Silly Things Patients Say
"Is it a boy or a girl?"
What every male patient says during an exam
A full schedule, additional inpatients, and a constant stream of ER patients
No lunch break
"Have thick skin"
Not all clinical techs are glad they have a student with them. Appreciate the ones that do enjoy your company.
What you'll actually spend a lot of time doing
Driving
The program consists of _ semesters
4
Constant talking
A patient's favorite thing to do during a thyroid ultrasound
When you do a full exam without PPE and find out the patient has this
C. Diff.
"Study every night"
There is a lot of material to learn and you will never stop learning in this profession
Something you did not expect going into this profession
How often you think about your work after you've already clocked out
To become a registered tech, there are 3 things you must do
1. Graduate
2. Pass SPI Board Exam
3. Pass a Specialty Board Exam
"I know you can't tell me the results but did you see anything"
Heard on a daily basis
When you come home after clinicals and immediately put your clothes in the dryer on max heat because
Your patient had bed bugs
"Always carry a box of tissues in your car"
Some days can be very stressful and emotionally hard on you, be prepared to break down and cry
The biggest shock about being in clinicals
How invasive and gross some procedures are
The clinical assignments are picked for each student by these guidelines
Proximity to home and where they think you'll fit best
"There is no way I could be pregnant"
The girl that is, in fact, pregnant
Having a conversation with a police officer while waiting in your car
Having probe condoms sitting in your console the entire time for everyone to see
"Learn how to budget"
The program will have you very busy and may take time away from being able to work. Save money for important things you may need
The percentage of sonographers that scan in pain
90%
The process to applying to the program
1. Complete the pre-requisites
2. Complete USA Test
3. Fill out the application
"Can you tell me the gender?"
A patient who is only 8 weeks pregnant
Try not to get yourself into this
Drama with other techs
"Be prepared for smells and gross things"
Not all patients have the best personal hygiene and some procedures like paras, thoras, biopsies, and TVs can be bloody
Biggest adjustment going into clinicals
How physically taxing and strenuous ultrasound can actually be
The amount of clinical days you are required to do
2 or 3 days depending on the semester