Cardiovascular Technologist Education in Montana
Investing in an education for a career in healthcare is a smart decision for any student, and working as a cardiac ultrasound technician in Montana may lead to a variety of employment opportunities in places like hospitals and doctor’s offices. In medicine, it’s essential that ultrasounds are handled by skilled sonographers, which means future echo techs must meet a variety of educational and professional requirements.
If you would like to learn more about how to become an echocardiogram technician in Montana, simply contact the schools listed below for program details.
If you choose to become an echo tech in Montana, you’ll be responsible for a variety of procedures including taking a patient’s history, preparing complex diagnostic equipment, and operating those machines to produce an image.
There are a few types of medical sonographers, and those who specialize in cardiac ultrasounds take images of the heart. One of the most fascinating specialties of the profession involves echo techs who take images of fetal hearts during a woman’s pregnancy.
Further, a study of jobs and the economy in Montana from researchers at the University of Montana found that jobs in health care services actually increased during the recession and have been fueled by an aging population and the health needs of retirees. A recent article from the Great Falls Tribune also suggests that health care employment has seen a steady 20 years of growth in Montana.
Echo Tech/Cardiac Ultrasound Education in Montana
There are higher education and licensing requirements for anyone who wants to work as a medical sonographer, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests entry-level jobs are available with an associate’s degree. You’ll spend about two years in an associate’s program.
Montana’s programs are usually located in the state’s biggest communities like Great Falls, Billings, and Kalispell. Programs feature classroom and hands-on training and are designed to prepare students to enter the workforce after graduation.
Some of the topics you’ll see in echo tech programs in Montana include diagnostic X-ray procedures, digital radiography, and fluoroscopy. You’ll also learn how to interact with patients and work safely with radiologic equipment. In addition, programs will also teach you about medical terminology and human anatomy, as well as physiology and pathology.
As an echo tech, you won’t be responsible for making diagnoses, but you’ll need to know how to evaluate radiographic images to ensure sufficient quality for the doctor who will examine the image.
Programs are designed to help students qualify to take the licensing test with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Employers usually require their applicants to be certified with ARRT, as well as with the Montana Board of Radiologic Technologists.
Echo Tech Careers in Montana
The government’s Occupational Employment and Wages report for diagnostic medical sonographers reveals a nationwide average for mean wages at $32.88 an hour which comes to more than $68,000 a year. In Montana, the BLS reveals that echo techs see a mean wage of $69,280, which is higher than the national average.
As you begin your job search, you’ll notice that most of the jobs are concentrated on the western side of the state in cities like Bozeman and Great Falls. The Association of Montana Health Care Providers also offers a helpful job finder website for getting your resume to the human resources departments of hospitals and diagnostic laboratories.
If you’re looking for employment in the medical field but aren’t interested in spending several years in school, you should investigate echo tech programs in Montana. A healthy job outlook and impressive salary make diagnostic medical sonography a rewarding career choice, particularly for students interested in helping people through health care.