Log In
Log In to Save
Sign Up to Save
Sign Up to Dismiss
The email and password you specified are invalid. Please, try again.
Email and password are mandatory
Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Sign Up
reset password
Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password.
Where do you want to work?
Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Repetitive
Stressful
$54,880
Average Salary
Show More
Show Less
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, need formal education, such as an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. Many employers also require professional certification.
EducationColleges and universities offer both associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in sonography and in cardiovascular and vascular technology. One-year certificate programs also are available from colleges or hospitals.
Employers typically prefer graduates of programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Sonography, cardiovascular, and vascular education programs usually include courses in anatomy, medical terminology, and applied sciences. Most sonography programs are divided into the specialized fields that correspond to the relevant certification exams, such as abdominal sonography or breast sonography. Cardiovascular and vascular programs include coursework in either invasive or noninvasive cardiovascular or vascular technology procedures. In addition to classroom study, most programs also include a clinical component in which students earn credit while working under a more experienced technologist in a hospital, physician’s office, or imaging laboratory.
High school students who are interested in diagnostic medical sonography, cardiovascular technology, or vascular technology should take courses in anatomy, physiology, physics, and math.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsMost employers prefer to hire diagnostic imaging workers with professional certification. Many insurance providers and Medicare pay for procedures only if a certified sonographer, technologist, or technician performed the work. Certification is available from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
Diagnostic imaging workers can earn certification by graduating from an accredited program and passing an exam. Most of the certifications are for specialties in diagnostic imaging; for example, a sonographer can earn a certification in abdominal sonography. Most diagnostic imaging workers have at least one certification, but many earn multiple certifications.
In addition, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have a Basic Life Support certification, which shows they are trained to provide CPR.
Few states require diagnostic medical sonographers to be licensed. Professional certification is typically required for licensure; other requirements vary by state. Contact state medical boards for more information.
Important QualitiesDetail oriented. Diagnostic imaging workers must follow precise instructions to obtain the images needed to diagnose and treat patients. They must also pay attention to the screen while scanning a patient’s body because the cues that contrast healthy areas with unhealthy ones may be subtle.
Hand-eye coordination. To get quality images, diagnostic imaging workers must be able to accurately move equipment on the patient’s body in response to what they see on the screen.
Interpersonal skills. Diagnostic imaging workers must work closely with patients. Sometimes patients are in extreme pain or mental stress, and they must get cooperation from the patient to create usable images.
Physical stamina. Diagnostic imaging workers are on their feet for long periods and must be able to lift and move patients who need assistance.
Technical skills. Diagnostic imaging workers must understand how to operate complex machinery and computerized instruments.
Show More
Show Less
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Monitor Technician
Top Careers After Monitor Technician
Gender
Female
66.1%Male
32.0%Unknown
1.8%Ethnicity
White
81.2%Hispanic or Latino
10.5%Asian
6.1%Unknown
1.6%Black or African American
0.6%Languages Spoken
Spanish
60.8%French
5.1%Portuguese
3.8%Tagalog
3.8%Vietnamese
2.5%Carrier
2.5%Hindi
2.5%Malayalam
2.5%Arabic
2.5%Swedish
1.3%Telugu
1.3%Chinese
1.3%German
1.3%Hebrew
1.3%Mandarin
1.3%Dari
1.3%Polish
1.3%Tamil
1.3%Hmong
1.3%Russian
1.3%Monitor Technician
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
University of Phoenix
14.8%Community College of Allegheny County
6.8%Kaplan University
6.3%Ashford University
5.5%West Virginia University
5.5%Liberty University
5.5%Greenville Technical College
5.5%Grand Canyon University
5.5%Virginia Commonwealth University
4.6%Remington College
4.6%Santa Fe College
4.2%Delgado Community College
3.8%Palm Beach State College
3.8%Fresno City College
3.4%Hinds Community College
3.4%Tulsa Community College
3.4%Saint Louis Community College
3.4%Walden University
3.4%Florida State University
3.4%University of Central Florida
3.4%Majors
Degrees
Other
33.4%Bachelors
26.7%Associate
17.0%Certificate
8.8%Masters
8.3%Diploma
3.7%Doctorate
1.0%License
1.0%Monitor Technician
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Show More
EKG
Kindred Hospital
Select Specialty Hospital
Show More
How I learned and earned my ECG/EKG certification and telemetry/monitor technician
Career Choices - Vet Technician
GE Telemetry Monitoring