Ultrasound Tech Job Description
- Preparing patients: Explaining the procedure, answering questions, and ensuring patients are properly positioned for imaging
- Operating equipment: Calibrating and manipulating ultrasound equipment to obtain images
- Analyzing images: Reviewing images for quality and coverage, identifying abnormalities, and communicating results to physicians
- Maintaining equipment: Keeping equipment in good working order and reporting failures
- Documenting patient records: Noting results and completing billing forms
- Maintaining patient privacy: Protecting patient modesty and health history according to HIPAA regulations
- Adhering to professional standards: Performing exams according to established protocols and quality standards, and using proper scanning techniques
- Continuing education: Staying updated on technological advancements and refining skills through lifelong learning
Ultrasound technicians are expected to be self-motivated, driven, efficient, and a team player.
The average salary for an ultrasound technologist in the United States is between $84,470 and $88,220 per year. Travel techs receive additional pay with MGG Imaging.
Preparing for Your Procedure
The ultrasound examination usually takes 15 to 45 minutes to complete. The procedure is noninvasive, and is generally painless unless the area to be scanned is tender. You may return to your normal activities after the exam.
Your technologist will guide you through the ultrasound exam, which generally involves:
- Changing into a gown.
- If the ultrasound involves the abdomen, please refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before the ultrasound.
- If the ultrasound involves the bladder, please drink several glasses of water. A full bladder aids the scan.