How to Become a Liver Ultrasound Technician

November 17, 2023

As the world population increases, medical equipment is simultaneously increasing as well. Medical professionals use sonography to check the inner functions of the human body. Sonography is also called ultrasound. A liver ultrasound is a painless and non-invasive procedure.

Are you aspiring to become a liver ultrasound technician? If yes, you are in the right place to learn more about it. This blog will guide you toward starting your career as a liver ultrasound technician and the responsibilities.

Before getting into that, let’s take a gist of what a liver ultrasound is and how it works.

What Is a Liver Ultrasound?

Liver ultrasound technicians use sound waves to make diagnostic images of the internal body. This does not produce any radiation and is safe and low-risk.

It creates images of the vascular system, organs, tissues, joints, muscles, and even fetuses.

This helps to detect the following medical issues:

Abnormal growth, which includes thyroid.
Blockages in arteries.
To find the tumors, such as cancer in the liver.

WHAT DOES A LIVER ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN DO?

Using imaging equipment and examining images to ensure they are accurate, and useful for diagnosis.
Recognizing normal and abnormal images, relaying a summary to doctors or other medical experts, and warning doctors of important issues.

Getting ready for procedures, and teaching patients during the ultrasound examination.
Reviewing the patient’s medical history, logging the findings of imaging tests in the patient’s file, and coordinating the patient’s care with multiple clinic or hospital departments.
Work with medical professionals, nurses, and patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.

Becoming a Liver Ultrasound Technician

Aspirants must complete a postsecondary program to become ultrasound technicians, with many choosing to get an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography.

Future sonographers complete challenging courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and ultrasound physics. They also take classes in obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular sonography.

In that case, how long does it take to train as an ultrasound technician? Although training to become an ultrasound technician takes around two years, there are many things to consider.

Choosing the ideal educational path based on money, job aspirations, and responsibilities is one thing to consider. The two options are a four-year bachelor’s degree and a two-year associate’s degree.

Ultrasound technologists will gain practical experience working in a hospital or clinic while enrolled in a sonography program. They will receive on-the-job training from practicing sonographers who can help them put what they learn in the classroom into reality.

Another step in the process of how to become an ultrasound technician is certification. Most employers want certification, particularly in competitive markets, such as big cities and high-paying regions. The benefits of certification in various sonography specialties are improved work opportunities.

CERTIFICATION

There are three suggested pathways for obtaining certification as an ultrasound technician. Each of the three has a unique program to help any student become an ultrasound technician.

Five certification programs are offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and cover every facet of sonography, including:

Nine certificates in cardiovascular sonography are available from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI):

Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS)
Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT)
Certified Rhythm Analyst Technician (CRAT)
Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS)
Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES)
Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)
Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPHS)
Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RVS)

Radiologic Technicians American Registry (AART)

A certification program that enables participants to enhance their credentials is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT). Obtaining ARRT certification and registration is possible through one of the following channels:

The first ARRT credential must be obtained through the primary eligibility pathway, which calls for completing an educational program certified by ARRT.
There is a postprimary eligibility pathway for people currently qualified and registered with ARRT who desire to seek another credential.
Ultrasound technicians who want to maintain their certification must pay an annual fee, and show that they want to learn more by enrolling in classes every two years.

So, each program has specific prerequisites and deadlines. The majority of certifications, however, take a year to accomplish.

QUALITIES OF A LIVER ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN:

While producing high-quality medical images, ultrasound technicians successfully work in collaboration with patients and other members of the medical team. Some of the essential abilities that ultrasound technologists employ to excel in the profession are the ones listed below:

INTERPERSONAL CAPABILITIES:

Sonographers need interpersonal, teamwork, leadership, and motivational qualities to build patient trust. It is important while you are working with other team members.

COMMUNICATION ABILITIES:

Ultrasound technicians use their communication abilities to adapt their communication approaches to fit the demands of various audiences when working with these distinct groups.

FOCUS ON THE PARTICULARS:

When employing specialized equipment to capture precise images of internal body systems, and when handling the images for later access and identification, ultrasound technologists pay particular attention to the little things. They employ their excellent observational abilities to spot medical anomalies in the anatomical and physiological aspects captured by the images while collaborating with doctors to assess the imaging data.

TECHNICAL SKILL:

To guarantee that patients receive the care they need, ultrasound technologists must be knowledgeable about the sophisticated medical technology they utilize.

Is Becoming an Ultrasound Technician Right for You?

Sonography is one of the quickest degrees you can get that pays well. Therefore, pursuing a career in this field might be prudent and fulfilling. High job development potential, a solid starting income, and a short professional education requirement apply to ultrasound technicians. With various excellent working environments, the profession is known for having one of the lowest stress levels.

Being an ultrasound technologist can be fulfilling. Sonographers may find professional fulfillment in their workday interactions with physicians, nurses, and other professionals. Because diagnosis can change patients’ lives, working closely with patients can be a satisfying component of a sonography career.

Wrapping Up

We came across the simplest ways to achieve your passion for becoming a liver ultrasound technician. We have seen the benefits of being an ultrasound technician and the roles and responsibilities. I hope this article has helped you to focus more on your passion.

Now, the only thing left to do is to decide if this is your best career path.

If you have the desire to start your career as a sonographer, you can start preparing for the exam by taking our free SPI practice test.

Frequently Asked Question

WHAT QUALIFICATION MAKES A GOOD ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN?

A bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography is something you can pursue if you want to become an ultrasound technician. You might also think about pursuing a two-year associate degree in medical sonography as a quicker option. You must obtain a degree in ultrasound technician from an approved program.

IS THE ULTRASOUND COURSE DIFFICULT?

Without a doubt, sonography school is challenging. Your IQ, emotional stamina, willpower, and competence will all be put to the test. Many people have remarked that it was the hardest thing they had ever encountered. Even with excellent coping methods, it can push you beyond your breaking point.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES A SONOGRAPHER FROM AN ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN?

The key distinction is conceptual. Sonography and ultrasound technology use ultrasound technology to identify illnesses. Although “sonographer” and “ultrasound tech” are frequently used interchangeably, sonographers must complete additional training, and obtain qualifications.