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If you’re interested in becoming an ultrasound technician, you may be wondering what kind of schooling you need. Here’s a quick overview of the education requirements for this rewarding career.
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The Basics of Ultrasound Technician Programs
What is an ultrasound technician?
An ultrasound technician is a health care professional who uses medical imaging equipment to create images of the human body for diagnostic purposes. Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, operate machines that emit high-frequency sound waves, which are then used to create images of the inside of the body.
Ultrasound technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics or private medical offices. They may also work in research facilities or be employed by companies that manufacture ultrasound equipment. Most ultrasound technicians work full time, and some may be required to work evenings or weekends to meet the needs of their patients.
Ultrasound technician programs typically last two to four years and result in an associate’s degree or a certificate. Some colleges and universities also offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in diagnostic medical sonography.
What are the different types of ultrasound technicians?
Diagnostic medical sonographers, often called ultrasound technicians, use special equipment to create images of structures inside the human body. The images are then used by physicians to make a diagnosis. There are different types of diagnostic imaging procedures and, as such, different types of sonographers.
Abdominal sonographers specialize in making images of abdominal organs, such as the liver, spleen, and pancreas. Cardiac sonographers, also called echocardiographers, make images of the heart. Neurosonographers make images of the brain and nervous system. Obstetric and gynecologic sonographers make images of the female reproductive organs. Sonographers who work in vascular laboratories make images of the veins and arteries.
Specialty areas within diagnostic medical sonography include breast sonography, pediatric sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, and testicular and ovarian mapping for cancer patients.
What are the requirements to become an ultrasound technician?
In order to become an ultrasound technician, you will need to complete an accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography. There are many schools that offer these programs, but not all of them are accredited. It is important to make sure that the program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Once you have completed an accredited program, you will then need to pass a national exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Once you have passed this exam, you will be registered as a diagnostic medical sonographer and will be able to use the title “RDMS” after your name.
In some states, you may also need to obtain a license in order to practice. However, this is not currently required in all states.
The Different Types of Ultrasound Technician Programs
There are a few different types of ultrasound technician programs that you can choose from. You can either get an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a certificate. The type of program that you choose will depend on your goals and what you want to do with your career. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your career, then getting an associate’s degree or a certificate might be a good idea.
Certificate Programs
While the term “ultrasound technician” is most often used to describe a diagnostic medical sonographer, it can also refer to any professional who uses ultrasound technology in their line of work. This would include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, echocardiographers, and vascular technologists and technicians.
All of these positions require at least some formal training beyond high school, but the level of schooling required can vary depending on the specific ultrasound technician program you choose to enroll in. For instance, certificate programs typically take one year or less to complete, while associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree programs can take two or four years, respectively, to finish.
There are also differences between the types of programs available. For example, some certificate and associate’s degree programs may be offered entirely online, while others may require some hands-on training in addition to coursework.
Associate’s Degree Programs
Associate’s degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography usually take two years to complete and typically lead to an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. These programs typically include coursework in patient care, medical ethics, anatomy and physiology. Students also complete supervised clinical rotations in hospitals and other medical facilities. Some programs offer concentration options, such as cardiac sonography or obstetric sonography.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
If you want to become an ultrasound technician, you’ll need to complete an accredited program. There are two main types of programs available: certificate and associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs. Both types of programs will prepare you for the ultrasound technologist certification exam, but a bachelor’s degree program will provide you with additional training in medical physics and patient care.
Master’s Degree Programs
There are a limited number of schools that offer master’s degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography, and these are generally reserved for those who are already working in the field and wish to advance their careers. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include both didactic coursework and clinical training.
The Benefits of Ultrasound Technician Programs
Though on-the-job training is an option for ultrasound technicians, completing an accredited ultrasound technician program is the best way to prepare for the field. These programs offer students the opportunity to learn essential skills and knowledge, as well as get hands-on experience.
Improved Job Prospects
While most positions for diagnostic medical sonographers will require at least an associate’s degree from an accredited program, the demand for qualified workers in this field is expected to continue growing in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Higher Earning Potential
In general, those who have completed ultrasound technician programs and have gone on to earn their credential as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) will have a higher earning potential than those without this type of formal training and certification. While ultrasonographers are not required to hold a RDMS credential in order to work in most states, many employers prefer or require it. Additionally, some states may require licensure.
Enhanced Patient Care
Ultrasound technicians play an important role in assisting physicians with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The use of ultrasound technology has helped to improve patient care in a number of ways.
First, ultrasound allows for the early detection of many conditions and diseases. This is especially important for conditions that may be life-threatening if not caught early, such as cancer. Ultrasound can also detect conditions that may not be immediately life-threatening but can still cause serious problems if left untreated, such as plaque buildup in the arteries.
Second, ultrasound provides information that can help physicians to make more accurate diagnoses. This is because ultrasound produces images of the inside of the body, which can be helpful in distinguishing between different types of tissue. For example, an ultrasound image may help a physician to distinguish between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor.
Third, ultrasound can be used to guide procedures such as biopsies and surgeries. This is because ultrasound images can be used to plan the best approach for these procedures. Additionally, during these procedures, ultrasound can be used to ensure that the correct area is being targeted and that no damage is being done to surrounding tissues.
Fourth, ultrasound can help to monitor the progress of treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. This is because regular ultrasounds can show how well the treatment is working and whether there are any changes in the condition being treated. Additionally, ultrasounds can be used to spot any potential complications from these treatments so that they can be addressed quickly.
The Drawbacks of Ultrasound Technician Programs
Although there are many schools that offer ultrasound technician programs, there are also some drawbacks to these programs. The first drawback is that they can be expensive. The second drawback is that they can take up a lot of time.
Time Commitment
If you’re considering becoming an ultrasound technician, you might be wondering about the time commitment required for training. While it’s true that you can complete an ultrasound technician program in as little as two years, most students choose to complete a four-year degree. This is because, while a two-year degree will allow you to sit for the ARDMS certification exam, many employers prefer to hire technicians with a four-year degree.
In addition to the time commitment required for training, you should also be aware of the time commitment required for working as an ultrasound technician.Ultrasound technicians typically work full-time hours, and may be required to work evenings or weekends to meet the needs of their patients. If you’re not able to commit to a full-time work schedule, ultrasound technology might not be the right career choice for you.
Financial Investment
The cost of an ultrasound technician program can be a significant financial investment. The average cost of a two-year program is approximately $10,000, although this varies depending on the school and the location. There are also a number of additional costs associated with attending an ultrasound tech program including books, uniforms, and supplies.ultrasound tech programs also typically require students to complete a certain number of clinical hours as part of their training. This can often be done at local hospitals or medical clinics, but it may require students to travel some distance from their home if there are no locally available facilities.
