How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

 

Ultrasound Technicians (sometimes called Ultrasound Technologists) are responsible for the administration of ultrasounds. Ultrasound is a technology that uses high frequency sound waves to create detailed images, usually of internal organs. Ultrasound Technicians bounce these sound waves off tissue to make dynamic images used to diagnose and treat patients. This process is a non-invasive treatment safe enough to use on anyone, including small children, pregnant women and the elderly.

 


The Ultrasound Technician utilizes their knowledge of anatomy to decide on the appropriate and best images to present to the doctor. They do so with the used of a hand-held device called a transducer which produces the sound waves and creates the image on screen.

 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median salary for Ultrasound Technicians as $64,000 annually. The BLS also states the growth rate for this profession to be significantly above average, predicting a growth rate of 44% in the decade between 2020 and 2030.

If the nearly recession-proof stability, high salary and personally and professionally rewarding aspects of this position appeal to you, following are required to become an Ultrasound Technician:

Education

An associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree and/or certification from an accredited program is needed to become an Ultrasound Technician. You need a high school diploma to begin an accredited program, which are usually offered at hospitals, community colleges, universities and vocational schools. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has currently accredited over 150 training programs.

Some studies in science, health and life sciences are preferable. If you did not cover these in high school, you may have to take some pre-requisites prior to beginning the ultrasound training program. Some colleges require one to have completed a Certified Nurses Assistant course first as well.

Following are the four main types of programs. Which works best for you depends on your education and work experience.
Four-year Program – Formal university education that results in a Bachelor’s Degree.
Two-Year Program – The most popular option by those currently employed as Ultrasound Technicians, this option leads to an Associate’s Degree.
Fast-track Program – For those already engaged in the healthcare industry and looking to shift careers, there is a one year option. This program requires experience and knowledge of math, science, anatomy and medical terminology and results in a vocational certificate.

While it is possible to complete the majority of these programs on-line, there is a clinical aspect to each of them that requires being physically present.

You will also want to consider if you want to specialize in a certain field, such as echocardiography or neurosonography, and make sure that the program offers that option.

Register

Some states require you to register with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in order for you to accept work as an Ultrasound Technician. Even if your state does not have such requirements it is generally recommended that you register with the ARDMS as a certified technician in order to stay up to date with latest technologies and trends in the field.

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