Can Ultrasound Techs Have Tattoos?
Introduction
Although tattoos are becoming widely popular around the world, still different workplaces have different policies regarding tattoos. Some workplaces have restrictions when it comes to the topic of tattooing, some don’t have any restrictions. In the medical industry, there are some restrictions, whether you are a paramedic or an ultrasound tech.
If you are an ultrasound tech or planning to be one, the question may come to your mind- can ultrasound techs have tattoos?
Yes, ultrasound techs can have tattoos if your hospital doesn’t have its own policy against tattooing. Also, it’s better to keep your tattoo presentable and it shouldn’t carry any offensive message.
This article covers all the questions, from whether tattoos are allowed in this industry to all the dos and don’ts.
Can Ultrasound Techs Have Tattoos?
There are no national or international policies regarding tattooing in the medical industry. Having said that, restrictions and other guidelines differ hugely between different hospitals. As long as it’s not offensive or does not carry negative signs, most medical facilities don’t mind if you have a tiny amount of visible body ink.
Almost always, non-visible tattoos are accepted. Even if top management is aware of your tattoo, you probably won’t have many issues with them if it is hidden or readily covered. While not usually acceptable, full sleeves and other very obvious tattoos are sometimes approved.
Even though hospitals don’t have a formal policy on the matter, visible tattoos are often objected to. Because of professional courtesy and customer preference hospitals follow some rules and regulations. Being a sonographer will not be an issue if you have a tattoo.
What Kind of Tattoos Are Allowed?
As with other industries, as an ultrasound tech, you can have tattoos but you need to ensure some other criteria. The tattoos cannot be offensive, sexual in nature, insensitive to other people, anti-Semitic, gruesome, or graphical.
This kind of tattoo may create a negative impression on the hospital and employees, this may cause many employees to drive away from the hospital. Ultrasound techs have to have direct consultation and other work with the patients. So the hospitals need to ensure perfectness.
So best for a sonographer or ultrasound student in a hospital, to cover up his or her tattoo with a uniform or long sleeve shirt.
Tattoo Discrimination and Civil Rights on Healthcare
In the US, 42% of individuals have tattoos, and that number is climbing. Supporters of tattoos find it weird that they are not protected in the workplace because they are a form of speech that should theoretically be covered by the First Amendment.
An employer is permitted to set a dress code and appearance standards as long as they don’t discriminate against anybody based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or genetic information, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
If the company feels your tattoo violates its internal aesthetic regulations, they have the full right to reject you. However, a significant fraction of hospital staff has tattoos, indicating that dress codes are frequently lenient.
The majority of businesses are adapting their rules to be more lenient and flexible as tattooed people become more and more popular. In addition, compared to those in the corporate area, healthcare workers don’t experience the same level of judgment over their looks.
Could Tattoos Hinder Your Professional Progress?
In brief, some say visible tattoos may hamper your career, but you always have the freedom to cover up your tattoos.
While tattoos may restrict your employment prospects, their impact on your career doesn’t truly become apparent until you begin moving up the corporate ladder. Concern levels vary among healthcare professionals working in various specialties.
Doctors, nurses, and those working in healthcare administration and management claim that they are less likely to obtain visible tattoos than other professions and are more inclined to hide their current ink. Even some hospital employees claim that having visible tattoos might hinder career advancement.
There are hundreds of thousands of doctors and nurses working every day with tattoos. If you are concerned, wear your uniform or sleeve over your tattoo.
Conclusion
Did you find the answers you have been looking for?
If you want to be an ultrasound tech with a tattoo, or want to get a tattoo after pursuing this career, great news for you because you can have tattoos. There are some rules and policies you may have to follow, as the different hospitals may require different policies. But in the end, covering up your tattoo will be helpful for your professional life.
