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Entry Level Ultrasound Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Ultrasound information

What is an entry level ultrasound technician?

Entry level ultrasound jobs are positions for individuals who are just starting their careers as ultrasound technologists, also known as sonographers. These roles typically require completion of an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program and may involve assisting with basic imaging procedures, patient care, and routine equipment maintenance. Entry level ultrasound technologists usually work under the supervision of experienced professionals while gaining hands-on experience in clinical settings. These positions provide a foundation for career growth and specialization within the field of medical imaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level ultrasound technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Ultrasound Technician, you need a solid understanding of human anatomy, ultrasound physics, and sonographic techniques, typically gained through a degree or certificate from an accredited sonography program. Proficiency with ultrasound imaging equipment, PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), and often certification from ARDMS or a similar body are essential. Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to put patients at ease set outstanding professionals apart. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate diagnostic imaging, patient comfort, and effective collaboration with healthcare teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level ultrasound technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level ultrasound technicians often encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced clinical environment, mastering a variety of ultrasound equipment, and building effective communication with patients and healthcare teams. Many new technicians may also find it difficult to balance accuracy and efficiency while performing scans under time constraints. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in ongoing training, and proactively ask for feedback. Developing strong organizational skills and maintaining a patient-centered approach can also make the transition into this role smoother.

What is the difference between Entry Level Ultrasound vs Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

AspectEntry Level UltrasoundDiagnostic Medical Sonographer
CredentialsCertification (e.g., ARDMS), training programCertification (ARDMS), advanced training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient centersHospitals, diagnostic labs, clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with scans, preparing patientsPerforming diagnostic ultrasounds, interpreting images

Entry Level Ultrasound roles typically involve assisting with ultrasound procedures and preparing patients, often requiring certification and training. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform comprehensive imaging and may interpret results, often with more experience and advanced certifications. Both roles are vital in healthcare settings, with the main difference being scope and responsibility.

How much does an entry level ultrasound technician make?

An entry-level ultrasound technician typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and certifications. Starting salaries may be lower but can increase with experience and additional skills such as advanced imaging techniques or specialized certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ultrasound jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Ultrasound jobs in Utah are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Ultrasound job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$161K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (1 to 5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.
Qualifications:Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) Basic Requirements
  • Education. A masters or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing anesthesia accredited by Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
  • Licensure and Certification. The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment.
    • License. All APN (CNAs) must maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a CNA or equivalent, in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.
    • Basic Certification. All APN (CNAs) must maintain full and current certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) or an equivalent Nurse Anesthetist certification recognized by the COA.
NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (CNA) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.
The following Education, Experience, and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met for Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) II:
Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required APN (CNA) licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Nurse Anesthetist on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B).
  • Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNA). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (CNAs); no experience is required.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills and abilities present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level CNA. Entry level into practice may include but are not limited to the following:
    • Ability to translate into anesthesia care the principles of professional nursing practice including the patients' rights to autonomy, dignity, privacy, and safety.
    • Knowledge of current research and practice guidelines to frame anesthesia practice including up to date techniques, pharmacology, and equipment.
    • Ability to obtain, document and verify informed anesthesia consent and perform a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes managing pre-operative consults and interpreting data.
    • Ability to formulate a patient-specific anesthetic plan and describe salient anesthetic risks, benefits, and options to the patient.
    • Ability to administer inhalational, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics.
    • Skill in detecting and treating anesthesia or surgically related physiologic changes and ability to treat accordingly in order to maintain homeostasis.
    • Skill in assessing patient status for appropriateness of transfer of care to another healthcare provider and communicating essential patient information to other providers effectively.
    • Ability to participate in collaborative responsibility for proper patient positioning, physiologic monitoring, infection control and anesthesia documentation.
    • Skill in responding to emergency situations by providing airway management, fluid and medication administration, invasive line insertion and management and the use of advanced cardiac life support techniques.
    • Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession, (e.g., ultrasound techniques.)
    • Ability to practice anesthesia in an interdisciplinary environment utilizing a collaborative concept of anesthesia care.
    • Knowledge of quality improvement processes to maintain ongoing review and evaluation of anesthesia care to improve outcomes.
    • Ability to demonstrate a practice emphasis on safety, current established guidelines and protocols while recognizing the duty to report unsafe conditions or errors.
The following Education, Experience, and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met for Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) III:
  • Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNA) AND One year of specialized APN (CNA) experience equivalent to the APN (CNA) II grade level.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Progressively responsible experience in the administration of anesthetics as indicated in the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.
    • Ability to plan, administer and manage anesthesia for a broad range of complex surgical procedures skillfully employing continuous assessment and anesthetic adaptation based on patient response and comorbidities. Work assignments will vary by facility.
    • Ability to participate in assignments that are technically challenging, encompass a variety of anesthetizing locations and utilize advanced equipment and procedures while adapting techniques to solve various complex anesthesia problems including the development of individualized programs of post-op anesthesia care.
    • Skill in responsibility and accountability to perform to the extent of the CNA standards of practice as a licensed healthcare professional in any model of anesthesia practice.
    • Ability to contribute to the educational mission as a mentor or preceptor providing didactic and clinical instruction in anesthesia to student nurse anesthetists, medical and dental residents, and other health care trainees.
    • Knowledge to participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of auditing processes that ensure and improve the quality and consistency of anesthesia and associated documentation.
    • Ability to contribute to departmental administrative processes through quality assurance, shared governance, or committee representation as applicable.
    • Ability to serve as a representative on interdisciplinary teams to establish and maintain guidelines and communication.
  • Skill demonstrated in the ability to embrace the safety culture emphasis by continuously assessing for safety risks, actively reporting safety concerns, and maintaining a just culture by identifying faults in systems rather than individuals
Preferred Experience:
  • Proficiency in various anesthesia techniques
  • Commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care.
  • Integration of evidence-based practices
  • Compliance with regulatory standards
  • Interpersonal and Communications Skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Physical Requirements: This position includes a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by certified nurse anesthetist such as direct patient care, and potentially long periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, or kneeling. Examples may include but are not limited to:

  • Significant amounts of time standing assisting patients
  • Utilization of safe patient handling and mobility protocols
This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments and may include other duties as assigned. Incumbent may be needed to take on-call status.Education:Employment Type: OTHER