For students choosing a sonography career, the first step to landing a good ultrasound job is to begin college as soon as possible, take a full course load and avoid withdrawing from classes and otherwise increasing the cost of college by delaying graduation. With well-paying job opportunities awaiting sonography graduates, the goal should be to begin earning a salary as soon as possible.
Ultrasound Technician Requirements
Requirements for many ultrasound jobs include not only post-secondary education but also ultrasound technician certification and, in some states, a sonographer license in the field of training as a prerequisite to being hired or retained. One study completed in 2000 found that nearly 60 percent of employers hire only certified sonographers. Some who hire non-certified personnel require certification to be completed within a specified number of months. This study also indicated that 20 percent of employers whose required sonographer qualifications do not include certification actually hire radiologic technologists for ultrasound jobs. In other words, those who do not complete ultrasound certification exams render themselves ineligible to work for between 60 and 80 percent of sonography employers depending on whether or not they are also RTs. Furthermore, Medicare requirements in states including California, Florida and Massachusetts increasingly require sonographers and vascular technologists scanning Medicare patients to be credentialed. Apart from education and credentials, sonographers need to become skilled at all aspects of job hunting to be considered for the best ultrasound jobs.
Curriculum Vitae
For jobs in which a curriculum vitae is preferred such as in academic or scientific settings or for experienced medical professionals, they need to list ultrasound degrees, credentials, internships, experience, awards, publications and other professional achievements in clear, neutral language in reverse chronological order. For an entry level sonographer and others for whom a sonographer resume is more appropriate, such a resume should consist of one or two uncluttered, easy-to-read pages with good spelling and information directly relevant to the job in question. Since resumes are often scanned quickly by hiring personnel or even computers, job seekers should incorporated relevant keywords such as specific job titles, ultrasound specialties and credentials and include a precise statement of what value they can offer. For work history, skills and training, the use of dynamic language and especially of strong verbs creates a positive, no-nonsense impression of a candidate’s strengths.
Great Websites to Find Ultrasound Jobs
To find available job opportunities, sonographers can go to a number of excellent websites targeting healthcare and ultrasound employment including http://ultrasoundjobs.com and http://careers.aium.org/search.cfm. They should also consult large general career websites such as https://www.monster.com because many healthcare employers regularly post job openings on these kinds of websites as well. | See Job Openings
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired
An ultrasound technician resume as well as a sonographer cover letter should be tailored to the employer and position in question. Candidates can create a strong impression by researching employers and their key personnel online and through social media such as LinkedIn and Twitter. This will also enable them to communicate knowledgeably with hiring officers in an interview. In addition to being polite, punctual and professionally dressed, job candidates in interview situations should project a friendly, conversational personality and ask informed questions about the job and company. Salary discussions are best left to later in the interview, and a follow-up thank-you note is essential. During the interview, it is important to answer questions exactly as they are asked and convey a positive message of one’s own assets and value.
Before you look for an ultrasound job, you should read: Best and Worst States to be a Sonographer in 2017.