Learn the ultrasound technician requirements to enter the field of sonography. A projected $60,000 median salary awaits you once you fulfill these requirements.

Ultrasound technicians are part of a larger medical field that is commonly known as diagnostic imaging. This area encompasses a broad cross-section of disciplines - some of them quite old.

X-ray technology, for example, is a part of this field, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (CAT scans and MRI's ). These fields, however, rely on ionizing radiation or radio waves.

Although quite effective, they can have certain drawbacks. For example, any metallic pins or plates that may be inside the body due to prior operations will rule out magnetic resonance. Similarly, the ionizing radiation involved in x-rays can be harmful to the body unless it is used sparingly.

This is not the case when ultrasound technology is applied It relies on high frequency sound. Ultrasound technician requirements include a knowledge of the science behind this technology and a certain amount of clinical experience.

Ultrasound technology is based on the fact that high frequency sound - much higher than the range of human hearing - is absorbed and reflected by different objects in different ways. This fact is the basis for its effectiveness.

High frequency sound waves are directed into the human body, and the different internal organs - including the heart, spleen, kidneys, pancreas and blood vessels - will reflect the sound waves back differently, allowing a special computer to interpret this data and create a dynamic picture on a computer screen.

Ultrasound technology is most popularly used to scan the female reproductive system to picture fetuses that are still developing in the womb.

Ultrasound technicians - more properly referred to as diagnostic medical sonographers - need a minimum 2 year associate degree after completing high school. Ultrasound technician requirements will include courses in physics, biology, anatomy, patient evaluation, physiology and medical terminology. There are also detailed courses on the operation of the ultrasound machine itself.

Additionally, you must obtain experience in an actual clinical setting such as an outpatient clinic, doctor's office or a hospital.

In order to qualify for a job as an ultrasound technician, these programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

A successful graduate must then be tested by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in order to become registered as a diagnostic medical sonographer.

If you like, you can also take additional courses to meet the ultrasound technician requirments to qualify in one of the many specialties, including gynecology sonography (female reproductive system), opthalmic sonography (eyes), diagnostic cardiac sonography (heart) and other specialties. In that case a full four year bachelors degree is generally required.