Ultrasound Tech.--HYPE VS REALITY

Well I have been reading all of the coments on this board about the ultrasound profession. Seems like everyone on this forum seesm to complain about the following issues:

1. Which school is best to get into
2. Terrified of their studies--Complaining about their studies
3. Cannot find a job after graduating
4. Failed the ADMS
5. Ripped off by bogus schools

Wow...sounds extremely depressing. Why does everyone continue?

I always wonder why all of the reports I read about the Ultrasound profession indicate a greater-than -average growth/demand rate for techs through 2015. I have read that this filed will be in great demand, yet I live in the Bay Area of California and from everyones comments here, there are very few positions available.

This sounds like a closed-shop to me. I DONT GET IT.

So..Im either missing something here or this profession seems to really not be worth the pain and headache I hear it is on this board

30K for an education where you your success is dependent on passing the almighty ARDMS. if you don't... you end up in debt for years..sounds rosey!

Gees...does anyone have any encouraging insight into this or is this the harsh reality. If so. Count me out. VERY Depressing what I read on this board.

COMMENTS FROM ANYONE?

I personally think that the job stats you are looking at are outdated, and don't apply to the current recession we are in. For the most part those stats you are reading says there is going to be an increase in demand for other jobs as well. So if you look at the data, it says that computer jobs will increase, but you here countless stories of lay offs in that field. So it's not ultrasound alone, but generally the whole economy.

Yes, it is true that ultrasound jobs will increase in 2015, compared to 2000 just on the fact that the population will increase. However the study doesn't account the supply of sonographers in the market. There is heavy competition because schools are churning out students for the sake of money rather than education. That is why you have the debate of schools.

Everything is in cycles, the market goes up and down. And currently we are on the down side. If you have the passion, and desire to do ultrasound then you will ride out the down side. If you don't then move on.

There is an upside, but you don't hear those stories much here because your reading from a forum of unemployed people.

Out of curiosity, what are you looking to get into?

Im a project manager in high tech. I make a six figure income, but the work is unstable, and we eventually want to move from california(about 10 years).
An ultrasound certification would allow me to either:
1. transition over to the medical manufacturing arena (i.e. Siemens Medical) or .....
2. I can always pursue doing actual ultrasound work as a back-up.

Both bases covered..it SEEMED like a good alternative.

Thx,

HERE IS A QUOTE FROM THE 2009 BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS FOR SONOGRAPHER JOB OUTLOOK:

Faster-than-average employment growth is expected. Job opportunities should be favorable.

Employment change. Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 19 percent through 2016—faster than the average for all occupations—as the population ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology.

Additional job growth is expected as sonography becomes an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures, as patients seek safer treatment methods. Unlike most diagnostic imaging methods, sonography does not involve radiation, so harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are less likely for both the patient and the sonographer. Sonographic technology is expected to evolve rapidly and to spawn many new sonography procedures, such as 3D- and 4D-sonography for use in obstetric and ophthalmologic diagnosis. However, high costs and approval by the Federal Government may limit the rate at which some promising new technologies are adopted.

Job prospects. Job opportunities should be favorable. In addition to job openings from growth, some openings will arise from the need to replace sonographers who retire or leave the occupation permanently for some other reason. Pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders has made it difficult for sonographers to perform well. Some are forced to leave the occupation early because of this disorder.

SO WHERE ARE ALL THE JOBS??? I JUST DONT GET IT!

Latoure in San Jose, California said: Im a project manager in high tech. I make a six figure income, but the work is unstable, and we eventually want to move from california(about 10 years).
An ultrasound certification would allow me to either:
1. transition over to the medical manufacturing arena (i.e. Siemens Medical) or .....
2. I can always pursue doing actual ultrasound work as a back-up.

Both bases covered..it SEEMED like a good alternative.

Thx,

If your looking for stability, then Ultrasound is a good field. However, its entrance is not as easy as nursing. Also be aware that CA seems to pay better wages than other states.

Your opportunity cost is quite high in transitioning to Ultrasound. You would have take prerequisites, and then apply for ultrasound schools. There are also only a few accredited schools in CA and they are competitive to get into. Kaiser Permanente schools gets about 100 applicants each year and can only take about a dozen or so. And if you choose to go to an unaccredited school you face other challenges of not taking the boards right away.

So your opportunity cost is going to be over $200,000 estimating that it will at least take 2 years. It would be easier to get into nursing, since proper education is readily available and the job outlook is brighter.

Good luck.

The sonographer jobs have increased, however the sonographer work force increased at a faster rate. The supply of workforce has exceeded demand.

Thanks for the assessment Joe. Appreciated:)

However, Nursing does not interest me at this point. Ultrasound would directly transition me to the medical equipment field. ARDMS seems to be the requirement if you want to have a field position as an onsite equipment demostrator/trainer.My 20 years in Hi-Tech would really give me the edge with them as well. Im also not keen on the accredited schools as there is a wait period and they offer Associate degrees. Ive already been through that with my BS and just want to fast-track through (with the proper theory, lab, and interniship experience of course. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts seems to be my best choice at the moment. 32K. MY dillema is cutting the cord of my lucrative present position to take the full time program there for a "potential" of getting a job/passing the ARDMS 18 months down the line:(

....Tough.

Joe Smith said: The sonographer jobs have increased, however the sonographer work force increased at a faster rate. The supply of workforce has exceeded demand.

Nicely put...I totally agree, the supply of ultrasound tech has exceeded the demand.

Yes, it is VERY difficult to find a job in California. I currently have a job in Texas and have been trying to find something out there for quite some time.