Ultrasound Training: What Are 5 Career Paths for an Ultrasound Career?

March 18 2020 - Employment opportunities for careers in ultrasound technology are expected to grow by the thousands in the next few years.

If you are looking into an ultrasound career, you want to invest in your future as a healthcare professional.

Below are a few promising career paths for upcoming (or seasoned) sonographers to consider.

Practicing Ultrasound Technicians

Diagnostic medical sonographers fill an important role in the medical world. This highly-specialized position requires training in both routine and emergency situations.

The most straightforward path to becoming a sonographer requires a degree and/or a specialty certification. You can bolster your training with an emergency ultrasound course to meet current job requirements.

Typically, you will be looking at a position in an outpatient facility, hospital, or an imaging center. You will get to work alongside physicians and interact directly with a breadth of patients.

Research Sonographer

Research is a small but important sonography career path.

Research sonographers first spend at least seven or eight years working in clinical sonography. If you do not find a formal academic research position, you can still use your insight to make a living as a consultant or clinical trial specialist.

Once you become a research sonographer, you can publish and present your findings as you conduct research on specific topics within sonography.

You may wish to research innovative equipment, scanning technique, or pathophysiology in medicine.

Healthcare Administrators

Administration and management are popular choices for people who want to take their sonographer career to the next level.

You can continue clinical work while working under an administrator, gradually gleaning off of their experience.

Eager ultrasound technicians may gradually add to their current duties, or they may look for training that prepares them to go straight to their desired position.

Eventually, you can work your way up to become a department head. Department heads have an enormous sense of responsibility and are expected to ensure results among their team. They also enjoy solid salaries and benefits.

Sonography Entrepreneur

The typical sonographer career path may lead to work in a clinical setting, which can restrain people with a strong vision for the future of ultrasound technology.

If you are naturally outgoing, curious, confident in the face of uncertainty, and have a strong background as an ultrasound technician, you are likely seeking more independence.

You might find a career as an independent sales representative appealing than other careers in ultrasound technology.

You will want to build a strong network within your field. You can work by contract or per Diem, depending on what kind of ultrasound technology you sell.

Ultrasound Application Specialist

If you enjoy training and uplifting groups of professionals, you may want to pursue a career as an ultrasound application specialist.

An interest in the inner workings of ultrasound machines will enable you to provide the best training possible. You must prove yourself to be knowledgable in the technical aspects of sonography.

Still, this career gives you plenty of work on the people-side.

Your responsibilities will range from demonstrations, overseeing post-sale installations, supporting sales representatives, and attending various trade events or conferences.

Your Career Starts Here

With growing opportunities in specialized healthcare fields, you shouldn't limit yourself to one particular path.

An ultrasound career should open up opportunities for you, allowing you to take steps now towards success. The above info can help you make a strategic decision that channels your potential.

Stay tuned for the latest resources on turning your dream job into a reality!

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