Ultrasound technicians
practice in a variety of environments according to specialty.
Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, use probes that emit sound waves to recreate tomographic images of the interior of the human body. Columbia, Missouri, is home to only one school endorsed by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs--the University of Missouri at Columbia.
The University of Missouri
The University of Missouri offers the only accredited ultrasound program in Columbia.
The University of Missouri offers a Bachelor's of Health Science in diagnostic medical ultrasound. Though many schools require a previous degree or license in radiologic technology, the U of M program provides the knowledge base through the prerequisites of the freshman and sophomore curriculum. The sonography concentration begins in the junior year with ultrasound-specific classes and finishes with clinical rotations during senior year. Notably, it also offers the only master's degree in diagnostic ultrasound in the United States as of 2010.
University of Missouri School of Health Professions
409 Lewis Hall
Columbia, MO 65211-4560
573-884-2994
healthprofessions.missouri.edu
Responsibilities
Technicians might find work with a cardiology, internal medicine or obstetric group.
A small majority of ultrasound technicians work in a hospital setting performing a variety of imaging procedures ordered by a physician on the abdomen, heart, genitalia and peripheral vasculature. Technicians who specialize can concentrate exclusively on echocardiology, vascular studies or obstetric exams and can often find employment at clinics that focus on that specialty. All practitioners of sonography must maintain licensure by completing a set number of continuing education courses each year.
Prospects
Forecasts project that the ultrasound field will grow over the next ten years.
May 2009 figures collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that average incomes for diagnostic sonography fall between $53,110 and $74,400, depending on job location and professional experience. Sonographers working in private clinical practice tend to make slightly more than their hospital counterparts. The Bureau reports that employment opportunities should increase steadily until the projected date of 2018.
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