A very important video to make for all healthcare professions I feel. I feel no one truly understands what it’s like to be in these positions and programs until it happens.
I 100% agree!!! You never know what you get yourself into until you're in it and experiencing it all. I appreciate you watching, listening, and giving your feedback!!
That's the case with anything in life. I was correctional officer. No one knows all the things we go through either. Every profession thinks theyre special. Theyre not. Life is difficult for everyone. Every job has stresses and stuff that's messed up.
Also be prepared for doctors and nurses to blame you when things go wrong if you don't yet know protocols yet, especially in large hospitals. No one gives any grace when it comes to new staff so be ready for agitated coworkers who don't want to help you. You need a tough skin!
Yeah it’s definitely a tough transition for people who never have been in the medical field. A whole other world of stress. Good advice!!! Thank you!!!
I am taking the prerequisites for the sonography program and I am so excited to be thrown to the wolves 😂 I appreciate your videos Geselle. They have guided me along my journey so far, and I look forward to learning everything I can from this community. I have wanted to be a sonographer for so long, and finally get the chance because of the pandemic. I want to be a fresh mind in this field and hopefully relight the fire in the hero’s that have worked in the healthcare field through these tough times. Thank you so much ❤️
Awww Hollz that’s amazing, I’m so happy for you! Keep an open mind throughout your journey. Keep your head up, stay PAWSitive, and know it’ll all be worth it!!! Thanks for supporting 🥰🥰🥰 it makes me so happy to know the videos have helped you!!
Good job!! I have 22 year of experience under my name ultrasound belt. Lol. I do love what I do. Although almost everyone thinks that is all happy happy joy. The worst is to find abnormalities. Dead baby’s. How do you poker face after seen this maybe first time parent knowing that something might be wrong with the baby. Is so so very difficult. Or being called in the middle of the night to just confirm a non heartbeat 39 week old pregnancy. Or the patient that swears that are in labor at the labor and delivery area. With monitors on their big belly and all the drama. Then you go in and find out that there is no BABY. Oh my goodness you get to see the good and the ugly. Is an amazing career. But don’t go in thinking that is all pink and roses. We work hard and many of the times is more mental fatigue than anything. Oh girl don’t get me started
Thanks for your comment. I’m trying to find all the ugly and see if it’s discouraging enough to test if this is something I truly want. So far I’m just relieved to know things to expect but nothing that has turned me off the career path ❤
I appreciate you watching! That is what I aspire to do.. share the world of ultrasound with others. The real and raw -- the ups and downs. Good luck on your journey!
Great informative video! I agree we need more pay for the amount we need to know, the level of skill we need to have, and the responsibility we have of being the eyes of the radiologist. No one truly understands just how difficult it is!
Thank you for sharing all this wondering information! I currently in the creative industry, focused in technology and I'm looking at going back to school at 32. My friend suggested this career path as it fits my wants to help others and it being investigative in the medical industry. All of this is is incredible information and I look forward to watching more of your content. Thank you!
Hey, Geselle! Thank you so much for your videos! I'm applying for a sonography program this fall, but it's a second career for me. I'm getting out of the oil industry after having been a Geophysicist interpreting seismic data for the past 10 years. So many similarities to ultrasound as far as imaging goes, but not gonna lie that it makes me nervous to enter into healthcare!
Hi Shannon! Wow that’s amazing I am so thankful you’re watching videos and learning about the field! So proud of you for moving into a new career! You can do it! 🥰🤍
Currently a dental assistant, yes I love teeth but the pay is horrible and Doctors don’t respect us at all so I really don’t see this as a life long career. I been thinking of getting in this field as I looove learning about the body !
Omg this is literally my situation. I’ve been a DA for just under a year and omg I hate it. I wanted to dip my toe into dentistry before committing to hygiene and I’m so glad I did, but, the doctors alone man…sonography seems so much more worth the stress than assisting lol.
I think this along with so many other things have helped me realize this may not be the option for me- I appreciate the study so much but I think what made me think about this is the money and I know I can’t go into it just for that. I love the idea of learning new things but I don’t think I can handle the stress and anxiety of it all. Especially if I end up being on my own. I have a job interview for a dental assistant that trains on the job and hopefully after being there a few years and If I enjoy like I think I will I can do dental hygienist- which I know takes school too. I know dental assistant don’t make much at first but it also depends on what office you work at and if I do dental hygiene later I’ll make more. Thank you so much for this video ❤ i love sonography but now I know it’s probably not for me
This is a great video. Currently I’m registered RDMS/RVT, but I’m considering giving it up due to staying home with my kids for the last nine years. The fees and CME conferences are pricey for someone not working. I would totally keep my credentials if I saw myself going back someday, but the stress is real and you really have to be fully engaged and have the knowledge of a doctor in order to be as versatile and responsible as you’re expected to be.
