification and one year of work experience are necessary. The medical center may also require additional licensing and certification for other duties.
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