The main industries in Oregon are agriculture and tourism, all due to the diverse landscape.
Healthcare plays another important part in the industry of this state, and those who wish to find a job can consider becoming an ultrasound technician.
While the employment in this specific medical field was rather steady, the median salary was pretty high compared to the rest of the country.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Portland | $79,964 |
Salem | $77,187 |
Eugene | $74,991 |
Gresham | $79,862 |
Hillsboro | $79,709 |
Beaverton | $79,964 |
Bend | $73,951 |
Medford | $89,516 |
Springfield | $92,967 |
Corvallis | $94,151 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bend-Redmond, OR | 70 | $104,200 | $50.1 | $115,570 | $86,740 |
Medford, OR | 90 | $97,030 | $46.65 | $116,440 | $71,310 |
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 570 | $111,420 | $53.57 | $128,180 | $95,530 |
Salem, OR | 80 | $110,800 | $53.27 | $127,630 | $93,900 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Certification Requirements
Having a certification as an ultrasound tech increases not only the chances of getting hired but also the salary.
It’s the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) issuing certifications for this profession, all over the country.
To get their certification, those interested need to first complete a training program and then pass the exam.
While completing a training program is the preferred method of being accepted to take the exam, other ways do exist.
Getting an education in this medical field in Oregon is a bit difficult because most of the state has a rural setting and there’s just one institution providing this type of training.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Oregon Institute of Technology | 3201 Campus Drive Klamath Falls, OR 97601 |
Completing education in a different state or online is also possible.
The candidate will have to make sure that the chosen program meets the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines.
Ultrasound Tech Courses
An ultrasound check is one of the most common types of medical investigations for diagnosing purposes.
The training of these technicians should cover the following topics:
- Advanced Sonography Physics and Instrumentation
- Gynecological Techniques
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Ethics and Law
Courses Offered in Sonography
Most body parts can be analyzed using a sonograph machine.
To become a sonographer, these classes are mandatory:
- Advanced Ultrasound Techniques
- Sonography of Obstetrics/Gynecology
- Intermediate Ultrasound Physics
- Abdominopelvic Sonography
MRI Tech Coursework
Those who like using the latest technologies might really like working in this field.
They’ll need to learn more about these topics:
- MRI Physics
- MRI Patient Care and Safety
- MRI Instrumentation
- Advanced MRI Procedures
Vascular Sonography Classes
Having a look at blood vessels is a delicate process, and the technician must operate very carefully.
Their training will include classes such as:
- Foundations of Sonography
- Vascular Technology
- Concepts in Medical Imaging
- Research in Medical Imaging
Radiology Tech Coursework
There are special procedures to follow when working as a radiology technician.
The classes of these professionals will cover:
- Principles of Radiographic Imaging
- Radiographic Skills Practice
- Digital Image Analysis
- Patient Care Fundamentals
Coursework Requirements in Echo Tech Programs
Many people take their hearts for granted and when something happens, an echocardiograph can help improve the condition.
The training of those operating EKG machines will cover:
- Echocardiography Fundamentals
- Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation
- Patient Care
- Medical Ethics
Extra Information
It’s possible for some of these specialties will have some common classes.
Most specialties will allow the technician to deepen their skills and knowledge in very specific areas.
Clinics and hospitals are the main employers of ultrasound technicians, though they’re not the only ones.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician