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Considering a career in echocardiogram technology? Find out how much an echocardiogram tech makes and other important factors to consider before making your decision.
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Introduction
An echocardiogram tech is a medical professional who uses ultrasound technology to produce images of a patient’s heart. This information is then used by doctors to diagnose and treat cardiac conditions. Echocardiogram techs typically work in hospitals, clinics or cardiac practices.
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific salary information for echocardiogram techs, it does report that the median annual salary for all diagnostic medical sonographers was $64,280 in May 2016. Technical jobs in the medical field are often compensated based on experience and education level, so echocardiogram techs with more experience and advanced training may earn salaries at the higher end of this range.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test used to assess the function of the heart. It uses ultrasound technology to produce images of the heart structures and to evaluate the blood flow through the heart chambers and valves. The test is non-invasive and does not require the use of radiation.
What does an echocardiogram tech do?
An echocardiogram, also called an echo, uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The test is usually done by a trained technician or cardiac sonographer and interpreted by a cardiologist.
An echocardiogram can show how well your heart muscle is contracting and pumping blood. It also can detect heart valve problems, areas of inactive (dead) heart muscle caused by a previous heart attack, and other conditions.
During an echocardiogram, sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on your chest. The electrodes are connected to an electrocardiograph machine that records your heart’s electrical activity. Your heartbeat is monitored with a stethoscope as the echoes are recorded.
How much does an echocardiogram tech make?
An echocardiogram tech is a medical professional who uses ultrasonic imaging to create images of a patient’s heart. This images can be used by doctors to diagnose and treat heart conditions. Echocardiogram techs typically work in hospitals or clinics, and their salaries can vary depending on their experience and location.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for all diagnostic medical sonographers, which includes echocardiogram techs, was $72,510 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,080, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,410.
Salaries for echocardiogram techs can also vary depending on their experience. entry-level techs typically earn less than those with more experience. In addition, techs who have specialized training in echocardiography or who are certified by the National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) can also earn higher salaries.
Echocardiogram techs who work in hospitals tend to earn more than those who work in clinics or other healthcare facilities. According to the BLS, diagnostic medical sonographers working in general hospitals had a median salary of $74,750 as of May 2018, while those working in physicians’ offices had a median salary of $69,780.
Location is also a factor that can affect an echocardiogram tech’s salary. Techs working in metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those working in rural areas. For example, diagnostic medical sonographers working in the New York-Newark-Jersey City area had a median salary of $89,010 as of May 2018, while those working in the Sioux Falls area had a median salary of $61,180.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an echocardiogram tech can make a good salary, especially when working in a major metropolitan area. However, there are many factors that will affect how much an echocardiogram tech makes, including experience, education, and even the size of the facility where they work.
