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The average ultrasound tech program is about two years long, but some may be as short as 18 months and some may be up to four years.
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The Length of an ultrasound tech Program
Most ultrasound tech programs are between 24 and 36 months in length. This means that you can become an ultrasound technician within two to three years. Some programs may be shorter or longer, depending on the school you attend and the type of program you choose.
Associate’s Degree
An ultrasound technician program at the associate’s degree level typically takes two years to complete. This type of program is typically offered at community colleges. During the first year, students generally take general education classes, such as math and English. The second year is spent taking classes specific to the field of ultrasound technology
Bachelor’s Degree
The average length of an ultrasound tech program is two to four years, although some schools offer programs that can be completed in as little as one year. The type of program you choose will largely determine how long it takes to complete your studies.
If you choose a two-year associate’s degree program, you can expect to complete your general education requirements in the first year and then spend your second year taking courses specific to the field of diagnostic medical sonography. A four-year bachelor’s degree program will require you to complete general education courses during your first two years before moving on to more specialized coursework in your junior and senior years.
certificate or diploma program usually takes about one year to complete. These programs typically have a more limited course selection than an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program and may not include general education requirements. As a result, they can be a good option for students who already have a college degree or who are looking to get started in their career as quickly as possible.
No matter which type of ultrasound tech program you choose, you can expect to spend some time completing clinical rotations in order to gain hands-on experience working with patients. Clinical rotations are typically completed during the last semester of your studies and can last anywhere from four weeks to three months, depending on the requirements of your program.
The Coursework of an Ultrasound Tech Program
An ultrasound tech program generally takes two years to complete, with the first year devoted to coursework and the second year devoted to clinical rotations. The ultrasound tech program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from medical ethics to patient care. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the ultrasound tech program and the coursework you can expect to complete.
Anatomy and Physiology
The first semester of an ultrasound tech program is dedicated to basic sciences, such as math, physics, and introduction to medical terminology. The second semester focuses on human anatomy and physiology. You’ll also be introduced to basic patient care concepts.
Medical Terminology
You will need to have a strong understanding of medical terminology in order to succeed in an ultrasound tech program. This coursework will teach you the meanings of various medical terms and their related body parts. You will also learn how to pronounce these terms correctly.
Patient Care
An ultrasound tech program will include coursework in patient care. This will cover topics such as how to take a medical history and how to interacting with patients. You will also learn how to prepare patients for procedures, how to sterilize equipment, and how position patients during examinations.
The Certification of an Ultrasound Tech Program
An ultrasound tech program can take between 12 to 24 months to complete. The certification of an ultrasound tech program generally lasts for about two years. After the completion of an ultrasound tech program, one must renew their certification every two years.
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is a not-for-profit certification organization that promotes, develops and oversees the continuing education, skills and professional development of medical sonographers. ARDMS does this by:
-Offering examinations in diagnostic medical sonography for credentialing purposes
-Certifying individuals who meet specific educational and professional requirements
-Encouraging sonographers to maintain the highest levels of professional competence through continuing education and skills maintenance
– Recognizing the credentials of those who have met ARDMS requirements
The National Healthcareer Association
The National Healthcareer Association offers a certification for ultrasound technicians. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed. The certification process requires the completion of an accredited ultrasound tech program, as well as passing an exam.