Great video! I just started the physics portion of the ultrasound program I am in and it’s definitely a lot of information that I have to learn. I can imagine that when I start my other classes in the next few months I’ll learn even more! It’s a bit nerve wracking but exciting! Just like you said you just have to keep thinking about that why! That’s what I keep doing everyday and it really helps all the nerves diminish especially during those test times! Thanks for sharing, gives a great insight on what is to come in the future :)
Im an aspiring male RVT, i go to school in NJ, we just finished acoustic physics last week, it was alot of info, half of my class failed 😞.. luckily i made it to mod 2..i agree with the nerve wracking aspect 100% !
@@IfJenoJenoI’m trying to go into that program. Do I need to take a lot of chemistry or physics classes? Are they hard? Would this career be good for someone who isn’t good at math/science but loves working in the field?😢
There should be a higher awareness about everything a ultrasound tech knows and is capable of doing . Hopefully that one day it could be heard and people can respect them more . Even pay more for all the sacrifice and hard work they go through.
Every position believe they deserve more pay. What growth would we have to do if everyone first job/career paid them what they are truly worth!? No one will ever get an education to advance their knowledge in the field. So I say long as your pay continue to go up from what you are making now, then you are on the right path in life
Very insightful. On the game a bit late but I am in the process of going to the college here in LV too for school! Curious which one you went to. I’m also going to be checking to see if I can shadow someone. Hospitals don’t sound like a place for me but I would like an out patient place! I also am not sure which to go for, general or cardiovascular. So thanks for explaining the difference!
I’m looking to get into this path but i am so scared of everything tbh ! Im scared that I won’t be smart enough for it! I have two daughters and I want to show them that you can do it! But oh man I am nervous but ready !
@@lolgeselle thank you !! I’m going to tour a school today !! Is there any important question that I should ask ?! And do you think this a good career for a mom ? 😭🫶🏽 I know it sounds silly but I’m just scared that I won’t be able to find work because of the kids schedules !
Have you started!? I have a son and a baby in the way. And I saw a video one a sonographer who shared our same worries and she mentioned she failed classes but re took them, just kept pushing, and said of course with kids it was very difficult but possible and she’s glad she pulled through. And that really motivated me.
hey there!!! how did it all go?? this is a great career for a mom! there are tons of sonogaphers out there who went to school as a parent.. you got this! there is so much flexibility in this field.
@aspiringfurnitureflipper it is true -- you can do whatever you put your mind to. it is possible as long as you don't give up and persevere through it all! your kiddos will look up to you for it!
I am so glad I've come across your videos because I am currently taking pre-reqs for the sonography program at my school. I'm still a ways away because we're also required to gain like 500-800 hours of experience in the patient care field. I was originally going to go into nursing and then in the midst of 2020 quarantine I realized I was probably going to hate it and patients didn't deserve that from me, or ANYONE in that case. I think it's so easy to forget how broad the medical field actually is since being a doctor or a nurse is most talked about. Your videos have definitely helped me become very optimistic for this career field, thank you! Also have a question, do you have to re-certify for the registries that you've obtained as a sonographer?
Awww, I’m so glad you have too!! Thank you so much for being part of this community!!! I’m so proud of you already. You’re so right, there is sooo much involved in patient care, so many positions people don’t even know about!!! Stay optimistic and stay PAWSitive!!! ❤️ No you don’t have to re-certify. You just pay the yearly dues to stay active. ☺️
I'm 29. I just had my son a year ago, and I'm soooo nervous and excited to go back to school. Thank you for this video, I found your TikTok first and had to follow you, girl.
That’s how it is I. The medical field, you learn from your co workers, as a medical assistant we are the ones that trained the doctors on how to use the system all the way to which codes pay which tests to how to use the printer/ fax 😅
My first job out of school was to one of those remote hospitals that couldn't keep staff. It was almost entirely staffed by traveling temp sonographers. People working there thought I was crazy for taking the job. I soon understood why. Talk about being thrown to the wolves, it was a total meat grinder. I was regretting everything about taking that job. I was out of there in 6 mths.
