2 answers
Sophie
Student
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
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How to become a Ultrasound Technician ?
Hello I have another question so my Plan B is to become a Ultrasound Technician some people said I can go to trade school. Please can someone tell me the step by step things I need and like step by step on how to become a ultrasound Tech. (
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Sophie becoming an ultrasound technician does not require a medical degree and is considered one of the least stressful in the medical field. On top of that, the job pays relatively well, is in high demand and brings fulfillment to many professionals.
STEP 1) HIGHSCHOOL DIPLOMA
Earning a high school diploma or GED certificate is an important step toward gainful employment in almost any field. A high school education is your gateway to college and creating a career, and you absolutely need one in order to become an ultrasound technician.
STEP 2) ASSOCIATE DEGREE
There are several options for a sonography education. Most ultrasound techs opt to pursue a two-year associate degree in sonography from an accredited program. You should look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which ensures quality standards in health science programs.
STEP 3) CERTIFICATION
While certification isn't a requirement for ultrasound technicians, many employers prefer to hire candidates with credentials from a recognized organization. One highly recognized industry certification is the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). You can apply to take the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination to earn the certification before you graduate from a sonography program.
In your first job Sophie, you may initially work under the supervision of experienced ultrasound technicians. Observe them closely and ask questions to apply the skills you've learned in your training program.
STEP 1) HIGHSCHOOL DIPLOMA
Earning a high school diploma or GED certificate is an important step toward gainful employment in almost any field. A high school education is your gateway to college and creating a career, and you absolutely need one in order to become an ultrasound technician.
STEP 2) ASSOCIATE DEGREE
There are several options for a sonography education. Most ultrasound techs opt to pursue a two-year associate degree in sonography from an accredited program. You should look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which ensures quality standards in health science programs.
STEP 3) CERTIFICATION
While certification isn't a requirement for ultrasound technicians, many employers prefer to hire candidates with credentials from a recognized organization. One highly recognized industry certification is the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). You can apply to take the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination to earn the certification before you graduate from a sonography program.
In your first job Sophie, you may initially work under the supervision of experienced ultrasound technicians. Observe them closely and ask questions to apply the skills you've learned in your training program.
Thank You Michelle. Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.
Doc Frick
Jacqueline Soriano
Cardiac sonographer
5
Answers
Garland, Texas
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
To become a sonographer, you can go the Associates degree route, or bachelors. Either way, you want to go to a CAAHEP program.
https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program
Take any prerequisite courses and apply for programs you would like to attend. Most are broken down into general (OB/GYN, abdomen, and vascular) or cardiac. If you go to a bachelors program, you may get to do all of these vs having to decide. Personally, I went the cardiac route.
Once in a program, they guide you from there. You'll have didactic courses, lab time, and clinical rotations.
The job is great but please know that it is not a "stress free" job. There are many days you have back to back patients with difficult pathology to scan. You can develop pain from scanning larger patients or in difficult ICU rooms. This job isn't easy but it is rewarding! Lolgeselle on YouTube has great info!
https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program
Take any prerequisite courses and apply for programs you would like to attend. Most are broken down into general (OB/GYN, abdomen, and vascular) or cardiac. If you go to a bachelors program, you may get to do all of these vs having to decide. Personally, I went the cardiac route.
Once in a program, they guide you from there. You'll have didactic courses, lab time, and clinical rotations.
The job is great but please know that it is not a "stress free" job. There are many days you have back to back patients with difficult pathology to scan. You can develop pain from scanning larger patients or in difficult ICU rooms. This job isn't easy but it is rewarding! Lolgeselle on YouTube has great info!