Ultrasound Technician Training: Patient Preparation & Positioning

If you want to become an ultrasound technician, it is essential to get the proper training. If you have 20 months to become an ultrasound technician, CBD College has the best Diagnostic Medical Sonography program for you. So, what is included in ultrasound technician training, and how do you help patients prepare and position during the ultrasound?

What is Included in Ultrasound Technician Training?

The ultrasound technician training at CBD College includes classroom lectures and hundreds of hours of hands-on training. During this program, you will use specialized equipment to create images of the inside of the human body, learning how to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. This training program equips you with the technical skills, medical knowledge, and hands-on experience needed for success in this profession.

Fundamentals of Ultrasound Technology

Ultrasound technician training programs begin with foundational coursework that introduces you to the principles of ultrasound imaging. This includes:

Physics of Ultrasound – Understanding sound waves, transducers, and how ultrasound energy interacts with different tissues.

Medical Terminology – Learning the vocabulary used in healthcare settings to describe anatomy, physiology, and medical conditions.

Anatomy and Physiology – Gaining a deep understanding of the human body, including organ systems and their functions.

Patient Care and Safety – Training in interacting with patients, maintaining a sterile environment, and following safety protocols.

Clinical Applications of Ultrasound

Once you understand the basic science behind ultrasound technology, you will move on to courses that focus on the practical application of these principles. 

These courses cover:

Abdominal Sonography – Training in imaging the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and other abdominal organs.

Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography – Learning how to perform ultrasounds on pregnant women to monitor fetal development and assess reproductive health.

Vascular Sonography – Studying how to evaluate blood flow and identify conditions such as blood clots or arterial blockages.

Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography) – Training in imaging the heart and assessing its function.

Musculoskeletal Sonography – Using ultrasound to evaluate muscles, tendons, and joints.

Hands-On Laboratory Training

Ultrasound technology is highly technical, so hands-on training is crucial to any program. In laboratory settings, you gain experience operating ultrasound equipment, practicing scanning techniques, and interpreting images. This training allows you to refine your skills in a controlled environment before working with patients.

Clinical Externship and Real-World Experience

A clinical externship offers real-world experience and allows you to work in a hospital, clinic, or imaging center under the supervision of experienced professionals. During the externship, you:

• Perform ultrasound exams on actual patients.
• Work alongside physicians and healthcare teams.
• Gain exposure to different specializations within ultrasound.
• Learn how to handle challenging cases and interact with patients professionally.

This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and ensuring you are prepared for your career.

Professionalism and Ethical Considerations

Ultrasound technicians must adhere to high ethical and professional standards. Training programs often include coursework on:

Medical Ethics and Law – Understanding patient confidentiality, informed consent, and legal responsibilities in healthcare.

Communication Skills – Communicating effectively with patients, doctors, and colleagues.

Cultural Competency – Gaining awareness of how to provide respectful care to patients from diverse backgrounds.

Certification and Exam Preparation

While certification is not always required, many employers prefer to hire certified ultrasound technicians. The CBD College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program prepares you for certification exams offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

How to Prepare a Patient for an Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is a important diagnostic tool in many medical specializations, including obstetrics, cardiology, and general internal medicine. Proper patient preparation ensures the procedure is efficient and comfortable and results are accurate. Ultrasound technicians must follow specific protocols to ensure patients are ready for their ultrasound exams.

General Patient Preparation Guidelines

Provide Clear Instructions

Patients should receive clear and concise instructions on how to prepare for their specific ultrasound exam before the appointment. Providing written instructions or verbal explanations during scheduling can help ensure compliance.

Dietary Restrictions

Specific ultrasound exams require dietary restrictions, including:

Fasting Requirements – Patients may be asked to fast for 6-8 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. This prevents food and gas from obscuring the imaging of abdominal organs.

Hydration Instructions – For pelvic and obstetric ultrasounds, patients are often required to drink 32 ounces of water an hour before the exam and refrain from urinating. A full bladder provides a clearer image of the pelvic organs.

Clothing and Comfort

Patients should be advised to wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the examined area. Sometimes, they may be required to change into a hospital gown.

