The principal responsibilities of ultrasound technicians involve conducting tests or generating images by operating medical imaging equipment and technology. These images are then used to assist physicians in diagnosing the medical conditions of their patients.
Ultrasound technicians' job duties typically include maintaining and operating diagnostic imaging equipment, analyzing and reviewing diagnostic imaging results, preparing patients for procedures by taking medical history, and recording findings.
Below is a list of New York schools that offer sonography programs aimed at prospective ultrasound technicians. Check out a brief overview of each institution and learn more about their program offerings.
Most sonography degree programs include courses in anatomy, applied sciences, and medical terminology. Coursework over the span of the program will generally depend on the chosen specialty, which can range from breast and abdominal sonography to vascular and cardiovascular sonography. While programs may share some of the same foundational courses, each will likely include more focused classes tailored to the specific specialization.
Here are a few examples of course topics commonly found in sonography degree programs:
In-field clinical components are also common aspects in many programs and require candidates to study under experienced sonographers in a hospital, imaging laboratory, or physician's office while earning institutional credit.
Although New York does not legally require the formal licensing of ultrasound technicians, certification is a significant part of any prospective sonographer's resume. In most cases, employers will prefer hiring professionally certified diagnostic imaging employees, due in part to many insurance companies and Medicare typically only covering procedures conducted by certified technicians. Certification is offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Credentialing International and is recognized nationally.
Gaining certification requires candidates to pass an exam as well as graduate from an accredited program. Many employers additionally prefer hiring graduates of sonography schools that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
There are many different certification specialties for sonographers to choose from, such as cardiovascular sonography or vascular sonography, both of which are offered by the CCI. ARDMS offers certifications in concentrations like breast, abdomen, and pediatric sonography, as well as vascular and musculoskeletal sonography. Many sonographers have at least one certification in a specialty, but earning multiple certifications is also common.
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Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Sonographers relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
Metro Area | Jobs | Annual Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Syracuse | 190 | $73,380 |
Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | 240 | $77,810 |
Rochester | 410 | $72,800 |
Utica-Rome | 140 | $76,030 |
Binghamton | 80 | $80,570 |
Albany-Schenectady-Troy | 290 | $72,550 |
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