Ultrasound Technician: history and fun facts
Everything a curious kid might want to know about this job.
Did you know?
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Ultrasound pictures are made with sound waves that are too high for human ears to hear!
Through history
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Long ago
Doctors learned that sound waves could help them see inside the body. Over time, this idea grew into the ultrasound pictures we use today.
Tools of the trade
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Handheld wand
A small wand that the technician gently glides over the skin. It sends out sound waves and listens for the echoes that bounce back.
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Warm gel
A soft, warm gel goes on the skin first. It helps the wand glide smoothly and helps the sound waves travel well.
A day in the job
- 9:00 AMThe technician greets each family with a smile and explains what the check-up will look like, so everyone feels calm.
Words to know
- Echo
- An echo is a sound that bounces back to you. Ultrasound wands listen for echoes to make a picture.
Quiz time
An ultrasound technician uses X-rays to take pictures.