3 answers
Zoe
Student
Red Wing, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
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Please help me! I really want to know!
how do i become an ultra sound tech?
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3 answers
HOSSAM AL-DAOOS
general dentist
2
Answers
Thamar, Dhamar Governorate
Updated
HOSSAM’s Answer
To start your journey as an ultrasound technician, or a diagnostic medical sonographer, you typically need to follow these steps:
Get to Know the Field: Begin by getting a good understanding of the ultrasound technician profession. Discover what they do, where they work, and the various specializations available in the field, such as abdominal, obstetrics/gynecology, cardiac, or vascular sonography.
Earn a High School Diploma or Its Equivalent: To become an ultrasound technician, you usually need a high school diploma or GED. Focus on science and math subjects during your high school years.
Join an Accredited Ultrasound Technology Program: Sign up for a program that's accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). You can find these programs at universities, colleges, and vocational schools. They typically offer a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography.
Acquire Clinical Experience: As part of your ultrasound technology program, you'll participate in clinical rotations. Here, you'll gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. This experience is essential for honing your skills and competencies.
Consider Getting Certified: Certification isn't always mandatory, but it can improve your job prospects and showcase your proficiency as an ultrasound technician. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) provides certification exams in various specialties. You must fulfill specific educational and clinical experience criteria to be eligible for certification.
Get State Licensure (if needed): Some states might require ultrasound technicians to be licensed. Look into the requirements of the state where you plan to work and make sure you meet all the necessary conditions.
Look for Job Opportunities: After completing your education and obtaining any required certifications or licensure, start looking for job openings. You can find opportunities at hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, or private practices.
Pursue Continuing Education: To keep up with the latest in the field and maintain your certification, consider enrolling in continuing education courses and attending professional conferences. This will help you stay informed about the newest developments and techniques in ultrasound technology.
Get to Know the Field: Begin by getting a good understanding of the ultrasound technician profession. Discover what they do, where they work, and the various specializations available in the field, such as abdominal, obstetrics/gynecology, cardiac, or vascular sonography.
Earn a High School Diploma or Its Equivalent: To become an ultrasound technician, you usually need a high school diploma or GED. Focus on science and math subjects during your high school years.
Join an Accredited Ultrasound Technology Program: Sign up for a program that's accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). You can find these programs at universities, colleges, and vocational schools. They typically offer a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography.
Acquire Clinical Experience: As part of your ultrasound technology program, you'll participate in clinical rotations. Here, you'll gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. This experience is essential for honing your skills and competencies.
Consider Getting Certified: Certification isn't always mandatory, but it can improve your job prospects and showcase your proficiency as an ultrasound technician. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) provides certification exams in various specialties. You must fulfill specific educational and clinical experience criteria to be eligible for certification.
Get State Licensure (if needed): Some states might require ultrasound technicians to be licensed. Look into the requirements of the state where you plan to work and make sure you meet all the necessary conditions.
Look for Job Opportunities: After completing your education and obtaining any required certifications or licensure, start looking for job openings. You can find opportunities at hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, or private practices.
Pursue Continuing Education: To keep up with the latest in the field and maintain your certification, consider enrolling in continuing education courses and attending professional conferences. This will help you stay informed about the newest developments and techniques in ultrasound technology.
Rudy Padre
Corporate Business Sales of AT&T Services
5
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Rudy’s Answer
In Minnesota, individuals who wish to work as radiological technology professionals need to acquire an official license. Although these licenses don't have a specific renewal date, licensed professionals are obligated to attend compulsory continuing education classes. These classes range from 24 to 50 hours every two years. It's important to note that some radiological technology careers might have extra prerequisites, so it's advisable to conduct thorough research before deciding on a particular radiology field. Minnesota, along with most states in the US, utilizes the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exams to meet state licensing requirements. To get their official license, registered radiologic technologists are required to pass the ARRT certification exams.
Currently, Minnesota is home to 11 radiography programs accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). These programs offer a variety of qualifications including a Certificate, an Associate’s, a Bachelor’s in Radiology Technology, or a combination of these.
Here is a list of the institutions offering these programs:
1. Century College, White Bear Lake
2. Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis
3. Lake Superior College, Duluth
4. Mayo School of Health Sciences, Rochester
5. Minnesota State College, Winona, Detroit Lakes
6. Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Luverne
7. Northland Community & Technical College, East Grand Forks
8. Riverland Community College, Austin
9. St. Catherine University, Minneapolis
10. St. Cloud Hospital, St Cloud
11. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis
The current average yearly salary for a radiologic technologist in Minnesota is approximately $71,760, which equates to an average hourly wage of $34.50. This is higher than the national average annual salary for radiologic technologists, which stands at about $61,370. As with other states, the salaries of radiological technologists in Minnesota can fluctuate based on factors such as job responsibilities, employer, and experience level.
Meet with your high school guidance counselor or someone in that office who specializes in colleges and universities. Share your intent to become an ultrasound technician or radiological technician, so they can provide guidance on the program that best fits your interests, financial ability and current school performance records.
Share your goals with your family, friends, neighbors and teachers. One never knows who has a great connection to the field of healthcare and radiology, and can steer you in the best direction.
Currently, Minnesota is home to 11 radiography programs accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). These programs offer a variety of qualifications including a Certificate, an Associate’s, a Bachelor’s in Radiology Technology, or a combination of these.
Here is a list of the institutions offering these programs:
1. Century College, White Bear Lake
2. Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis
3. Lake Superior College, Duluth
4. Mayo School of Health Sciences, Rochester
5. Minnesota State College, Winona, Detroit Lakes
6. Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Luverne
7. Northland Community & Technical College, East Grand Forks
8. Riverland Community College, Austin
9. St. Catherine University, Minneapolis
10. St. Cloud Hospital, St Cloud
11. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis
The current average yearly salary for a radiologic technologist in Minnesota is approximately $71,760, which equates to an average hourly wage of $34.50. This is higher than the national average annual salary for radiologic technologists, which stands at about $61,370. As with other states, the salaries of radiological technologists in Minnesota can fluctuate based on factors such as job responsibilities, employer, and experience level.
Rudy recommends the following next steps:
Karin P.
Lecturer
376
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Zoe,
For an entry level position you need at minimum an associates degree which takes about 2 years. For better opportunities, a bachelors is advisable (4 years). You need to sit for a certification exam and some states require a license. You can also get different certifications for specializations.
If you want to move up in your profession, go into management of teach you should get your bachelors and masters.
https://www.bestcolleges.com/healthcare/ultrasound-technician/how-to-become-an-ultrasound-technician/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-with-sonographer-and-ultrasound-technician/
https://www.collegechoice.net/trades/ultrasound-technician/best-degrees/
Good luck!
KP
For an entry level position you need at minimum an associates degree which takes about 2 years. For better opportunities, a bachelors is advisable (4 years). You need to sit for a certification exam and some states require a license. You can also get different certifications for specializations.
If you want to move up in your profession, go into management of teach you should get your bachelors and masters.
https://www.bestcolleges.com/healthcare/ultrasound-technician/how-to-become-an-ultrasound-technician/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-with-sonographer-and-ultrasound-technician/
https://www.collegechoice.net/trades/ultrasound-technician/best-degrees/
Good luck!
KP