😂 you’re so cute it was a good rant though. Very informative. Trying to get hired has been a whirlwind 😵💫 but definitely good insight to what to look forward to. Hoping I find a job that will be able to help me being new to the field ♥️
Hehehehee 😅 I just care so much about y’all I want y’all to do the best and be the best you can! I know it’s tough but you definitely just need to find someone who will give you a chance! Never give up 🤍✨
I’m currently in the second semester of a 15 month program for general sonography. Definitely in the wolves for the first 2 months🤣but we started clinicals 1.5 months after it started so… currently merging in
Ahh!! Lol you’ll definitely remember this in the future and hopefully see how it benefited you in the long run!!! Thank you for sharing, you got this!!!👏🏽
I’ve been researching about becoming a sonography technician and found your video! That physical part scares me since I’ve been already suffering from herniated back disc, carpel tunnel syndrome, and shoulder pain. Yes my body is pretty much a total mess. Lol Would you say “no sonography” to people like me?
thanks for checking out my videos! to be honest, it's very taxing on our bodies... it's up to you if you really think you can handle putting more pressure and pain onto your body.
That is a good question. I, too, am faced with this dilemma. REALLY wanna be a sonographer, but I'm dealing with bone disease. Uuuuuugh!! What to do, what to do? Wanna take the leap, but don't wanna be stubborn, either.
You weren’t kidding about being thrown to the wolves! Does it get better? I just started clinicals and I love ultrasound but I’m questioning if I’ll be able to keep up.
I just wanna thank you sooo much for this video 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💖💖💖💖💖💖I’m a radiological technologist and I was a little bit interested in US but I have to run away now😂what you said is very convincing , I will choose another modality for job
This is an awesome video for students and people thinking of going into these programs. I’m a PRN/per diem sonographer and I feel so much what you said about being woken up at all hours of the night 😅 sometimes I don’t get sleep at all at nights I’m on shift! If you’d like I can def give you more info if you’re thinking of making a video on it 😊
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!! Oh man I remember the call life, it was crazy! But yeah definitely love talking all things ultrasound, you should make a video with your advice and tips too! :)
@@lolgeselle for sure! Still trying my best to extend my content to other sonographers/students but I feel like my page is hidden away 😅 will definitely keep at it tho ❤️
Anyone who is planning on working in medical field any position you will be having drama, anxiety lol you name it. I been doing different job in hospital I know what I am talking about
Could you please give a brief overview of all the courses (math, science, and anatomy) that you took or are required for this degree? I’m just curious as I don’t have a strong background in math and science and I want to get an understanding on if getting this degree would work for me.
It depends on what you want to do with your degree. If your ultimate goal is to teach or go into upper management, the bachelors is great. If you only want to scan, the associates is just fine. Good luck!
Hi Geselle, thank you so much for your videos. I just graduated with my AA and already in the beginning stages of transferring to study Medical Imaging. It's an exhilarating yet nervous experience going into a new field of study. After watching your videos, it has really pulled a weight off my shoulders knowing what to expect in this career. I feel that Sonography best fits my interest, but because I don't know anything yet I feel that I might fall behind in my studies. Do you have any advice about taking that "leap of faith"? Thank you.
I love that you're enjoying the videos! Thank you so much fir watching! Well firstly I want to say, how will you know if the leap of faith was worth it if you don't take it in the first place? You will never know unless you try! And that's what you're doing! Doing your research will help you in the long run. Don't give up if it's something you want, and if it ends up not being what you like.. there's always opportunities to change career paths. There are so many more years to life to be able to decide what you really want to do. :) Who knows, it may open other doors and avenues for you as well! Good luck!
What do you think was the hardest thing to learn or hardest obstacle that you had to go through to become a sonographer? I’ve never taken physics in high school and math isn’t my best subject so I’m scared that I might not be able to handle it.
Hi, Thank you so much for your video! I'm in my 40s, very petite (4ft5) and limited English. I'm still debating/afraid if I can chose this as my career. Really appreciate if you can give me some advices. Thanks in advance!
Hi! I highly believe you can do anything you put your mind to. If you want to do this career, try to speak with someone in your area who currently does this job.
