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Although ultrasound technicians are generally associated with obstetrics, career opportunities for these medical professionals go far beyond the OB/GYN office. Ultrasound technicians--also known as diagnostic medical sonographers--use high-tech equipment to view a patient's organs, monitor their condition, and help diagnose potential health concerns.

Ultrasound technicians may specialize in one of the following areas:

• Obstetrics and gynecological
• Abdominal
• Neurosonographers
• Breast sonographers

Because of the hands-on nature of this type of work, technicians must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. In addition, they should be organized and discrete since their duties often include maintaining confidential patient records.

Average Ultrasound Technician Salary, 2009 Figures

As an in-demand health care occupation, ultrasound technicians can expect to be well compensated. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 the mean annual income for a diagnostic medical sonographer was $63,640. Salary.com, another site that compiles wage information, pegs the average ultrasound technologist salary as $64,661 per year.

When considering the ultrasound technician salary 2009 figures, it is important to remember that wages can vary greatly depending on your geographic region. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the following metropolitan areas have the highest mean annual incomes for diagnostic medical sonographers:

• Santa Cruz-Watsonville, California: $97,530
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California: $92,680
• Worcester, Massachusetts: $90,440
• Boulder, Colorado: $83,790
• Santa Rosa-Petaluma, California: $83,130

In addition to geographic differences in salaries, ultrasound technicians in certain industries may earn more than their counterparts elsewhere. For example, those working at physician's offices tend to make more than those employed at medical and diagnostic laboratories.

The ultrasound technicians with the highest mean annual incomes in 2009 were found in the following industry classifications:

• Employment services: $68,020
• Management of companies and enterprises: $67,890
• Specialty hospitals (except psychiatric and substance abuse): $67,070
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $66,250
• Outpatient care centers: $64,560

Advance Your Career with Ultrasound Technician Training Online

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a bright future for the ultrasound technicians during the next decade. From 2008-2018, demand for these medical professionals is expected to grow by 18 percent. Currently, the states with the greatest concentration of ultrasound technicians are:

• Florida
• Connecticut
• New Mexico
• Alabama
• Rhode Island

To prepare for a new career as an ultrasound technician, it is important to first receive the appropriate education. More than 150 training programs nationwide are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Many colleges and universities offer two- and four-year programs while ultrasound technician training online continues to grow in popularity.

Upon graduation, depending on your specialization, you may have the opportunity to apply for a voluntary registration within the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. While registration is optional, it can enhance your employment prospects.