An ultrasound technician uses sonography equipment to diagnose medical conditions. Being an ultrasound technician is very fulfilling, and this profession has many benefits that include job satisfaction and a good salary. Like all jobs, however, there are downsides, such as physical stress and pressure. To decide if this is the right profession for you, take some time to consider the pros and cons.
The Pros of Becoming an Ultrasound Technician
Becoming an ultrasound technician is desirable for many reasons. Most people who choose this as their career enjoy better job satisfaction than those in other professions. This is because ultrasound technicians get to help people, and technicians' work may even help save lives. This profession gives people a feeling of pride and satisfaction because they are making a difference in others' lives.
Another benefit of becoming an ultrasound technician is the high salary. Entry-level positions pay an impressive salary, especially considering that you don't usually need to have a four-year degree to obtain these jobs. The more education and training you have, the higher your salary will be.
You can become certified in diagnostic medical sonography in about one year. You could also obtain a two-year associate degree from a college. This amount of education will usually be enough to qualify you for a job as an ultrasound technician.
Another benefit is the fact that this career choice is in demand. The need for ultrasound technicians is rapidly rising as people discover the diagnostic strengths of sonography, choosing it over X-rays and other imaging methods.
The Cons of Becoming an Ultrasound Technician
Before pursuing this career, it's important to consider all the possible downsides. If you want to work as an ultrasound technician, you'll have to endure a lot of physical and mental stress.
Technicians must be on their feet for a large portion of the day. Also, they have to transport heavy sonography equipment frequently. This profession puts a lot of strain on your back, arms, hands, and other parts of your body.
The mental and emotional stress is partially caused by having to work with many severely ill patients. If you choose this career, you may also have to work with a few patients who are quite rude to you, and this could negatively affect your emotional health.
You must also deal with pressure since you'll be diagnosing serious conditions during long hours on the job. If you make a mistake, there could be major consequences. You may have to deal with long hours at your job, and you might be required to work during the holidays. Ultrasound technicians must be on-call sometimes in case of an emergency.
Another negative aspect of becoming an ultrasound technician is the difficulty of the certification exams you have to take. These tests are expensive, and it's very hard to pass them.
