Educational Requirements for Ultrasound Technicians
Deborah M Dera
February 16, 2011
The world of health care is vast and varied. The health care community finds itself in need of not only doctors and nurses, but of trained individuals with specialized skills as well. One such group of individuals are sonographers, or ultrasound technicians. These unique individuals take part in an educational training program giving them the skills needed to work in medical offices, diagnostic centers, and even hospital settings.
What the Job Entails
Ultrasound technicians are not radiologists. While they're skilled in taking ultrasound images and doing some preliminary work to read the results, the actual reading is done by doctors. After taking the image, the technician will take a series of measurements in order to make it easier for the doctor to read the reports when he is ready. Depending on the facility, ultrasound techs are also sometimes responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their equipment.
Educational Programs for Ultrasound Technicians
As with any field, there are several educational opportunities available for those who wish to become ultrasound technicians. You can find these programs at technical schools, in teaching hospitals, in 2-year junior colleges, and at 4-year universities.
The type of program you choose is up to you and will depend on your future career goals and current scheduling capabilities. Attending a shorter program at a technical school or teaching hospital will result in faster certification, often ranging anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. Programs through junior colleges will give you not only a certification but often an Associate's Degree and training in other forms of imaging as well. Programs with 4-year schools are very detailed and will open the door for advancement in the future.
What about Certification?
Believe it or not, there are no formal certification requirements for sonographers. The only requirement is that you have a certificate showing you have completed a program from one of the aforementioned schools. According to the Ultrasound Technician site, you may opt to take a certification exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) but this type of testing is optional.
A career in sonography can be incredibly rewarding. You'll have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, including expecting mothers and those suffering from illnesses. The impact you can have on the medical community is considerable.
What the Job Entails
Ultrasound technicians are not radiologists. While they're skilled in taking ultrasound images and doing some preliminary work to read the results, the actual reading is done by doctors. After taking the image, the technician will take a series of measurements in order to make it easier for the doctor to read the reports when he is ready. Depending on the facility, ultrasound techs are also sometimes responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their equipment.
Educational Programs for Ultrasound Technicians
As with any field, there are several educational opportunities available for those who wish to become ultrasound technicians. You can find these programs at technical schools, in teaching hospitals, in 2-year junior colleges, and at 4-year universities.
The type of program you choose is up to you and will depend on your future career goals and current scheduling capabilities. Attending a shorter program at a technical school or teaching hospital will result in faster certification, often ranging anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. Programs through junior colleges will give you not only a certification but often an Associate's Degree and training in other forms of imaging as well. Programs with 4-year schools are very detailed and will open the door for advancement in the future.
What about Certification?
Believe it or not, there are no formal certification requirements for sonographers. The only requirement is that you have a certificate showing you have completed a program from one of the aforementioned schools. According to the Ultrasound Technician site, you may opt to take a certification exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) but this type of testing is optional.
A career in sonography can be incredibly rewarding. You'll have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, including expecting mothers and those suffering from illnesses. The impact you can have on the medical community is considerable.
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