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What is the schedule and salary difference between part time and full time ultrasound techs ? What are some prerequisites usually required?
Going into senior year and want go have a plan.
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Anika’s Answer
Hi Yaretzi,
As you plan for your future as an ultrasound technician (also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer), understanding the differences in schedules, salaries, and prerequisites between part-time and full-time positions is crucial. Here’s an overview to help you prepare:
Schedule Differences
Full-Time Ultrasound Technicians:
Typical Hours: Full-time positions generally involve 40 hours per week, often structured in shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and potentially overnight depending on the healthcare facility.
Consistency: Full-time roles offer more stability in terms of hours and income, with regular schedules and benefits such as healthcare coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans.
Part-Time Ultrasound Technicians:
Flexible Hours: Part-time positions can vary widely in terms of hours, typically ranging from less than 20 hours per week to around 30 hours.
Varied Shifts: Part-time schedules may include irregular shifts or fewer shifts per week, depending on the facility’s needs and your availability.
Benefits: Part-time roles may offer fewer benefits compared to full-time positions, although some facilities provide prorated benefits based on hours worked.
Salary Differences
Full-Time Salary: The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was approximately $75,920 as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries can vary based on location, experience, specialization, and employer.
Part-Time Salary: Part-time ultrasound technicians earn a prorated salary based on the number of hours worked compared to full-time positions. Hourly rates for part-time roles can vary widely but are generally lower than full-time rates on a per-hour basis.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Education:
Associate’s Degree: Most ultrasound technicians have an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field. Some employers may prefer or require a bachelor’s degree in sonography or healthcare.
Certification:
Professional Certification: While not always mandatory, many employers prefer certification through organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Certification typically requires passing an exam after completing an accredited program.
Clinical Experience:
Internship or Clinical Training: Completing clinical training or internships as part of your educational program is often required to gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
As you plan for your future as an ultrasound technician (also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer), understanding the differences in schedules, salaries, and prerequisites between part-time and full-time positions is crucial. Here’s an overview to help you prepare:
Schedule Differences
Full-Time Ultrasound Technicians:
Typical Hours: Full-time positions generally involve 40 hours per week, often structured in shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and potentially overnight depending on the healthcare facility.
Consistency: Full-time roles offer more stability in terms of hours and income, with regular schedules and benefits such as healthcare coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans.
Part-Time Ultrasound Technicians:
Flexible Hours: Part-time positions can vary widely in terms of hours, typically ranging from less than 20 hours per week to around 30 hours.
Varied Shifts: Part-time schedules may include irregular shifts or fewer shifts per week, depending on the facility’s needs and your availability.
Benefits: Part-time roles may offer fewer benefits compared to full-time positions, although some facilities provide prorated benefits based on hours worked.
Salary Differences
Full-Time Salary: The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was approximately $75,920 as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries can vary based on location, experience, specialization, and employer.
Part-Time Salary: Part-time ultrasound technicians earn a prorated salary based on the number of hours worked compared to full-time positions. Hourly rates for part-time roles can vary widely but are generally lower than full-time rates on a per-hour basis.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Education:
Associate’s Degree: Most ultrasound technicians have an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field. Some employers may prefer or require a bachelor’s degree in sonography or healthcare.
Certification:
Professional Certification: While not always mandatory, many employers prefer certification through organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Certification typically requires passing an exam after completing an accredited program.
Clinical Experience:
Internship or Clinical Training: Completing clinical training or internships as part of your educational program is often required to gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Ultrasound technicians are paid hourly and there isn't a difference between part-time and full-time hourly rates. Each facility will have a different expectation of number of hours for a part-time employee, maybe somewhere between 16 and 24 hours per week (versus 40hours for full-time). During your initial training you may need to be full-time and then move to part-time.
Regarding courses to take, I suggest math and sciences-specifically anatomy and physiology and biology.
Good luck!
Regarding courses to take, I suggest math and sciences-specifically anatomy and physiology and biology.
Good luck!