Ultrasound Technician Schools in Texas
Ultrasound technicians are a vital part of the growing cadre of medical assistant professionals who work with physicians to diagnose and treat patients. Ultrasound technicians use and maintain ultrasound equipment that creates images of internal organs, blood vessels, and tissues to assist in the diagnosis of medical conditions. Ultrasound is also being used in the treatment and prevention of some conditions. There is an urgent need for qualified professionals in this field, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects may grow by 18 percent between 2008 and 2018.
The need for ultrasound technicians in Texas is underscored by the size of the state, which is second in the nation in both area and population. Texas ranks fourth in the U.S. in the number of ultrasound technicians employed--2,940 of them, according to the BLS, with annual mean salaries of $69,990. Wages are highest in the major metropolitan areas, and the greatest employment opportunities exist at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the largest concentration of health care facilities in the world.
Studying Ultrasound Technology in Texas
Ultrasound schools in Texas are plentiful, with institutions offering certificate, associate's, and bachelor's programs. You can find ultrasound programs in major metropolitan areas such as Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso, as well as smaller communities like Midland and Brownsville. Accreditation of these schools is by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.