If you are looking for an entry-level ultrasound tech job or an experienced ultrasound technologist, careerkeg.com has the best jobs in Georgia. We have all the ultrasound technician jobs in Georgia and ultrasound technician salary data for each position.
Ultrasound Tech Salary In Ga. Ultrasonography can be a rewarding profession for those who are passionate about helping people. It does, however, require lots of hard work, along with a willingness to learn and develop new skills as necessary. The average ultrasound technician salary in Georgia is $55,000 per year.
The average ultrasound tech salary in Ga is $70,250 per year. Salaries generally begin at around $38,000 per year for ultrasound techs with five or fewer years of experience.
Ultrasound Tech Salary In GA Overview
How to become an ultrasound technician in Georgia
If you’re interested in becoming an ultrasound technician in Georgia, there are a few things you should know. To begin with, it’s important to start with the right education. You can either go through a traditional educational program at a community college or university, or you can enroll in an online program that offers accelerated options for those who need to complete their certification quickly. Either way, there are some things you should keep in mind before starting your training.
First of all, while most states require that ultrasound technicians have at least an associate’s degree, Georgia does not require this level of education. However, most employers prefer candidates who have at least an associate’s degree because it shows that they have put more time and effort into their education than those who have not done so. This also means that if you want to work as an ultrasound technician in another state besides Georgia later on down the road, this will be beneficial for your career prospects because many other states also do not require an associate’s degree from their ultrasound technicians like GA does not require this level of education from theirs either so it is best if you get started.
Ultrasound Technologist II Salary in Georgia
How much does an Ultrasound Technologist II make in Georgia? The average Ultrasound Technologist II salary in Georgia is $81,822 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $74,101 and $89,740. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
The average pay for an Ultrasound Technician is $78,247 a year and $38 an hour in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. The average salary range for an Ultrasound Technician is between $54,929 and $94,992. On average, an Associate Degree is the highest level of education for an Ultrasound Technician. This compensation analysis is based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Atlanta, Georgia.
ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.
What is an Ultrasound Technician?
As an Ultrasound Technician, it’s possible that you can work with many different people, or follow a niche career, like working with pregnant women.
There are Ultrasound Technicians who work with cardiologists, as well as in vascular care, so the type of Ultrasound Technician you choose to be is up to you.
This career is important, as Ultrasound Technicians help prepare patients for procedures and operations, as well as assist with diagnosing and examining issues within the body.
Using ultrasound technology, an Ultrasound technician takes an instrument called a transducer and places it on patients’ bodies to create images of the inside of their body.
Duties
No day is the same for an Ultrasound Technician, as there are many things that they must do throughout the day.
On average, you can find an Ultrasound Technician:
- Perform ultrasounds with a transducer
- Maintain ultrasound equipment
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Evaluate images from the ultrasound
- Present images and findings to the doctor or medical team
- Maintain patient records
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Step 1 Get an Education
It’s not legally required to possess a degree in order to work as an Ultrasound Technician, but many employers do prefer to hire ones that do.
The most common type of degree is an Associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography, which takes about two years to finish.
In this type of program, you will learn all kinds of information about ultrasound and sonography procedures, as well as how to care for patients.
A typical Associates degree program will have courses that include:
- Sonography and Ethics
- Abdominal Sonography
- Sectional Anatomy
- Obstetrics and Gynecological Sonography
- Culture and Diversity
Keep in mind that any program you seek should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Some Ultrasound Technicians choose to earn a Bachelor’s degree, which takes about four years to finish.
In a Bachelor’s degree program, you’ll take the required sonography courses but also have courses like English and math.
Step 2 Gain Experience
While getting a formal education is not mandatory, it’s crucial that you gain hands-on experience as an Ultrasound Technician, especially if you would like to become certified at some point.
To gain experience, you’ll need to find a job.
Most hospitals and doctor’s offices need new Ultrasound Technicians, but it’s possible to work in clinics as well as at private ultrasound companies.
Having at least two years of experience is preferred before you can try to become certified.
Enrolling in an internship while going through an Associate’s degree program is a great way to learn the tricks of the trade and gain experience while going to school.
You could also shadow another Ultrasound Technician or even volunteer at your local hospital.
Step 3 Become Certified
Once you have a couple of years of experience, something may push you to become a Certified Ultrasound Technician.
There are many areas that an Ultrasound Technician can gain certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography:
- Abdomen
- Breast
- Echocardiography
- OB/GYN
- Vascular
In order to gain these certifications, you must be a part of the ARDMS and take an exam.
The American Registry for Radiologic Technologists offers 15 different certifications including:
- Mammography
- Registered Radiologist Assistant
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiography
The Cardiovascular Credentialing International Association offers:
- Certified Cardiac Sonographer
- Advanced Cardiac Sonographer
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer
In order to earn these certifications, you must be enrolled in the association that they are from, and also take an exam to show your competence in the field of sonography.
Step 4 Further Your Career
Becoming certified and gaining education over the years can mean that you want to step out into another career, or gain promotion in your current field.
Having many credentials can help with gaining raises and promotions, but there are some other things that you can do to help further your career.
The first is to pick a specialty, that way you know which direction you want to go into.
Network with others in the community and try and see what other possibilities are out there.
Beyond an Ultrasound Technician, it’s possible to gain employment as:
- MRI Technologist
- CT Technologist
- Senior Ultrasound Technician
- Operational Supervisor
Earning a Masters degree can also help with promotions, this two-year program could lead to a career in:
- Advanced Sonographer
- Lead Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer
- Sonographer Educator
Highest paying cities for Ultrasound Tech near Georgia
- Marietta, GA$40.24 per hour10 salaries reported
- Stockbridge, GA$32.96 per hour8 salaries reported
- Columbus, GA$32.68 per hour5 salaries reported