This video is incredibly helpful! When I started college I originally wanted to do sonography. When the pandemic hit I switched to nursing. Well I’m currently working at a hospital as a pct and honestly o don’t think nursing is it for me. I really go back to my original plan and do sonography cause I feel id be happier doing that. I’m just so nervous to apply for the program cause it’s a very competitive program and I did re take chemistry so now I’m not sure it’s that’s going to hold me back :/
Thank you so much for tuning into this video! Do what makes you happy, you have so much time! I know it's difficult but definitely do your best, talk to your counselor / advisor / program director, and see what you can do! I'm sure with your passion and experience you'd definitely have great potential in getting in!
I have a question there’s a school that offers ultrasound but they don’t have an AAS and I was thinking in doing the program there because is cheaper and I can get experience in a clinical setting rather then a hospital and get ready for a bigger role in the future, what do you think? I would like your opinion
Hi! It depends on the program - if you plan on being registered you need to make sure you can sit for ARDMS and are eligible for that. That's the most important thing.
Good luck on the acceptance letter! I hope you get positive news!! So sorry about the tendonitis, perhaps there's some things you can do to alleviate and work on the pain! We're here for ya!
Has anyone ever vomited while you’re scanning? I’m really interested in applying for a Sonography program but I have emetophobia and I’m scared of how I will react when put in that situation.
Hi Maria, yes there have been plenty times this has happened, only because I work in an emergency hospital. If you work in an outpatient setting you're less likely to see this, hope that helps!
Planning on going through the program that does vascular, abdominal, echocardiography and obgyn. After completion could I take an exam to specialize in echo and vascular? Does it work that way?
I worked a server job on the weekends during clinical. I didn't get paid for clinical but I did make money from my serving job. You can try to find a flexible job to help keep money come in!
Do you ever see blood and gore in this field? Also, have you ever scanned a visibly injured patient? I'm asking this because I am looking to be a Sonographer after finishing high school. Thank you. :D
We see blood in the hospital setting and sometimes yes we scan visibly injured patients (especially in the hospital setting) but if you don't want to see that as much, you're going to look into more of an outpatient type facility! :)
Im a sophomore in high school right now but i’m 100% sure i want to be a ultrasound tech but i’m not sure how to plan it out and i’m not sure what the steps are to get to achieve my dream. I was thinking about transferring about a medical high school because they give college credit. Any advice?
Does your school offer college courses for your pre requisites? If so I think you can earn both HS & college credits if you pass. That’s what my school does, but i’m not that informed because I’m just a freshman.
Hi there!! I have a few videos pertaining to those who are in high school. There is a step by step process you can take. Talk to a counselor first and foremost and have them help guide you. Some high schools do transfer college credits. There are some community colleges that have programs as well. CAAHEP.org is a great place to start as well to find programs near you.
Hi! Thank you so much for watching!!! Neurosonography is usually something learned in the field or through a certificate route -- you can learn it in general sonography if you work at a hospital with an ICU or a children's hospital! Check with the programs near you to see if they offer it :)
Good question! Many hospitals have an “on call” shift where after a certain time the hospital will call you in to perform an exam. Usually this is at hospitals that have part time, full time, and per diem work and do not have a graveyard shift. I am not a floater or traveler but they can also have on call shifts. Many hospital careers have on call shifts, even X-ray, respiratory, and nurses. It’s like if they need someone, they call you in. 😌
This is typically the general idea for the medical field. We’re so incredibly short staffed (desperate in need for workers) however many places don’t hire new grads right away or it’s super competitive because once you apply there’s 5 other people applying as well with more experience or someone else who fits the part. It’s this weird balance of we need more healthcare workers but also places aren’t hiring like they should. Does that kinda help explain what I meant? 🥰 it’s hard to explain but many new grads have a hard time getting a job right away if it’s not at their clinical site or through someone they know. Schools are pumping out more and more students but not enough places are hiring although there are tons of job openings too. Many large cities are oversaturated while many places are understaffed. It’s so weird! Lol
Woow! Does that mean it’s better to go nursing track instead, since there are jobs before graduation and they higher new grads and there’s growth opportunities . What do health facilities expect to happen to ultrasound new grads if they won’t hire. And can school regulate amount of people they pumping out? How about admit less students. Wats d point of going thru a rigorous program only to be out and unemployed still??
