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Echocardiography Job Market Continues to Surge

Posted on 18. Jan, 2010 by melanie in Echocardiography Jobs

Despite our country’s current economic recession, some job markets appear to be thriving. Echocardiography, the assessment of the structure and function of the heart, is a healthcare field that continues to grow as the population ages and heart disease becomes more prevalent.

The Rise of Opportunities in Echocardiography

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities in echocardiography jobs are expected to increase by 24 percent by 2018. In 2008, 49,500 individuals were employed in the field of echocardiography, and this number is expected to jump to 61,400 within the next decade.

Echocardiographers

Specializing in noninvasive heart and vessel procedures, echocardiographers use ultrasound and sonograph technology to examine heart chambers, valves, and vessels. Echocardiographers are often referred to as cardiac sonographers.

Salaries

The average echocardiographer earns between $32,800 and $61,580 a year. Considering the initial investment into training and education, this seems to be a relatively high salary compared to other associates degree level jobs.

Echocardiography Schools and Programs

Most individuals pursuing a career in echocardiography attend a two-year college, in which the first year is dedicated to general education courses, and the second year provides instruction in noninvasive or invasive cardiovascular technology.

Individuals can also attend an accredited cardiovascular technology education program. There are currently over 30 programs approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals.

Top Echocardiography Schools:

• Mayo School of Health Services
• University of Kansas
• ATI College
• Hudson Valley Community College
• Georgia Northwestern Technical College
• John Hopkins Hospital School
• Ogeechee Technical College

Hot Spots for Echocardiography

Approximately 77 percent of echocardiography jobs are located in hospitals. However, positions do exist in physician offices, laboratories, and diagnostic imaging centers.

States with the Best Echocardiography Opportunities:

• Michigan
• Florida
• Texas
• California
• New York

For the latest information on echocardiography and echocardiographer opportunities, visit www.echocardiographer.net.

Tags: echo tech salaries, echocardiographer careers, echocariography jobs