Medication Guidelines

Unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider, patients can continue taking their prescribed medications. However, they should inform you of any medications they are taking, as some might affect the exam results.

Special Considerations for Certain Patients

Diabetic Patients – Patients with diabetes who are required to fast should consult with their healthcare provider for guidance on managing their blood sugar levels before the exam.

Pediatric Patients – Children undergoing an ultrasound may require different fasting instructions or additional preparation to keep them calm during the procedure.

Elderly or Disabled Patients – Special accommodations, such as assistance with transportation or mobility, should be considered.

During the Procedure

On the day of the ultrasound, you will explain the procedure, apply a gel to the skin, and use the transducer to capture images. Patients should be encouraged to remain still and follow any breathing instructions provided.

How to Position a Patient for an Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is a critical diagnostic tool to assess the body’s internal organs, blood flow, and soft tissues. Proper positioning ensures accurate imaging and patient comfort during an ultrasound examination. Different types of ultrasound scans require specific positioning techniques, and you must be well-versed in these methods to achieve the best results.

General Principles of Patient Positioning

Proper patient positioning ensures clear images, reduces discomfort, and helps you access the examined area. The following general guidelines apply across various ultrasound procedures:

Comfort and Support – Patients should be placed in a comfortable position with proper support to minimize strain.

Accessibility – The targeted area should be easily accessible for optimal transducer placement.

Patient Cooperation – Patients should be informed about positioning needs and encouraged to remain still during the procedure.

Use of Pillows and Cushions – These aids help maintain proper positioning and alleviate discomfort.

Common Ultrasound Positions

Supine Position

The supine position, where the patient lies flat on their back, is one of the most commonly used positions for ultrasound examinations. It is used for imaging the following:

• Abdomen (e.g., liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys)
• Pelvic region (e.g., bladder, uterus, ovaries)
• Cardiac structures (echocardiography)

Prone Position

In the prone position, the patient lies on their stomach. This position is used for imaging the following:

• Posterior structures of the kidneys
• Spine in fetal ultrasounds
• Soft tissues in the back

A pillow under the patient’s chest or hips may help maintain comfort.

Left Lateral Decubitus (LLD) and Right Lateral Decubitus (RLD) Positions

These positions require the patient to lie on their left or right side. They are instrumental for:

Echocardiography – The LLD position provides better access to the heart.

Abdominal and renal scans – Lateral positioning may improve imaging of the kidneys and liver.

Gallbladder Imaging – helps with better visualization by moving gas or fluid away from the organ.

Sitting and Semi-Fowler’s Position

The semi-Fowler’s position involves reclining the patient at a 30-45 degree angle, while a fully upright sitting position is also used in some instances. These positions are beneficial for:

Venous and vascular studies – Improves blood flow visualization in extremities.

Echocardiography – When patients cannot tolerate lying flat.

Neck and thyroid ultrasound – Enhances accessibility to the anterior neck structures.

Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg Positions

Trendelenburg Position – The patient is placed head-down at an incline to improve visualization of pelvic structures.

Reverse Trendelenburg Position – The head is elevated to improve upper abdominal imaging, often used for gallbladder and liver scans.

Choosing the Right Ultrasound Technician Training Program

When selecting an ultrasound technician program, it is essential to consider factors such as:

Accreditation – Ensure the program is accredited by organizations like the 

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). 

The good news is that the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at CBD College is fully accredited by CAAHEP.

Program Length – CBD College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Clinical Training Opportunities – Look for programs that offer hands-on experience in real healthcare settings like the one at CBD College.

Certification Preparation – Consider programs that prepare you for national certification exams, also included in the program offered by CBD College.

Final Thoughts

By the end of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, you will be fully trained with hundreds of hours of hands-on experience and ready to start working as an ultrasound technician. CBD College can even help you find a job after graduation. Learn the proper techniques for ultrasound preparation and positioning to keep yourself and your patients safe. CBD College is here to help.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program

If you enjoy working side-by-side with physicians and radiologists and like a good challenge, this is your career! There is a high demand for Ultrasound Technicians in the US and abroad, so this job gives flexibility during your career.

In as little as 20 months, CBD College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree Program will prepare you for what it takes to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer/Ultrasound Technician.

Contact us now to learn more.