Category Archives: Career & Jobs

A Guide to Hot Ultrasound Technician Careers

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Most recognized for giving the first images to a mother to be, the ultrasound technician has other clients too. Their duties involve taking images using sound waves to help a doctor form an accurate diagnosis. He or she is considered an expert in their field because of the specialized training that is required. Ultrasound technician careers are those that pay very well even for new graduates and for that reason; it is a highly competitive field. In addition, this stimulating career gives a sense of purpose for those who migrate to this profession. Ultrasound technician careers are in demand from both those looking for a rewarding career and those agencies needing imaging services.

Favored over Imaging Technologies

Ultrasound technician careers are in demand partly because there are no side effects like other technologies that require an image to make a diagnosis.

Duties

Ultrasound techs use transducers that send out sound waves to the area in question. Unlike other imaging technologies, ultrasound does not view bones. Once the image is returned, it is viewed on the screen at which time the tech has to make a decision based on her findings and then translate this to the doctor. This is a hands-on field. You will be required to provide quality care to your patients and be prepared to answer any questions that they may have.

Education

Depending on the program, you can expect to spend at least one year up to four years to complete your training. However, typically a training course would take 18 months. A high school diploma is usually a prerequisite before entering into a sonography program. As this is the medical field, a love of the science and math will take you far. At present, a license is not required; however, certification expected.

Places to Work

Ultrasound technician careers are plentiful anywhere imaging services are needed. That means that the student of sonography can select the medical specialty that interests them most. Flexibility is another attractive quality for Ultrasound technician careers. Technicians can work part-time or full-time and work abroad. In addition, mobile imaging services provide another opportunity. Techs work in clinics, hospitals, private practice, education, research and as technical advisers.

It’s a Work Out

In addition to the mental stimulation and great pay, this field helps you stay in shape. That’s because you are required to lift 50 pounds of equipment as you set up. There is also plenty of bending and you engage your shoulder, arms and wrist. If that is not enough, you are standing almost 85% of the time so your legs are challenged as well.

Advanced Technology

As the technology advances so will the knowledge of the Ultrasound tech. Continuing education units may be required.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Earn?

Salary is based on experience and location. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average salary is $43,000 for a new graduate with less than a year’s experience and for someone with at least five years experience the salary can be about $20,000 more per year.

Career Transition Tips for Singles – Four Perks to Being Single and on a Career Search

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If you’re unhappy in your job and also single, you may not think this is the best time to begin a career search or career transition. Maybe you’ve told yourself, “This isn’t a good time because it’s just me. There’s no one to lean on and offer support, financially or otherwise.”

I want you to know that this is not true. In many ways, there is no better time to work on your career than when you’re single.

I’m a certified career coach and I work with people like you who are in career transition and in need of guidance and support. There’s a special place in my heart for single career seekers. It wasn’t so long ago that I was single myself and experiencing the same exact fears and feelings as you are.

Even though it may not always seem this way, there is an enormous amount of help and support out there for singles wanting to make a career change. It’s a great time to learn, grow, and explore your many talents and personality traits. Here are 4 reasons why it rocks to be single and on the prowl for a fab new career!

1. You have more time to focus solely on your career search.

Being in a relationship requires time and commitment. You want to spend quality time with your partner. When you’re single, you have more time and energy to focus on your career search. And let’s be honest, more freedom to make any choice you want to in terms of the location or type of job you choose.

Partnered career seekers have more to consider when making a career change. So see your single status as a blessing because it is in many ways. You’re free, you’re available, and you’ve got all the time you need to discover the job of your dreams.

2. Career transition can teach you how to better manage your finances.

Sometimes when we make a change in our careers, our pocketbooks can feel the pinch. Maybe you’ve quit your “real job” in favor of a part-time position that can tide you over while you go back to school. Maybe you had to step down to an entry level position once you switched to a new industry where you had less experience.

The good news is, the money crunch is only temporary while you’re in career transition. You can work through it, and still manage to splurge on something you’d really enjoy every now and then. What’s more, being in career transition really teaches people how to be smart about money. It can help you identify and clarify your priorities in order to manage your money wisely.

3. You’ll learn a lot about yourself.

Career transition is one of those experiences where you can’t help but learn a lot about yourself. By engaging in a transition you are committing to stepping out of your comfort zone to make a change. You will learn what’s important to you, what obstacles hold you back and the enormous strength you have to go through this major change. Everybody proceeds on the path to self awareness at their own pace. If you feel like people are putting pressure on you to make a decision or get everything right, remember this. It’s your life. Only you will know when the right time is to start that new job, move to a new location or whatever you want to do.

4. Career networking is a great way to get out there and meet new people.

Networking in order to land that new job is about putting your most professional foot forward. But you never know, you may also meet some new friends in the process and expand your social circle. I’m not suggesting career networking is a way to meet a prospective partner, far from it. But networking is a great way to put yourself out there and overcome any fears you may have about meeting new people.

The great thing about career transition is that during the exploratory phase, you’ll become acquainted with parts of your personality that you may never even have known existed before. It’s a sure fire way to get closer to finding out what really will make you happy in life.