What is an ultrasound technologist and how to become one

Q: Do ultrasound techs make good money?

Yes, ultrasound techs make good money. The average salary of an ultrasound tech is $78,884 per year. Some of the top paid ultrasound techs make over $160,000 a year. Factors that affect the pay of ultrasound technicians include experience, certification, location, education & training, and the type of facilities such as a hospital or diagnostic center.

Q: How long does it take to become an ultrasound technician?

It takes two to four years to become an ultrasound technician. Aspiring ultrasound technicians can choose between a two or four-year program. For those already in the healthcare field, they offer one-year programs.

Q: Is an ultrasound tech the same as a sonographer?

Yes, an ultrasound tech is the same as a sonographer. Ultrasound technician and sonography are two names for the same job title. Other titles interchangeably used include ultrasonographer or registered diagnostic medical sonographer.

Q: Is it hard to become an ultrasound tech?

No, it's not hard to become an ultrasound tech. You begin working as an ultrasound technician in as little as two years with an associate's degree. Earning an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography typically takes two years and is the most common route for ultrasound certification. Accredited programs are usually offered at colleges, community colleges, or training hospitals. Students study basic science and academic requirements along with coursework on anatomy and physiology.

Q: Is ultrasound tech a good career?

Yes, ultrasound tech is a good career. Working as an ultrasound tech not only pays well, it does not require much formal schooling. Ultrasound techs can specialize in a variety of areas (e.g., diagnostic, cardiovascular, breast).

Q: What are the pros and cons of being an ultrasound technician?

The pros of being an ultrasound technician are good benefits and high activity, while the cons are educational requirements and physical demands. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being an ultrasound technician:

Q: What is the fastest way to become an ultrasound tech?

The fastest way to become an ultrasound tech is with a two-year associate's degree. If you already work in healthcare, there are one-year certificate programs available. Earning an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography typically takes two years and is the most common route for ultrasound certification. Accredited programs are usually offered at colleges, community colleges, or training hospitals. Students study basic science and academic requirements along with coursework on anatomy and physiology.

Q: Ultrasound Technician vs. Sonographer

An ultrasound technician uses ultrasound technology to monitor medical conditions in the body, while a sonographer uses ultrasound technology to monitor, diagnose, or treat disease in the soft tissues and organs of the body.

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Ted Whitten

An ultrasound technologist is a medical professional who uses imaging equipment to create images of the internal organs and tissues of patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Ultrasound technologists perform diagnostic exams using high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body, which physicians use for diagnosis and treatments. They must understand anatomy and physiology and have the ability to interpret images and communicate results.

What general advice would you give to an ultrasound technologist?

Ted Whitten

President, Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations." https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-6

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sonography like it has many other professions. At the beginning of the pandemic, some sonographers were furloughed due to temporary closures of outpatient imaging centers or offices, as well as cancellation of most non-urgent sonography exams in the hospital setting as hospitals planned for expected inpatient surges. While many sonography departments have returned to near normal workflows and volumes, the impact of the renewed surges of COVID-19 patients across the country remains to be seen. Some sonographers have also reported inadequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE) in some parts of the country.

ScoreUltrasound TechnologistUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $84,702

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.0

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.26%

Asian 8.77%

Black or African American 4.17%

Hispanic or Latino 10.39%

Unknown 4.43%

White 71.98%

Gender

female 81.67%

male 18.33%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

8.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.2

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an ultrasound technologist?

Pros

High demand for ultrasound technologists
Good salary and benefits
Ability to specialize in certain areas of ultrasound
Flexible scheduling options
Ability to work independently

Cons

Long periods of standing or sitting
Possibility of emotionally difficult cases (such as fetal abnormalities)
Physically demanding job (lifting and positioning patients)
May work weekends, evenings, or be on-call
May require extensive paperwork and documentation.

Key steps to become an ultrasound technologist

Explore ultrasound technologist education requirements

Most common ultrasound technologist degrees

Associate

54.8 %

Bachelor's

25.8 %

Diploma

7.2 %

Start to develop specific ultrasound technologist skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	17.16%
ARDMS	11.36%
Ultrasound Procedures	10.78%
Patient Care	7.67%
Pacs	6.56%

Complete relevant ultrasound technologist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New ultrasound technologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an ultrasound technologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real ultrasound technologist resumes.

Gain additional ultrasound technologist certifications

Ultrasound technologist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific ultrasound technologist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for ultrasound technologists include Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Abdomen (RDMS) and Registered Vascular Technologist - Vascular Technology.

More About Certifications

Research ultrasound technologist duties and responsibilities

Perform ABIs while the vascular technologist perform the ultrasound to help with achieving a timely schedule.
Accomplish general ultrasounds centered on abdominal, OB-GYN, small parts, pelvic (male), and vascular.
Train new students how to perform PVR, segmental and ABI studies
Assist and independently perform 2D echo studies using m-mode, color flow, spectral and tissue Doppler, measurements and calculations.

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