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What is the hardest thing about being an ultrasound technician?
I am currently a high school senior looking into becoming an ultrasound tech. I want to learn more about the cons of this job before I make any decisions on what career path I want to commit to.
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Evangeline’s Answer
The hardest thing by far is becoming registered. I see you're in southern California. I am too, and I want to warn you the job market here is really competitive in California for sonography. Most places here will not hire you unless you are registered with ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). You can always move out of state, and it's a LOT easier to get a job this way. Most of the graduates from my school still don't have jobs 7 months after graduating unless they went out of state. There are a few ways to become eligible to take the ARDMS (it's an exam; once you pass, you are registered). You can find all of the different ways on the ARDMS website, but basically, you can either get a bachelor's in sonography, get a bachelor's in something else and get an associate's in sonography, go to a CAAHEP accredited school (hard to find for cheap), take the ARRT first (another exam), or work in the field for a year and then take the exam (hard to do in California since you may not be able to get a job for the 1 year of experience). I might have missed one, but those are the main ones. I chose to attend a non-CAAHEP accredited school and will take the ARRT once I graduate.
Another thing to note is the risk of workplace injuries is really high for sonographers. The job puts a lot of strain on your arm, wrist, and shoulder. A lot of sonographers scan in pain if they don't have good ergonomics after working for a few years. Some may dislocate their shoulders, and some people will have to have surgeries to repair things. If you practice good workplace habits and learn to hold the probe in a way that is comfortable, you shouldn't have this problem, but being physically fit is important. It is a RISK, not a guarantee, but I thought it would be important to mention. If injury does happen, you can always switch over to education and teach sonography students. All my teachers used to be sonographers and made the transition after they got tired of scanning.
Another thing to note is the risk of workplace injuries is really high for sonographers. The job puts a lot of strain on your arm, wrist, and shoulder. A lot of sonographers scan in pain if they don't have good ergonomics after working for a few years. Some may dislocate their shoulders, and some people will have to have surgeries to repair things. If you practice good workplace habits and learn to hold the probe in a way that is comfortable, you shouldn't have this problem, but being physically fit is important. It is a RISK, not a guarantee, but I thought it would be important to mention. If injury does happen, you can always switch over to education and teach sonography students. All my teachers used to be sonographers and made the transition after they got tired of scanning.
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Alexa,
It’s great that you’re doing your research before deciding on a career. Becoming an ultrasound technician, or a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a rewarding job, but like any career, it has its challenges. Here are some of the harder aspects you might want to consider:
1. Physical Strain: The job requires long hours on your feet, often in one position while scanning patients. You may also need to maneuver heavy equipment or maintain awkward postures, which can lead to back, neck, or wrist pain over time.
2. Emotional Challenges: While you’ll be part of many joyful moments (like helping parents see their baby for the first time), you’ll also encounter difficult situations, such as detecting health issues or working with critically ill patients. It can be emotionally taxing.
3. Fast-Paced Environment: Many ultrasound techs work in hospitals or busy clinics where they’re expected to handle multiple patients quickly. It can be stressful trying to stay efficient while still providing quality care.
4. Lifelong Learning: Technology and medical knowledge evolve constantly. Staying up to date with new techniques, equipment, and certifications can feel overwhelming but is necessary for career growth.
5. Patient Cooperation: Some patients may be in pain, uncooperative, or nervous, making it challenging to get clear images. It takes patience and strong communication skills to manage these situations.
That said, many sonographers find the pros—like helping patients, good job stability, and a sense of purpose—outweigh the challenges. If this career still interests you, consider shadowing a sonographer or talking to professionals in the field to get a better sense of the day-to-day work.
Best wishes!
It’s great that you’re doing your research before deciding on a career. Becoming an ultrasound technician, or a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a rewarding job, but like any career, it has its challenges. Here are some of the harder aspects you might want to consider:
1. Physical Strain: The job requires long hours on your feet, often in one position while scanning patients. You may also need to maneuver heavy equipment or maintain awkward postures, which can lead to back, neck, or wrist pain over time.
2. Emotional Challenges: While you’ll be part of many joyful moments (like helping parents see their baby for the first time), you’ll also encounter difficult situations, such as detecting health issues or working with critically ill patients. It can be emotionally taxing.
3. Fast-Paced Environment: Many ultrasound techs work in hospitals or busy clinics where they’re expected to handle multiple patients quickly. It can be stressful trying to stay efficient while still providing quality care.
4. Lifelong Learning: Technology and medical knowledge evolve constantly. Staying up to date with new techniques, equipment, and certifications can feel overwhelming but is necessary for career growth.
5. Patient Cooperation: Some patients may be in pain, uncooperative, or nervous, making it challenging to get clear images. It takes patience and strong communication skills to manage these situations.
That said, many sonographers find the pros—like helping patients, good job stability, and a sense of purpose—outweigh the challenges. If this career still interests you, consider shadowing a sonographer or talking to professionals in the field to get a better sense of the day-to-day work.
Best wishes!