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Ultrasound technicians and sonographers play an important role in the healthcare system, as they help doctors detect, diagnose, and treat disease, and not only.
They use special machines to have a look inside our bodies and at our organs.
The demand for these professionals is on the rise, so finding a job should be relatively easy.
Article Table of Contents
Getting Licensed
New Mexico is one of the few states requiring ultrasound technicians to have a license.
The license expires after 2 years, in the birth-month of the technician.
Licenses and certifications are different types of documents, and some employers might ask for both of them.
To get licensed, individuals need to:
- Print and fill out an application form
- Pay the application fee – $10
- Pay the license fee -$100
- Attach all the required documents – they include proof of held certifications
Getting Certified
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is one of the main bodies issuing certifications to ultrasound technicians across the US.
To become certified, the candidate has to pass an exam, after completing their training.
There are several training schools in New Mexico, all offering a variety of programs in different fields.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 |
| New Mexico State University-Dona Ana | 3400 S Espina, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 |
Courses Offered in Sonography Programs
A sonographer machine can be used on all body parts during a medical investigation.
Future sonographers will need to learn more about:
- Abdominal Sonography
- Sonographic Principles
- Sonographic Instrumentation
- Sonography Seminar
MRI Tech Coursework
Using the latest medical technology to create 3D images of body parts requires quite a bit of training.
Future MRI techs will study:
- Introduction to Radiology Technology and Patient Care
- Radiography Principles
- Radiographic Pathology
- Radiologic Science and Imaging
Ultrasound Tech Courses
Most physicians will send their patients for an ultrasound scan when they can’t be sure of a diagnose.
To become a general ultrasound tech, individuals must study:
- Medical Terminology
- Orientation to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy
Vascular Sonography Classes
When taking pictures of blood vessels and surrounding structures, technicians have to have a keen eye for detail and be very precise.
Their classes include:
- Vascular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
- Clinical Skills in Ultrasound
- Vascular Fundamentals
- Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation
Radiology Tech Coursework
Radiology has several applications in the medical field and the technician can specialize in any of them.
These are some of their classes:
- Radiographic Pathology
- Patient Care Principles
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Advanced Medical Imaging
Coursework for Echo Techs
In this field, the technician will record data related to the heart.
The field can be as precise as recording data of the heart of a fetus.
Their coursework includes:
- Echocardiography Instrumentation
- Echocardiography Clinical Experience
- CVT Fundamentals
- Essentials of Cardiovascular Care
Extra Information
The salary of the ultrasound technicians depends on their skills, specialization, and experience.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $71,803 |
| Las Cruces | $64,912 |
| Rio Rancho | $71,574 |
| Santa Fe | $72,167 |
| Roswell | $66,974 |
| Farmington | $70,839 |
| Clovis | $67,650 |
| Hobbs | $65,882 |
| Alamogordo | $68,119 |
| Carlsbad | $66,974 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 180 | $78,480 | $37.73 | $99,600 | $47,840 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 40 | $61,070 | $29.36 | $85,210 | $30,380 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Keeping records and communicating with other staff and patients are among the tasks ultrasound technicians will complete.
Clinics and hospitals are the main employers for ultrasound technicians.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians by State