What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do?
An ultrasound technician takes internal imagery of patient organs, fetuses, as well as muscles, tendons, and nerves. They are specially trained to read the images and describe to the patients what is on screen. Sonographers are most often thought of as taking ultrasound imagery for expecting parents who desire to know the sex of their child.
If you wish to pursue ultrasound training through a trade or technical school, you will likely need a minimum of a high school diploma. Many schools also accept equivalency exam scores, such as the GED.
Typical Ultrasound Technician Certifications Needed
Though there are few, if any, states that require licensure for Sonographers, you will probably wish to sit for a certification examination. In fact, your employer may insist, since insurance companies are prone to not cover your work if you are not certified. Some typical ultrasound technician certifications are from: American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Your school or first employer will surely steer you to the best certification for your specialty and career goals.
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Academic Standards for an Ultrasound Technician Degree/Certification
To graduate with a degree or certificate, ultrasound technicians need to maintain the highest academic standards. While many programs will allow you to maintain enrollment with a C average, you will want to strive for a high B or an A in all coursework.
In fact, many 2-year degree programs ask that you apply for their medical imaging degree track. These programs will have prerequisite courses that you must pass with a C or better, but you’ll still need to strive for the best grades possible. After all, this field is in high demand, so you need to do the best you can to ensure you gain a position.
Exam/Experience Needed for an Ultrasound Technician Degree/Certification
You don't need any specific experience to study for a degree or certification. However, to take a certification exam you will need to have completed your program. Since the field isn't regulated by the government, you don't need to satisfy any other requirements for your professional certificate.
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Important Questions to Ask
How long does it take to earn an Ultrasound Technician Degree or Certification?
You can complete a certificate program in as little as a year if you maintain a full-time course load. If you wish, however, you can take two years and complete an online associate's degree or four years for a bachelor's degree. No matter which online program you choose, try to maintain your full-time status and complete the degree in a timely manner.
How much does an Online Ultrasound Technician Trade School Degree cost?
For a basic ultrasound certificate, a one-year program from a trade school shouldn't cost you any more than $5,000 and often far less. However, if you seek a certificate in a highly specialized field, such as Vascular Ultrasound, the cost could be as much as $35,000.
While cost is always a practical concern, if a program has a better reputation and costs a bit more, the extra expense may be worth it in the long run. Always factor in considerations such as the specialty area, future salary, reputation, accreditation, and alumni success.
How many students graduate “on time,” in 12 months or 24 months?
On-time graduation rates are not always tracked for 1 or 2-year programs. However, the results from research on bachelor's degree programs indicates that your chances of graduating in a timely fashion increase in accordance with the relative competitiveness of your program. It's also been shown that women are more likely to graduate on time than their male counterparts. There is also the fact that programs are set up with the expectation that students will take a full course load each semester. If you take your courses part-time, you will have a hard time graduating within the expected time frame.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Accreditation is an issue that should be on your mind when you are seeking an online degree program. Regional accreditation is a minimum standard for your education. However, since this education will launch your career, you might instead wish to seek a national certification. In particular, an accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) will assure that your education is the very best. If you cannot find a local program with this accreditation, look for a CAAHEP accredited program online.
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Professional Organizations
SVU
Society for Vascular Ultrasound
If you are a member of this proud, dedicated profession, you should join the SVU. If you are a student, you can join for a mere $35 and technologists receive benefits with $155 dues. Included in the technologists' membership are loads of educational opportunities. With so many CME units available at no additional cost, the membership virtually pays for itself.
SDMS
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Your membership fees will provide access to a range of benefits that include group discounts on Professional Liability Insurance, access to grants and scholarships, and a network of sonography professionals. There are also resources related to salary, job opportunities, and more.
AIUM
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
The AIUM supports a wide range of specialty areas under the umbrella of ultrasound. As such, they revel in their interdisciplinary approach and provide vast resources for professionals.