2 answers
Destiny
Student
Williamston, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How do I become a ultra sound tech?
I am currently in my senior year of high school and I was wondering what do I major in and do I join interns or programs to start being a ultrasound technician.
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2 answers
Carissa Lara ACS, RCS
Cardiac Sonographer
5
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Carissa’s Answer
Begin your journey by exploring the CAAHEP website to find an accredited sonography program. Although it's possible to become a sonographer via an unaccredited program, this path usually requires extra steps and costs. Given the competitive landscape of ultrasound programs, aim to shortlist 2-3 programs that catch your attention. This strategy will offer you backup options if your first choice doesn't work out or if you land on a waiting list. Depending on your preferred specialty, you'll major in either Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Cardiovascular Sonography (also known as non-invasive cardiovascular technology). Most programs offer Associate degrees, but certificate and Bachelor programs are also available. The pay scale remains the same across these programs. However, if you aspire to step into management, a bachelor's degree is necessary. For those new to the medical field, I generally recommend gaining some experience before pursuing a bachelor's degree. This way, you can choose a bachelor's degree that aligns better with your interests. For instance, a bachelor's in Health Administration or Health Information Management offers more options than one in sonography.
Next, get to know the prerequisites for your chosen programs. This will give you a clear idea of the courses you need to complete before sending in your applications. Commonly, these include physics, algebra, and anatomy & physiology. Many programs also require job shadowing with a practicing sonographer.
Once you graduate, you'll need to take a registry exam in your chosen specialty through ARDMS, CCI, or ARRT. But don't stress; it's common for sonographers to specialize in more than one area.
Next, get to know the prerequisites for your chosen programs. This will give you a clear idea of the courses you need to complete before sending in your applications. Commonly, these include physics, algebra, and anatomy & physiology. Many programs also require job shadowing with a practicing sonographer.
Once you graduate, you'll need to take a registry exam in your chosen specialty through ARDMS, CCI, or ARRT. But don't stress; it's common for sonographers to specialize in more than one area.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
What a smart career choice you have made and I would be happy to give some advice on how to become an ultrasound technician. This field of work is rapidly growing.
Check with your state, but most require an Associates Degree and certification from The American Registry for American Diagnostic Medical Sonography and certification also from The American Registry of American Radiologic Technologists. You need an Associates degree but you can go for a Bachelors degree, too, if you choose. The Bachelors degree will provide you with more possible job opportunities and higher salary. In college, I would recommend taking courses in anatomy, biology - the sciences, and under the advice of an academic counselor discuss what you should major in. Another way to figure out the best major for this field of work would be to inquire about it from people that are already working in the field. See what the majority of them had as a major and weigh your options.
The cool thing about this is that once you finish your degree and get the certifications, you are good to go into a career as an ultrasound technician. There's no need to be in an internship or special program before you start working.
I hope that this has helped somewhat and I wish you all the best in school !
Check with your state, but most require an Associates Degree and certification from The American Registry for American Diagnostic Medical Sonography and certification also from The American Registry of American Radiologic Technologists. You need an Associates degree but you can go for a Bachelors degree, too, if you choose. The Bachelors degree will provide you with more possible job opportunities and higher salary. In college, I would recommend taking courses in anatomy, biology - the sciences, and under the advice of an academic counselor discuss what you should major in. Another way to figure out the best major for this field of work would be to inquire about it from people that are already working in the field. See what the majority of them had as a major and weigh your options.
The cool thing about this is that once you finish your degree and get the certifications, you are good to go into a career as an ultrasound technician. There's no need to be in an internship or special program before you start working.
I hope that this has helped somewhat and I wish you all the best in school !