Twin Cities High School Graduates: Consider an Ultrasound Degree Program

High school graduates interested in the field of healthcare may consider training to become an ultrasound technician. Accredited Twin Cities schools offer ultrasound degree programs in which students can earn their degrees in only two years. In the short amount of time, students will be trained in sciences like anatomy, physics and physiology. They will also learn how to use the specialized equipment, the ethics of medicine and ways to work with patients. Enrolling in one of these programs is a great way to enter the healthcare industry.

How Ultrasound Technology Works

Sonographers use specialized equipment that emits high frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off of the body's internal structures in order to produce an image on the equipment's monitor. The technician uses a transducer on the patient's skin to emit the waves and send the information to the computer. A gel is used on the skin and acts as a conductor to produce clearer images. The ultrasonographer interprets the images while looking for any abnormalities to report to the physician.

What Ultrasound Technicians Do

Ultrasound technicians prepare patients for the procedure and are specially trained to use the equipment. During the procedure, the sonographer explains the images to the patient while noting any relevant findings. These specialists document the procedure and keep notes for the patient's file. It is also the technician's job to manage and maintain the specialized equipment.

Sonogrpahers work with many types of patients, including women, men, children and sometimes animals. Ultrasound degree programs teach students how to communicate and interact with their patients. For example, a technician looking for cancerous tumors will need to know a gentle way to break possible bad news to the patient. Those who study veterinary sonography are trained to keep the animal calm during the procedure.

Career Options and Sonogram Locations

Students studying at Twin Cities schools have several options of specialization. Some specialty areas include gynecology, obstetrics, echocardiography, nuerosonology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology and musculoskeletal sonography. The locations where ultrasound technicians work depend on the specialty and employer. Many sonographers work in hospitals and physician's offices. There are medical and diagnostic laboratories with ultrasound equipment available. Some technicians work in mobile imaging units that travel between hospitals and offices as a way to save money on equipment and staffing. Ultrasonographers who work with animals will be placed in a veterinary clinic. High school graduates who have a passion for this technology and want to help people can enroll in a training program to earn their degree quickly.

This article was written by Argosy University for the advertising benefit of Argosy University. Eyeflow LLC has been compensated to produce this article.

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