Would you happen to know sonography school vs nursing school? I’m in a nursing program and it’s just not going great right now and deep down I feel like I have a passion for sonography more than nursing (I wanted to do sonography before I went to nursing school, but my parents wanted me to try nursing)
She actually has a video up where Herr and a nurse discuss some of the differences between nursing and sonography. They discuss the differences in schooling, boards, and career. I hope you find what it is you want to do!
Hi! Yes, Davia is right I have a video interviewing a nurse, you should check it out because we compare our two fields. I was a nursing student and changed into sonography. There are lots of schools who have both programs. :) Check online or at CAAHEP.org
Same thing with me! I had parental pressure and went into nursing. I was dreading going to work and there’s always a reason why things happen. Now I start my program in the spring 😊 Wish you luck on your journey!💓🫶🏼
Can I pursue sonography with my 2 yrs “associate of science degree” diploma or would I need to do bachelor’s in something ? Or do I just need to do anatomy and physiology if yes what levels do I need to do … if u could plz help me out that would be great thank you
I have! Lots of stretching/ working out.. yoga too! I also use CBD cream sometimes and also get massages. I let up on pressure and make sure I adjust when my body feels irritated or any slight pain. I have to pay a LOT of attention to it.
Hey, how long is the average time of clinicals? Does the employer hire you right away (how often do you hear that people get hired before the year is up)? Or is it mandatory that u do 1600 hours unpaid as an intern?
Clinicals can be anywhere from a few months to a few years. It depends on where you go and their contract. Employers can hire you right away, this route is actually very very common. Many people snag jobs before graduation if their clinical site likes them. Many places require a certain number of hours before graduation.
yes! if you check on ardms.org you can see which states you can work in. as far as countries go, that would need to be done by research depending on the country
it's coming from doctors ordering a lot of ultrasounds and employers allowing sonographers to scan more than they should in a short number of time. you will have to take it patient by patient, day by day. listen to your body when it hurts. and stretch / stay active and focused on your body!
if you are looking in your city/area, I'd recommend finding the ultrasound program first -- then seeing if you can take prereqs at the program or a community college/ college nearby if you need to. CAAHEP.org is your best place to start to find an accredited program.
@@lolgeselle That is good advice, however, my employer is actually offering the accelerated course soon. I want to prepare at home if I can in order to be selected for the program.
You just ignore the drama. Go in there with your best foot forward and focus on yourself and the patients. I just do my job and leave and not get caught up in all the drama. You got this.
I’m currently looking at attending CBD’s DMS program but the cost is 50k, I might be able to get it down to 40-30k but that is still a lot. Do you think it’s worth it? There is a community college near by that is way cheaper probably around 10k but there is a wait list and I might not get in for about 2 years and by then I could be a sonography, any thoughts?
I am in this same situation. I can go the cheaper route through a community college but with all of the pre-reqs and going on the waiting list it would take me more that 2 1/2- 3 years to finish. Another program, I will be done in 18 months but it will cost more. I'm considering the 18 month program because I am very ambitious and dedicated and will just have to work twice as hard to make more money to pay of the debt.
Hey Brandon. That's definitely expensive but if you can't wait and that's your only option, many people go there. It's truly up to you and what fits your lifestyle. If you can wait, by all means.. wait. But also, that's something you have to decide. My school was a bachelors degree and I spent half of that on it. Good luck on the decision making process!
Hi!!! You're so right Alexis. If you are dedicated and willing, its possible. Just gotta decide what's best for you and what path you're willing to go on. Good luck!
$66,300 is the 25th percentile. The average sonographer salary in the United States is $85,898. Sonographer salaries typically range between $58,000 and $125,000 yearly.
It depends on the programs. 2 year associates vs a 4 year bachelors have different classes and structure to their programs. The only major difference is one takes longer than the other. You can be successful coming from either program. Just do your research on which program is best for you:)
Take ultrasound at a regular university(4 yr degree) that has a hospital/med school. Sonography takes practice - everyday, because it is a skill that you will get from a good clinical with a good mentor(s) that hopefully will have openings….. ultrasound schools SUCK. Often, less than 10% find gainful employment; too often part time. Btw- you will learn that the medical field has a lot of crackpots who are doctors. No lie. MDs are not the noble people that you thought. They’re ordering ultrasounds TO MAKE MONEY.
Who's complaining? I love my job. It is definitely not simple. It is very complex, challenging, worthwhile, and amazing! Thanks for listening and sharing your opinion. :)