Ultrasound Technician Schools in California

Ultrasound technician schools in California are also referred to as diagnostic medical sonography schools. Students who partake in the program learn how to perform ultrasounds for nervous mothers and routine stomach examinations ordered by a physician. A major in ultrasound or sonography often leads to a two-year associate’s degree in the program. Standard courses required of the program include human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, ultrasound physics, obstetrical sonography, and professional ethics. The classroom is designed to incorporate lectures, laboratories, and open discussions following a seminar. Students can expect a large number of ultrasound courses, physics and some math classes that require problem solving.

Carrington College California

Certificate, Associate
Ultrasound Technology
Citrus Heights

What to Expect as an Ultrasound Technician

An ultrasound technician is a medical professional who uses special equipment to direct high-frequency sound waves into a patient's body. An image is formed from the reflected sound waves. This technique is known as sonography, and it is most often associated with pregnancy and viewing a fetus, but is also used in many other types of diagnoses. Ultrasound equipment is used to look at organs and internal areas that cannot be seen by X-rays. It gives physicians a diagnostic tool that does not involve radiation, dyes, or surgery.

Typical Duties

Job duties of an ultrasound technician can vary from day to day. The technician will:

• Explain the procedure to the patient and record any relevant medical information
• Select appropriate settings and operate the equipment
• Give the patient instructions on how to move to help attain the best results from the test
• Perform the exam using a transducer, which transmits the sound waves into a cone-shaped or rectangular beam. A special gel is usually spread on the area to aid in transmission of sound waves
• Use sophisticated medical hardware to send sound waves safely into a patient's body to capture a diagnostic image on videotape
• Take measurements and analyze results
• Evaluate the quality of the image in order to assist the doctor in making a correct diagnosis
• Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the human body
• Decide which images are the best for the physician to view
• Keep patient records
• Maintain equipment
• Evaluate equipment purchases

While the technician is operating the equipment, they are looking for any signs of abnormality. Still photographs can be taken, and have to be clear enough to be viewed by the doctor. Taking clear pictures is very important, because the doctor will base his diagnosis on these pictures.

Neccessary Skills

Some traits that are required for success as an ultrasound technician include:

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Good visual acuity
• An aptitude for working with complex medical equipment
• Physical stamina to lift or turn patients, or be on their feet for long periods of time.

Specializations

Ultrasound technicians can specialize in particular fields. These fields include:

• Ophthalmology (eye)
• Neurosonography (brain and nervous system)
• Obstetrics/gynecology (female reproductive system)
• Echocardiology (heart)
• Abdominal, which includes the kidney, spleen, and pancreas

More than half of all ultrasound technicians work in public and private hospitals. It is also expected that in the future more and more ultrasound technicians will work at locations other than hospitals, such as physician's offices, medical laboratories, and diagnostic centers. Some will practice with mobile equipment.

It's expected that there will be faster than average job growth in this field, because of advancements in medical diagnosis along with a rapidly aging population. Since sonography is becoming a popular alternative to other diagnostic procedures, the outlook is good for anyone who wants to become an ultrasound technician.

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