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What is the work life balance of an ultrasound tech?

I want to work in the healthcare field but not become a doctor or nurse. I would like to hear from those who work as ultrasound techs. How do you handle stress at work? Do you have enough time for your personal life? And do you feel fulfilled with what you do?

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Karin’s Answer

Hi Alexa,

As an ultrasound technician you work in a medical setting and image internal structures for diagnostic purposes. There are a number of different specialties that basically image different body parts. So, there is some variety to choose from. Most ultrasound technicians work in hospital settings, but some work in doctor's offices or smaller clinics and diagnostic facilities.

Work/life balance is pretty good as far as medical professions go. You'll work regular hours. I am sure there is time pressure, maybe overtime, like anywhere in medicine, but you won't be called 3 o'clock at night for an emergency. If you work in an emergency room, things would be somewhat more stressful.

As far as stress goes, working with people who are sick, in pain and who might get devastating news is always stressful, but you'll be sort of one layer removed. You are not the one diagnosing the patient and not the one interpreting the sonogram and giving the news to the patient. So, it's a bit easier not to take your job home.

I hope this helps! Good luck with your studies!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-sonographers
https://www.ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com/specialties-in-sonography/
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Evangeline’s Answer

Hi, I'm currently a diagnostic medical sonography student doing an internship at a clinic. For my internship, I spend time scanning patients and will sometimes work the front desk since the lead tech may be busy performing an exam or out momentarily. Stress-wise, it's only really stressful when there's a hard patient that you have to scan. Patients are looking to you for answers, but you cannot legally tell them anything. Your job is to take quality images for the doctor to look at and they will tell them what's wrong. It's relaxing in that sense where there's less pressure on you. Work-life balance is decent. I work 40 hours a week at the clinic and still have time to go out a few times during the week and on weekends. I never have to take work home with me. It would be impossible since you're scanning and can't do that without the patients there. It's fulfilling if you enjoy it. If you like anatomy, have good hand-eye coordination, and don't mind taking care of patients from different backgrounds, it's a great option.
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