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Sonography: Typical Responsibilities of an Ultrasound Technician
Sonography:
Typical Responsibilities of an Ultrasound Technician
Are you considering enrolling in a sonography program and pursuing a career as an ultrasound technician? As with many health care occupations, no two days are ever the same because of the dynamic nature of the role; however, there are typical day-to-day tasks that these health care professionals perform. Read on to find out what some of these daily responsibilities are.
Preparing Patients
Whether working in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or doctor's office, ultrasound technicians need to prepare patients for ultrasound procedures. They explain how the equipment will be used to direct high-frequency sound waves into specific areas, and generate diagnostic images. They also answer any questions the patient may have about the procedure.
The ability to communicate effectively and put the patient at ease is critical because a patient may be nervous about a specific procedure or with health care examinations in general.
The ultrasound technician also positions the patient, which may have to be done carefully to avoid causing further pain if an injury is present.
Operating Equipment
Once the patient is prepared for the procedure, ultrasound technicians select the appropriate settings on the equipment and perform the examination using a transducer (hand-held device) to scan specific areas of the patient's body. During the scan, they study the screen for subtle visual cues that indicate unhealthy areas. They will then decide which images best suit the diagnostic purposes, and save these images for the doctor to look at later. Sonographers also record measurements and calculate values.
Ultrasound technicians can choose to specialize in a particular area of sonography, such as abdominal (internal organs), neuro (brain and nervous system), cardiac (heart), obstetric (female reproductive system), or vascular (circulatory system).
Analyzing Results
Once a procedure is completed, sonographers use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, math, and pathology to perform an initial analysis of the results. They will then clearly communicate these findings to doctors, so they can form a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Additional Responsibilities
An ultrasound technician can also be responsible for:
- Updating patients' medical records
- Performing maintenance and repair on the ultrasound equipment
- Managing a department
However, management duties are generally reserved for those ultrasound technicians who possess years of experience in the field, as well as specialized education. These professionals may perform departmental budgeting and planning, inventory control, and staff supervision.
Now that you have a better understanding of the typical daily responsibilities of an ultrasound technician, are you ready to become one yourself? If so, one of the best resources to find the education you'll need is this guide to ultrasound technician schools. Check it out today, and find the program that fits you best!
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