Ultrasound Technician Schools in Georgia

Guide to Georgia Ultrasound & Sonographer Degree Programs

Are you looking to make a career in the healthcare industry?  An excellent option to consider is a career as an ultrasound technician or a sonographer.  Those working in this field enjoy the benefits of helping patients without some of the negative aspects in other areas of the health care.  The ultrasound is a painless procedure that does not require the use of anesthesia, making it a good alternative to other more invasive types of testing.  Doctors use the images captured by the sonogram equipment to help in making diagnoses.  The sonographer plays a key role in helping to detect internal issues.

One of the most important qualities needed to be an excellent ultrasound technician is being able to interact with patients in a compassionate manner.  Patients will often come to the sonographer being nervous or frightened about what might be found as a result of the testing.  The sonographer must have the ability to put the patient at ease and to clearly describe what the patient can expect to happen as part of the procedure.  The sonographer must remain calm under sometimes stressful situations and must always put patient care first.  

Georgia offers several quality programs for ultrasound technicians and sonographers.  Most programs will take anywhere from one to four years to complete, so you can be on the job relatively quickly.  You may also choose to seek further education to specialize in breast, abdomen, vascular, or obstetric sonology, just to name a few of the wide number of specialty areas in this career.

Georgia Ultrasound & Sonographer Job Outlook and Salary

Those graduating from a Georgia program in sonography can expect to find plenty of available jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase in opportunities in the field of sonography through the year 2016. Ultrasound technicians can expect to find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, private physicians’ offices, public clinics, and laboratories.  Work may also be available as part of a mobile imaging service team that travels to different offices and clinics to provide quality care. Most sonographers will be asked to work a 40 hour week, but there are opportunities for part-time work in this career.  Depending on the setting of the employment, the ultrasound technician may need to work on evenings, weekends, or at short notice.

After completing your education, you can expect to earn a good living as an ultrasound technician. The average annual salary for a full-time sonographer in Georgia ranges between $48,000 and $67,000.  Ultrasound technicians can expect to have a decent benefits package that will likely include health insurance, retirement benefits, and vacation time. Salaries are dependent on the experience, education, and specialization of the sonographer.  Ultrasound technicians can expect take continuing education classes throughout their careers to stay well informed on new technologies and standards of this type of procedure.