Most people think of Associates and Bachelor’s degrees when it comes to ultrasound technician classes and education. And with good reason- there is only one graduate degree program in ultrasound specifically in the U.S. and only five world wide. It is offered by the University of Missouri. The title of the degree is Master of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound. There must be some reason for getting this degree, so what are the enhanced career options for someone with an ultrasound graduate degree?
The classes offered at the University of Missouri for this degree include an advanced and in-depth study of all the essentials of ultrasound from a technical and medical perspective as well as a clinical internship. In addition, a student may be required to undertake a research project on their own and write a thesis.
One career path to consider here is ultrasound/sonography education. As is the case with other advanced degrees, having a Masters qualifies an individual for expanded teaching opportunities in the field. Upon completion of the degree, graduates can generally get a variety of positions teaching ultrasound technician classes, for instance at community colleges, career or vocational schools, and teaching hospitals. They may also be eligible for various supervisory education jobs such as course coordinator or administration. For those who wish to explore the cutting edge of the science of ultrasound and educate other, then, doing graduate work can prove essential. Another possibility here is to write ultrasound text books or even offer private instruction or tutoring in ultrasound.
In terms of work as a sonographer in the medical sector, someone with a graduate degree in ultrasound will have an unquestionable edge over many of their peers. This degree looks great on a resume and a graduate will qualify for virtually any position, depending somewhat, of course on their area of specialization, if they have one. It’s important to realize that it is possible to either specialize in a particular ultrasound focus or simply do general ultrasound work. But someone with an ultrasound degree will likely be able to do whichever they choose. In addition they will often have first pick of higher echelon roles such as a supervisor of other technicians or sonography departments.
Finally, there is the engineering/industrial side of ultrasound as a career path for graduate students. They can look for high level jobs in the research and development of ultrasound equipment, corporate positions in ultrasound or general medical equipment firms, and so on. This is a field that is expected to evolve and expand both technologically and in terms of demand in the medical industry. People more highly educated in ultrasound will accordingly be in high demand for all kinds of positions related to the development of new ultrasound instruments and technological platforms.
There can even be some freelancing opportunities for someone holding the advanced degree. They can offer private consulting to corporate industry and other ultrasonographers. In addition, since their expertise will be in high demand, they freelancing for medical ultrasound work – taking per diem work and managing their own business.
Most people go for either Associates or Bachelors degrees in ultrasound, but if sonography is a field that you find especially intriguing, consider going further in it. With greater educational background, you’ll be that much more highly regarded and in demand, and possibilities for career diversification will increase.
What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Ultrasound Technology?
There are few degrees in Ultrasound Technology at the master’s level. Careers for graduates with a master’s degree in Ultrasound Technology can be found in the educational, industrial and medical sectors.
Master’s Degree in Ultrasound Technology
There are few master’s degree programs in Ultrasound Technology. The University of Missouri offers the only Master of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound in the United States. According to the University of Missouri website, there are only five programs worldwide. Program includes classroom study along with a clinical internship. A program may require a student to undertake original research, and write and defend a thesis.
Career Options for Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Ultrasound Technology – Educational Sector
Graduates of a master’s program in Ultrasound Technology may enter the educational sector and teach or lecture at the community college or technical or vocational school level. Other educational positions may include course coordinator or administrative and supervisory jobs. Graduates may work in a hospital supervising clinical training of students. Another career option is to become an author and write textbooks in the field or produce educational CDs or courses for a general audience or geared towards a specific user, such as midwives, nurses or clinicians.
Career Options for Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Ultrasound Technology – Industrial Sector
Graduates may go on to specialize in the instrumental side of Ultrasound Technology, helping develop new machines or uses for Ultrasound Technology. They also may consider a career in research, within an educational or industrial setting. Positions may become available with manufacturers of Ultrasound Technology equipment in sales, support or education (running training courses).
Career Options for Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Ultrasound Technology – Medical Sector
A graduate with a master’s in Ultrasound Technology can work in as a sonographer performing ultrasounds. They may be involved with the general application of ultrasound or with a particular application, such as pediatrics or obstetrics. They may become interested in the application of Ultrasound Technology to the field of Veterinary Science. Graduates may also take jobs on committees, within agencies or for the government.