Ultrasound Technician Hiring: Everything You Need To Know

Empowering physicians with critical diagnostic insights, ultrasound technicians play a vital role in shaping patient care. Their meticulous operation of advanced imaging technology yields the high-quality visuals necessary for informed medical decisions. For organizations seeking exceptional talent, effective job listings and strategic partnerships with an ultrasound temp agency are key to building a skilled team.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer uses imaging equipment to create images of specific areas on a patient’s body. These ultrasound images help determine the causes of injury or illness or provide additional insight into patient health. Medical providers and physicians use these images to evaluate, diagnose, and treat their patients.

There are several different types of medical sonographers, including:

• Abdominal sonographer: Obtains images of a patient’s abdominal cavity and nearby organs.
• Breast sonographer: Imaging of a patient’s breast tissue.
• Cardiac sonographer: Specializes in imaging a patient’s heart.
• Musculoskeletal sonographer: Captures images of a patient’s muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.
• Pediatric sonographer: Performs imaging for children and infants.
• Obstetric and gynecologic sonographers: Focuses on the female reproductive system.
• Vascular sonographer: Blood vessel imaging and identifying blocked arteries or blood clots.

What To Include in the Ultrasound Technician Job Description

Creating a clear and descriptive job listing helps employers hire qualified ultrasound technicians. Be transparent with job duties, requirements, and starting salaries to attract top talent.

Ultrasound Technician Job Duties

Healthcare organizations expect ultrasound technicians to perform the following job duties:

• Prepare and maintain ultrasound exam rooms and diagnostic imaging equipment.
• Prepare patients for ultrasound by explaining the procedure and answering their questions.
• Position and adjust patients as needed for imaging.
• Operate equipment to collect diagnostic images.
• Review images collected to ensure quality and adequate coverage of areas required to form diagnoses.
• Analyze image results for abnormalities and summarize notes and findings to physicians.
• Record images and findings and update patients’ records.

Ultrasound Technician Qualifications

Potential candidates must have formal education to become an ultrasound technician. Employers may require an associate or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. The degree program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

While healthcare facilities may not require licensure, certification can make talent more desirable. Employers may list professional certification as a job requirement or request applicants obtain certification after accepting the job offer. Attain the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer certification before applying for ultrasound technician jobs. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers and accredits this certification.

If you apply for an ultrasound technician position at a hospital, you may need a Basic Life Support certification. The American Heart Association offers this certification, which teaches basic resuscitation techniques.

Hard Skills Needed for Ultrasound Technicians

In addition to training, certification, and education requirements, ultrasound technicians must have the following hard skills:

• Technical machinery skills: This job requires you to understand how to operate complex machinery and computerized instruments. You must also know the appropriate safety procedures when using technical machinery.
• Physical stamina: Ultrasound technicians must be able to lift and move patients as needed to collect images. The job also requires you to stand for long periods as you perform ultrasounds and enter information.
• Hand-eye coordination: Ultrasounds require you to move equipment on a patient’s body while paying attention to what is on the screen. Good hand-eye coordination allows you to collect quality images without taking your eyes off the screen.
• Clinical hours: Employers may list a minimum clinical hour requirement showing their medical experience.

Soft Skills Needed for Ultrasound Technicians

Here are the soft skills ultrasound technicians need:

• Critical thinking: This job requires critical thinking skills to use your best judgment when encountering an unfamiliar situation.
• Active listening: This soft skill helps you recognize your patient’s needs and concerns before performing an ultrasound. You can include important information in the patient’s case notes as needed.
• Attention to detail: You must be able to pay attention to detail as images come across your screen during an ultrasound. This soft skill helps you collect vital images to assist in forming a diagnosis.
• Communication: Ultrasound technicians must maintain clear communication between patients and physicians or other healthcare team members. Effective communication helps you explain the procedure to patients and discuss imaging with physicians.
• Follow directions: You must follow precise instructions when obtaining images during an ultrasound to ensure quality data collection. While your medical specialty has specific requirements for collecting images, the healthcare facility may require more steps for quality assurance.

Expected Salary of an Ultrasound Technician

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $84,470 or $40.61 hourly. The expected salary depends on your state and facility type, including outpatient care centers and hospitals. Consult your local ultrasound technician job listings for comparative salaries.

How To Find Top Ultrasound Technician Talent

Research local job listings to understand the qualifications and job requirements for ultrasound technicians in your state. Resumes should reflect the required training, certification, and education to differentiate quality talent.

Leverage the official ARDMS Directory of Registrants to verify certifications and identify qualified professionals. Explore the ARDMS and SDMS job boards for actively seeking candidates. For immediate staffing needs or flexible workforce solutions, partnering with a reputable ultrasound temp agency can provide access to a pool of pre-vetted and qualified sonographers.

What Is the Ultrasound Technician Job Outlook?

As baby boomers age, the demand for comprehensive health screenings increases. Doctors and healthcare facilities need ultrasound technicians to help find blood clots, tumors, and other conditions that are only visible through ultrasonic images. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics¹ projects an 11% growth in diagnostic medical sonographer positions from 2023 to 2033. They consider this growth faster than average for other healthcare occupations.

Hire With Medix

Facing staffing shortages in your ultrasound department or across your healthcare facility? Medix provides efficient and effective solutions to connect you with qualified professionals. Our award-winning services include access to a network of skilled healthcare professionals ready to fill your immediate and long-term needs. Let us simplify your hiring process so you can focus on providing outstanding patient care. Contact us to get started!

References:

1. “Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 29, 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm.