In the Spotlight: Ultrasound Technicians
What do you think of when you hear the word ultrasound?
Most people immediately think of a pregnant woman who is receiving an ultrasound to
check on the health, position and sometimes, the sex of her baby. But ultrasound
procedures are used in many more ways! Ultrasound technology is a type of
imaging, or picture taking, of a person's body to diagnose illnesses. Rather
than using X-rays, which use radiation, ultrasounds use special equipment to
direct high frequency sound waves over the body part to identify disease or
other physical problems. Ultrasound technicians operate this sophisticated
equipment, and the images may be videotaped, transmitted or photographed for
interpretation and diagnosis by a physician.
At Inova Health System, ultrasound technology is used at every hospital, in a variety of ways and for a variety of patients. Because of the wide range of services provided by Inova, ultrasound technicians are employed in a variety of specialty areas, including OB/GYN sonography, abdominal sonography, neurosonography and other specialty areas.
Because ultrasound technicians work very closely with patients and their families, it is essential for these employees to have good people skills. Most of the time, the patients are nervous or anxious about the procedure or about what the procedure will show. The technician must explain the overall procedure and each of the steps of the procedure along the way. Good communication skills are essential. In the Northern Virginia area, our community is very diverse, and bilingual employees are especially valued. However, since there are so many languages spoken, medical interpreters are available to assist with patient explanations and instruction.
The workday is fast-paced. Our ultrasound departments are busy with scheduled patients, both inpatients and outpatients. At times, you will need to transport equipment to the bedside of patients unable to come to the lab. There is documentation, record keeping and equipment maintenance that will fill your day and make the time pass quickly.
At Inova Health System, employees can further their careers, through specialization or continuing education, with generous tuition assistance programs. As the field of sonography grows, and as advances in equipment and in the application of this technology occur, there will be more and more opportunities for employment and professional growth for ultrasound technicians, especially at Inova Health System. Come join our team!
Career Advancement Opportunities are Available
If you are an ultrasound technician who is interested in employment
opportunities at Inova Health System, click here.
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