Ultrasound Technician Job Demand: Are Ultrasound Technicians in High Demand?

Working in the medical field can be one of the most rewarding jobs, especially for those who love to help others. However, not everyone is aware of all the opportunities in the healthcare profession that differ from doctors and nurses. The wonderful thing about the healthcare field is there are so many different jobs and professions you can pursue that aren’t just a doctor or nurse. 

We decided to take a deep dive into the Ultrasound Technician job demand and description so we can give anyone who may be considering a career in the medical field an idea of one potential job! Before deciding to go to school to become an ultrasound technician, read along to learn what ultrasound technicians do, how much they make and most importantly, what the demand is like in Canada for them right now. 

 

Sonography Jobs in Canada

Another name for ultrasound technicians is medical sonographer. There are many places where you will find sonography jobs in Canada including hospitals, doctor’s offices and laboratories. There are also designated ultrasound clinics in some cases, where they share space along with other medical imaging consultants like x-ray technicians. 

 

Ultrasound Technician Job Description

The primary task that ultrasound technicians do is use imaging equipment to create images that they study and examine. They may also conduct tests based on the need of the patient or per the request of the doctor. They typically work directly with patients, performing ultrasounds for them for a variety of reasons. 

One of the most commonly known reasons for someone getting an ultrasound is for pregnancy and fetus viewing purposes. However, they’re also utilized to help doctors identify problems one may have with their organs or vessels without needing to perform surgery or an x-ray, which produces a lot of radiation. 

 

Medical Sonographer Salary in Canada – how much do ultrasound techs make?

A medical sonographer’s salary in Canada ranges between $43,000-$85,000 per year. On average they make $67,506 per year. Factors like where you work and how much experience you have will play a role in how much you will get paid as an ultrasound technician but it is a well-paying job.

 

Ultrasound Technician Job Demand in Canada

There is a good demand for ultrasound technicians in a few provinces in Canada. Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan currently have a good demand for ultrasound technicians, while Manitoba has a fair need as well. Unfortunately, the other provinces and territories in the country have an undetermined need for medical sonographers. This means we are not aware of if there is a need in these places for people who can perform this job. 

If you are a resident of Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, becoming an ultrasound technician could be an excellent choice for you. You will have the opportunity to find a job and work in the field fairly easily as opposed to some of the other provinces. 

If you are located anywhere else in Canada, or a resident of Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba but aren’t too sure if becoming an ultrasound technician is right for you, there are so many other options available. The medical field is abundant and there may be a career path that may be a better fit for you and that’s where Robertson can help. 

 

How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Ontario and Canada 

There are a few different paths you can take to become an ultrasound technician in Canada. Most importantly you need to graduate from an accredited program so that you can then take the necessary Sonography Canada certification exams. If you don’t take and pass this examination then you will not be able to practice sonography in Canada. 

After completing your exams, you’ll be able to apply to various healthcare places in Canada with a Sonography Canada credential, making you qualified to practice. For more detailed information, check out the Sonography Canada website. Should you need personal assistance, they have a variety of ways to contact them. You can find which works best for you and get more personalized advice.

 

 

Is sonography better than nursing?

Sonography and nursing jobs are somewhat similar as they require similar educational backgrounds and their pay is also on par with one another. However, the one major difference in these medical jobs is that nursing may present more opportunities than sonography will. 

Sonography is a very specific job, while nursing is more diverse and you will have more opportunities not only in obtaining jobs but also interacting directly with patients and eventually specializing in an area of interest.

 

Is ultrasound technician a hard job?

An ultrasound technician is not necessarily a hard job, however, there are some things that you should be aware of before deciding to pursue a career in it. 

• It can be very fast-paced and busy
• It requires great attention to detail
• You will be on your feet a lot
• You will be interacting with many people every day

These are some of the main things to be aware of before you decide to pursue a career in sonography. While these tasks may seem simple to you, some people do find them more stressful or daunting.

 

Is ultrasound technician a stressful job?

Working as an ultrasound technician can be stressful at times since you do spend much of your day on your feet. However, this is the case for most jobs in the medical field. 

Another reason some may find working as an ultrasound technician stressful is that it can be very fast-paced and busy. While some people thrive under pressure, others can get overwhelmed. This is definitely something to consider when deciding if you want to work as an ultrasound technician.

Overall, if you are looking for a job that allows you to interact with many different people daily, be active and on your feet and be busy every day, then you won’t find this job too stressful and should be something you enjoy.

 

Do ultrasound techs work 12-hour shifts?

While you may not have to work 12-hour shifts every single day that you work as an ultrasound technician, it is not uncommon for you to have to work 12 hours occasionally. Generally, if you’re interested in becoming an ultrasound technician you should have the ability to work 12-hour shifts, including nights or weekends.

 

Options with Robertson

While we don’t offer an ultrasound technician program at Robertson, we do offer an abundance of other options for those set on working in the medical field. You’re bound to find one which is the perfect fit for you! Here are our top three choices.

 

Medical Clinic & Unit Clerk Administration

The Medical Clinic & Unit Clerk Administration Diploma Program is one of our best options for individuals who want to work in a clinic or hospital setting. This program prepares students to work directly in the healthcare setting performing administrative and clinical support roles. The program is 11 months in length and provides you with plenty of different job opportunities such as health unit clerk, medical office assistant, medical receptionist and more. 

 

Health Care Aide 

The Health Care Aide Certificate Program is a great option if you love to help others. This program prepares students to be able to identify abuse, provide care for patients with mental and physical health issues, assist them with their day-to-day activities such as personal care or eating, care for wounds or injuries and much more. Many of the individuals who choose to go into this program end up working in a long-term care facility or hospital.

 

Medical Laboratory Assistant

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Diploma Program gives you similar hands-on experience in the medical field that you would get working as an ultrasound technician. You’ll learn how to work with medical equipment in labs, hospitals or clinics. This program prepares you for a career where you will be expected to collect and receive a variety of samples from patients that you may perform tests on or analyze. If you are more of the squeamish type, considering one of our other amazing programs may be a better option as you will be dealing with blood or bodily fluids at times. 

 

It’s all up to you!

Whether you want to be more of a personal aid to patients, or work closely with other doctors or nurses, you’re sure to find the path which is right for you! If you think you’re ready, apply now! It’s quick, easy and free – you have nothing to lose. 

As always, we’re here to help! Never hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about any of our programs or if you need some career counselling. Robertson is ready for you whenever you are!