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Considering a career in ultrasound? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about becoming an ultrasound technician, from required education to job outlook
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The Basics
What is an Ultrasound Technician?
An ultrasound technician, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer is a professional who uses special equipment to create images of the human body. These images, which are known as sonograms, can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.
Ultrasound technicians typically work in hospitals or clinics, and they may also travel to patients’ homes to provide services. In some cases, ultrasound technicians may also be responsible for teaching patients how to use ultrasound equipment.
Most ultrasound technicians have at least an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography, although some may have a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree. It is also possible to become certified as an ultrasound technician through professional organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do?
An ultrasound technician is a medical professional who uses diagnostic imaging techniques, such as sound waves, to visualize different structures inside the human body. This information can be used to help diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.
Ultrasound technicians typically work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, or outpatient imaging centers. They may also be employed by companies that provide mobile diagnostic services. Some ultrasound technicians travel to different locations to provide on-site services for patients who are unable to travel to an imaging facility.
Most ultrasound technicians work full time, and some overtime hours may be required. Many diagnostic Imaging centers are open 24 hours a day, which means that ultrasound technicians may need to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
The Educational Requirements
You need to have completing an accredited program and earn either an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. This will help you become eligible to take the certification examination. There are many accredited schools across the country that will offer you the necessary education.
What Degree Do You Need to Be an Ultrasound Technician?
In order to pursue a career as an ultrasound technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs are typically offered at the associate’s degree or certificate level and take two years or less to complete.
Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a credentialing exam in order to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). Most employers will also require you to be certified in CPR prior to beginning work. Some states have additional licensure requirements for ultrasound technicians.
What Are the Prerequisites for Becoming an Ultrasound Technician?
In order to become an ultrasound technician, there are a few educational requirements that must first be met. Typically, an ultrasound technician will need to complete an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program and earn either an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree in the field. Additionally, most states will require ultrasound technicians to be licensed in order to practice.
Once the educational requirements have been met and the individual is licensed, they will then be able to find employment as an ultrasound technician. It is important to note that most employers will also require their employees to be certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Certification can usually be obtained by passing a written exam and a skills assessment exam administered by the ARDMS.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Technician?
ultrasound technician programs typically take about two years to complete. Many ultrasound tech programs offer an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, although some may offer a certificate or a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Some ultrasound tech programs may have prerequisites, such as courses in math and science. It is important to check with the program you are interested in to see if there are any prerequisites.
Once you have completed an ultrasound technician program, you will need to pass a credentialing exam before you can begin working. The most common credentialing exam for ultrasound technicians is the ARDMS exam, which is offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
The Certification Requirements
To be an ultrasound technician, you need to complete an accredited ultrasound technician program. Once you have completed the program, you will then need to pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam.
What Certification Do You Need to Be an Ultrasound Technician?
Being an ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a great way to enter the medical field without having to attend medical school. You can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or even in research labs. But what certification do you need to be an ultrasound technician?
The answer may surprise you – there is no standard certification for ultrasound technicians! However, most employers will require that you have at least an associate’s degree from an accredited program. In some cases, you may be able to get a job with just a certificate from an accredited program, but these positions are becoming less common.
So if there’s no standard certification, how do you know which program is right for you? The best way to research programs is to look at the curriculum and see if it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). You can also look at the pass rates for the ARDMS exam – this is the standard exam that most employers will require you to take.
Once you’ve chosen a program, you’ll need to complete your coursework and clinical rotations. Once you’ve finished your training, you’ll be ready to take the ARDMS exam and start your career as an ultrasound technician!
What Are the Requirements for Certification?
In order to become a certified ultrasound technician, you will need to have completed an accredited program and have earned a passing score on the certification exam. Once you have met these requirements, you will be able to apply for certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The ARDMS offers two different exams that you can take in order to become certified: the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) exam and the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) exam. You can choose to take either of these exams, or both, depending on your career goals. Each exam has its own specific eligibility requirements that you will need to meet in order to sit for the exam.
Once you have passed the exam (or exams), you will need to complete a continuing education requirement every two years in order to maintain your certification. This can be done by taking courses or attending seminars related to diagnostic medical sonography.
How Long Is the Certification Process?
The certification process for ultrasound technicians can vary in length depending on the type of certification you are seeking and the requirements of the certifying body. Generally, certification can be obtained within a few months to a year after completing your training.
The Job Outlook
The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is quite good. In the next decade, the occupation is expected to grow by about 24%. This growth is due to the aging population and the increased use of ultrasound technology.
What Is the job outlook for Ultrasound Technicians?
The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of diagnostic medical sonographers will grow 14 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and advances in medical technology will lead to increased demand for diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound procedures.
What Are the Salary and Employment Statistics for Ultrasound Technicians?
The median annual salary for ultrasound technicians was $72,510 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of earners made more than $96,980 while the bottom 10% made less than $54,140 that year.
Most ultrasound technicians work full time, although some may work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules. They also may be on call for emergency cases. Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 24% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
A variety of factors are fueling this demand. An aging population is generally more susceptible to disease and conditions that require diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasounds. In addition, as technological advances in medical imaging equipment allow for earlier detection of illnesses and diseases, the demand for diagnostic imaging procedures is expected to rise.
The Future of Ultrasound Technician Careers
Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use ultrasound machines to provide diagnostic patient care. The images and data they collect help physicians treat and diagnose patients. With the aging population and the advancement of technology, the demand for ultrasound technicians is expected to grow.
What Is the Future of Ultrasound Technician Careers?
The future of ultrasound technician careers is promising. The demand for qualified professionals is expected to grow as the population ages and the need for diagnostic imaging increases.
There are several factors that will contribute to the growth of ultrasound technician careers. First, the population is aging. As people live longer, they will need more diagnostic imaging to detect health problems at an early stage. Second, the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease is increasing. These conditions often require frequent imaging to monitor progression and treatment. Finally, advances in technology are making ultrasound machines more portable and easier to use, which will increase the demand for qualified technicians.
If you are considering a career in ultrasound technology, now is a good time to start your training. The job market is expected to be very good in the coming years, so you should have no trouble finding work once you complete your education and certification.
What Are the Trends Affecting Ultrasound Technician Careers?
As our population continues to age, there will be an increased demand for diagnostic imaging procedures such as ultrasounds. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
There are a number of trends that are affecting ultrasound technician careers. First, as mentioned above, the population is aging and with that comes an increased need for diagnostic procedures such as ultrasounds. Additionally, technological advances are allowing for smaller and more portable ultrasound machines which can be used in a variety of settings. This means that ultrasound technicians will be needed in a variety of settings, not just hospitals. Finally, the demand for alternative treatments such as acupuncture is increasing, and many acupuncturists are now using ultrasound machines in their treatments.
