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How long does it take to become an ultrasound technician? This is a question that we get asked a lot here at US Career Institute. While the answer may vary depending on each individual’s situation, we typically tell our students that it takes around two years to complete our ultrasound technician program.
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How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Technician?
In order to become an ultrasound technician, you will need to complete an accredited educational program. These programs can vary in length, but most will take between two and four years to complete. After completing your educational program, you will then need to pass a credentialing exam in order to become a Registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS). Once you have obtained your RDMS, you will be able to find employment as an ultrasound technician.
The different types of Ultrasound Technician Programs
There are a few different types of ultrasound technician programs that you can choose from. The most common type of program is the two-year associate’s degree, but there are also four-year bachelor’s degree programs and one-year certificate programs. The type of program that you choose will depend on your schedule and your ultimate goals.
Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s degree in ultrasound technology will take two years to complete if you attend school full-time. This degree can be earned at many community colleges and technical schools across the country. During your two years of study, you will take courses in anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, patient care, and more. You will also gain valuable hands-on experience through clinical rotations. Upon completion of your degree, you will be eligible to sit for the ARDMS certification exam.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in ultrasound takes four years to complete and is the most common type of program. These programs include general education courses, such as math and English, along with more specific courses, like human anatomy and physiology. You’ll also complete clinical rotations, which will give you the opportunity to work with patients and use ultrasound machines under the supervision of a licensed ultrasound tech
Master’s Degree
Earning a master’s degree in ultrasound technology is the most advanced educational option for individuals interested in becoming ultrasound technicians. Master’s degree programs typically take two years to complete and often include both didactic coursework and clinical practicum experiences. Many master’s degree programs allow students to choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks.
The Length of Time for Each Program
It typically takes two years to complete an associate’s degree in ultrasound technology. There are also one-year certificate and diploma programs available, but these may not offer the same job opportunities or salary potential as an associate’s degree. Some ultrasound technicians may choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, which can take an additional two years.
Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s Degree in Ultrasound Technology will typically take two years to complete. This degree can be completed at a community college, technical school, or online. During the first year, you will complete general education classes such as math, English, and science. The second year will be focused on specific ultrasound classes such as physics and human anatomy. After completing an Associate’s Degree in Ultrasound Technology, you will be eligible to take the ARDMS certification exam.
Bachelor’s Degree
It typically takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, which is the minimum requirement for most positions in the field. You can find programs that offer direct entry into the workforce after two years, but these are generally not as comprehensive as four-year programs and may not be accredited. Job prospects and earning potential are generally better with a four-year degree, so it’s worth taking the extra time to complete your education if you can.
Master’s Degree
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average length of time it takes to complete a Master’s degree program is 2.5 years.
The Cost of Each Program
To become an ultrasound technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program. These programs typically last around two years, but some may be as short as one year. The cost of each program can vary, but the average cost is around $10,000.
Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography will usually take two to three years to complete, depending on the program. The cost of tuition and fees will vary depending on the school you attend, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 per year. There are also a number of schools that offer online programs, which may be a more affordable option for some students.
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography usually take 4 years to complete. These programs include courses in anatomy, physiology, patient care and ethics, as well as train students in the use of diagnostic imaging equipment.
Master’s Degree
Earning your master’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography usually takes about two years, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 15 months. These programs include both didactic coursework and clinical training, and you’ll need to complete a research project or thesis before graduating.
The job outlook for Ultrasound Technicians
Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs in this field will grow by 14 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This demand is driven by an aging population and advances in medical technology.
Employment Rate
The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is positive, with an expected 35 percent Increase in employment between 2010 and 2020. This is due in part to the aging baby boomer population and the associated need for diagnostic imaging procedures. As the population ages, there is an increasing demand for preventive health care services.
Ultrasound technicians are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices and mobile units. Some may also find employment in research facilities or academic institutions. The work environment is usually clean and well-lit, and the hours are generally regular. There may be some opportunity for overtime or weekend work, depending on the employer’s needs.
Salary
ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN SALARY
How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make?
An ultrasound technician is a medical professional who uses sound waves to capture live images of the inside of the human body. These technicians work in hospitals, private clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median wage for this occupation was $68,750 in 2018, with the top 10 percent making more than $93,470.
