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When it comes to choosing career paths, there are plenty of options you can choose from. One of the best career paths you can choose is becoming an echocardiographer. This is not only a well-paying career, but it is fulfilling and in demand as well. So you don’t have to worry that you will lack a job.
But before we delve into how you can become an echocardiographer, let’s first understand what an echocardiographer is and what they do.
What is an echocardiographer?
An echocardiographer uses ultrasound technology to create a specific type of sonogram, known as an echocardiogram. The echocardiogram is an image of the heart or chest. The images can then be used for diagnosis in medicine. The analysis can help diagnose conditions and illnesses, such as heart disease, coronary artery disease, unusual blood flow patterns, etc.
In addition to working with adult and child patients, an echocardiographer can also perform prenatal duties- they can use a sonogram to evaluate the health of a fetus’s heart and determine whether the fetus has any noticeable cardiac conditions. With that said, let’s see how one can become an echocardiographer.
How to become an echocardiographer
For you to become an echocardiographer, you must enroll in an echocardiogram course. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you become an echocardiographer.
- Complete education program
For you to become an echocardiographer, you must complete an associate or bachelor’s degree program in sonography from a recognized college or university. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals. The program includes coursework in anatomy, Physics, healthcare technology, sonography, and cardiovascular principles. During the program, you will undergo extensive technical training.
- Get certified
Once you have completed your echocardiogram course, you will be certified. Certification is done by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers [ARDMS] and the Cardiovascular Credentialing International [CCI].
In some states, you must be certified before you obtain your license. But even if this is not the case in your state, it is beneficial to be certified when looking for a job as an echocardiographer; it will put you in a better place as far as getting a job is concerned.
- Obtain a license
Some states require that an echocardiographer must be licensed before practicing. So if you are considering a career as an echocardiographer, you should check with your state medical board to ascertain if licensing is necessary.
- Look for a job
Now that you have completed your echocardiogram course, have been certified, and obtained a license, it is time to start looking for a job. As an echocardiographer, you can work in various places, including hospitals, imaging centers, physician’s offices, and clinics. However, the most common employer of echocardiographers is hospitals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for cardiovascular technologists, including echocardiographers, is estimated to grow by 8% by 2030, making this career in demand. Additionally, according to the BLS, the average annual salary for echocardiographers is $73,454.
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