4 Characteristics You Must Have If You Want To Be An Ultrasound Technician

Your job as an ultrasound technician, also known as radiology technologist or sonographer, entails a lot of direct contact with patients. Because of this, you have to be personable enough so that patients will feel at ease with you and the procedure that they are supposed to undergo. Remember that some of these patients may be feeling scared about the possible result of the doctor-prescribed procedure, thus, as a medical practitioner, you have to be emphatic enough to understand what they are going through.

Virtues of an Ultrasound Technician

Therefore, as ultrasound technician, what qualities must you possess in order to be successful in this field?

Ability to communicate effectively and intelligently with patients and doctors. As ultrasound technician, you have to explain the medical procedure to the patient so that he or she understands what you are subjecting the patient to. Although you are not in a position to discuss results with a patient, you are required to do so with the requesting physician. Thus, it is imperative that you can communicate your thoughts well and can accurately read sonography results.

Sympathetic and considerate towards patients. Ultrasound is commonly associated with pregnant women as this generally helps an Obstetrics-gynecologist to check the health of a baby. However, not all patients who require ultrasound readings are doing so because they are pregnant. Physicians may require such procedure for patients who have problems with their kidneys, gallbladder, liver, and the male reproductive system. Thus, you must know how to deal with patients who are suffering from worse types of medical ailments.

Patience on the job. Because you are primarily dealing with sick people, you must demonstrate tolerance when explaining procedures to patients who have lots of questions to ask about how the procedure will be done, what it is for, when do they receive the results, and other similar questions. Bear in mind that sometimes, these patients already know the answers, but they still want to ask just to voice out their fears.

Likewise, you also deal with doctors who, in the first place, requested the procedure. You might have direct coordination with overbearing physicians, and this is when you have to remember to use more patience. In addition, problems concerning the equipment could also arise while you are doing your job. Ensure to have the presence of mind to know what to do when such instances occur.

Good organizational and time management skills. In addition to getting visual scans of patients’ internal organs, you will also perform administrative tasks such as organizing patient records and scheduling appointments. On top of these administrative tasks, you will also need to attend meetings with doctors regarding scan results. Because of these tasks, you have to be able to manage your time wisely as well as follow a system of record keeping, ensuring that you do not mix a patient’s record with that of another patient.

As mentioned, the above qualities are what will help you become successful in your chosen career. Therefore, examine yourself if you already possess the qualities above. If not, then work on improving yourself so that you will enjoy a fulfilling and financially rewarding ultrasound technician career.