2 answers
De'Mya
Student
Knoxville, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
366 views
How would i do about this?
How long would i be in school if i did nursing school for 4 years and then went back to school to be a ultrasoundtech
Login to comment
2 answers
Char R.
Registered Nurse
67
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi De'Mya,
Becoming an ultrasound tech (sonographer) takes anywhere between 1 to 4 years, but it really depends on the state you live in, the specialty you choose, and if you already have healthcare experience.
LOCATION:
Most states allow you to work as an ultrasound tech with a certificate (1 to 2 years). In some states you have to get a license, which might require a college degree in sonography (2 to 4 years). There are only four states that require a license:
1. New Hampshire
2. New Mexico
3. North Dakota
4. Oregon
SPECIALTY:
Depending on the specialty field you want to work in, the schooling might be different. For example, if you want to do basic ultrasounds on healthy adults, it might take 1 to 2 years of training. But if you want to do ultrasounds to diagnose sick children, it might require 2 to 4 years.
EXPERIENCE:
If someone has worked in the healthcare field already, they may not need to go to sonography school for long because they already have knowledge about the medical field. In your case, if you go to nursing school first, you might only need to get another 1 to 2 years of training to be an ultrasound tech.
Overall, if you go to nursing school first, then sonography school, you might be in school for about 5 to 6 years total.
Becoming an ultrasound tech (sonographer) takes anywhere between 1 to 4 years, but it really depends on the state you live in, the specialty you choose, and if you already have healthcare experience.
LOCATION:
Most states allow you to work as an ultrasound tech with a certificate (1 to 2 years). In some states you have to get a license, which might require a college degree in sonography (2 to 4 years). There are only four states that require a license:
1. New Hampshire
2. New Mexico
3. North Dakota
4. Oregon
SPECIALTY:
Depending on the specialty field you want to work in, the schooling might be different. For example, if you want to do basic ultrasounds on healthy adults, it might take 1 to 2 years of training. But if you want to do ultrasounds to diagnose sick children, it might require 2 to 4 years.
EXPERIENCE:
If someone has worked in the healthcare field already, they may not need to go to sonography school for long because they already have knowledge about the medical field. In your case, if you go to nursing school first, you might only need to get another 1 to 2 years of training to be an ultrasound tech.
Overall, if you go to nursing school first, then sonography school, you might be in school for about 5 to 6 years total.
Megan Jackson BSN, RN
Registered Nurse
62
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Megan’s Answer
You'd likely opt for one career over the other, as they're quite distinct paths and it wouldn't really be practical to juggle both. As a nurse, you'd be wholly devoted to a specific group of patients throughout your shift, ensuring their needs are met, administering medication, and liaising with doctors for any concerns, among other duties.
On the other hand, as an ultrasound technician in the radiology department, your patient interactions would typically last for about 20-30 minutes before moving on to the next patient, and so forth throughout your shift. Your role wouldn't encompass the comprehensive care of the patient. So, it really boils down to what you're seeking in a career.
On the other hand, as an ultrasound technician in the radiology department, your patient interactions would typically last for about 20-30 minutes before moving on to the next patient, and so forth throughout your shift. Your role wouldn't encompass the comprehensive care of the patient. So, it really boils down to what you're seeking in a career.