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How do I become a sonographer with a degree in health science instead of diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician?
I want to become a sonographer but there are not many programs in my state that offer that major. I am going to go into a health science major but I do not know where to go from there.
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Fenton’s Answer
Hi Lindsey,
You have an awesome and dynamic two part question.
I have good news on both parts. Now, I did things differently than you did. I actually went to X-ray (Radiologic Technologist) school long before I received my bachelors of Health Science. Keep in mind that each state requires different prerequisites for job placements. In New Jersey, I was required to take an accredited X-ray program to learn both the academics and clinical side of diagnotic imaging (which includes several various modalities). The typical X-ray program is at minimum 1.5 years of both study and clinical competencies, followed by a State of New Jersey Board of Examiners (examination test). I also needed to finish an American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) examination test, which was part of my State test. Once I passed both tests with an 80% or better, I became a board certified radiologic technologist in radiology/ RT (R) (ARRT).
The modality of ultrasound has its own academic and clinical competencies to complete. You will also have to partake in a 1.5 year diagnostic medical sonography program, which is also an accredited program from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. You do not need an X-ray degree to become an ultrasound tech and you don't need to take a sonography program to become an X-ray tech. However, each modality requires academic and clinical training as well as additional State Board exams to gain accredited registration to each modality. In other words, many students become X-ray techs, then move on to Computed Tomography (CT scan tech), or Magnetic Resonnance Imaging (MRI tech), or Medical Sonography (Ultrasound tech), and there are several other specialty modalities to transition to.
The main objective for you is to gain your accredited certification to perform diagnotic medical sonography. The key takeaway is for you to gain as much clinical experience as possible, because that is where you will be spending everyday of your working life mastering your modality and providing safe and effective allied healthcare. As a prospective student, I would ask your future clinical professor to spend a day shadowing a few ultrasound techs in different clinical settings, such as a cardiovascular doctor's office, OBGYN office, and the outpatient hospital setting to see which type of sonographer that suits you. You may find that the clinical setting is not your cup of tea, but you can still use that knowledge to pursue other allied healthcare professions. Vocational education and practical application is paramount to finding out what works for you, so you can work best for others. Radiation Therapy is another modality that deals with focusing on cancerous tumors and using a precise beam of radiation to mitigate the cancer. These are opportunities to think about as you progress in your health science field. I hope this answers your questions and points you in the right direction. Please, seek your educational counselors for their best advise and to go over additional program options.
Fenton G. (BS), (RT) (R) (ARRT)
Complete your current educational goals
Find an accredited Sonography or Ultrasound program
Obtain your certification
Gain clinical experience
Continuing education
You have an awesome and dynamic two part question.
I have good news on both parts. Now, I did things differently than you did. I actually went to X-ray (Radiologic Technologist) school long before I received my bachelors of Health Science. Keep in mind that each state requires different prerequisites for job placements. In New Jersey, I was required to take an accredited X-ray program to learn both the academics and clinical side of diagnotic imaging (which includes several various modalities). The typical X-ray program is at minimum 1.5 years of both study and clinical competencies, followed by a State of New Jersey Board of Examiners (examination test). I also needed to finish an American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) examination test, which was part of my State test. Once I passed both tests with an 80% or better, I became a board certified radiologic technologist in radiology/ RT (R) (ARRT).
The modality of ultrasound has its own academic and clinical competencies to complete. You will also have to partake in a 1.5 year diagnostic medical sonography program, which is also an accredited program from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. You do not need an X-ray degree to become an ultrasound tech and you don't need to take a sonography program to become an X-ray tech. However, each modality requires academic and clinical training as well as additional State Board exams to gain accredited registration to each modality. In other words, many students become X-ray techs, then move on to Computed Tomography (CT scan tech), or Magnetic Resonnance Imaging (MRI tech), or Medical Sonography (Ultrasound tech), and there are several other specialty modalities to transition to.
The main objective for you is to gain your accredited certification to perform diagnotic medical sonography. The key takeaway is for you to gain as much clinical experience as possible, because that is where you will be spending everyday of your working life mastering your modality and providing safe and effective allied healthcare. As a prospective student, I would ask your future clinical professor to spend a day shadowing a few ultrasound techs in different clinical settings, such as a cardiovascular doctor's office, OBGYN office, and the outpatient hospital setting to see which type of sonographer that suits you. You may find that the clinical setting is not your cup of tea, but you can still use that knowledge to pursue other allied healthcare professions. Vocational education and practical application is paramount to finding out what works for you, so you can work best for others. Radiation Therapy is another modality that deals with focusing on cancerous tumors and using a precise beam of radiation to mitigate the cancer. These are opportunities to think about as you progress in your health science field. I hope this answers your questions and points you in the right direction. Please, seek your educational counselors for their best advise and to go over additional program options.
Fenton G. (BS), (RT) (R) (ARRT)
Fenton recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Lindsay,
The terms 'Ultrasound Technician' and 'Sonographer' are often used interchangeably, but it's important to note that sonographers usually have additional training. There are several avenues to becoming a sonographer. The most common route is to earn an associate's degree, which generally takes around two years and is usually pursued at a community college.
Another option is to enroll in a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography at a college, university, or teaching hospital. These programs combine academic courses with practical clinical experience. The certificate program usually lasts for about a year and is designed for individuals who already have training in another healthcare field.
A degree in Health Science can provide a solid foundation for a future career as a sonographer. Since you're based in Boston, you might want to explore whether any local hospitals offer a certificate program in Sonography. My online research revealed that two institutions offer an accelerated program for a Bachelor of Science in Sonography. These are the MCPHS School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics and the MCPHS Boston campus. This degree is tailored for transfer students and those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. It aims to equip you with the skills needed to become an entry-level sonographer, with the opportunity to specialize in extended abdomen and obstetrics and gynecology. These programs could be a suitable next step after your Health Science program.
Additionally, I recommend contacting local hospitals to see if you could shadow a working sonographer for a few days. This would give you the chance to ask about their journey to their current position.
Best of luck with your career journey!
The terms 'Ultrasound Technician' and 'Sonographer' are often used interchangeably, but it's important to note that sonographers usually have additional training. There are several avenues to becoming a sonographer. The most common route is to earn an associate's degree, which generally takes around two years and is usually pursued at a community college.
Another option is to enroll in a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography at a college, university, or teaching hospital. These programs combine academic courses with practical clinical experience. The certificate program usually lasts for about a year and is designed for individuals who already have training in another healthcare field.
A degree in Health Science can provide a solid foundation for a future career as a sonographer. Since you're based in Boston, you might want to explore whether any local hospitals offer a certificate program in Sonography. My online research revealed that two institutions offer an accelerated program for a Bachelor of Science in Sonography. These are the MCPHS School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics and the MCPHS Boston campus. This degree is tailored for transfer students and those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. It aims to equip you with the skills needed to become an entry-level sonographer, with the opportunity to specialize in extended abdomen and obstetrics and gynecology. These programs could be a suitable next step after your Health Science program.
Additionally, I recommend contacting local hospitals to see if you could shadow a working sonographer for a few days. This would give you the chance to ask about their journey to their current position.
Best of luck with your career journey!
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Lindsey,
Good question! You can still become a sonographer even with a degree in health science. Here are steps you can follow to transition into a sonography career:
1. Complete Your Health Science Degree
- Earning a bachelor's degree in health science will provide a strong foundation in healthcare knowledge. While it's not specific to sonography, many healthcare principles overlap.
2. Research Certification Programs for Sonography
- After completing your health science degree, look for post-graduate certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs are often shorter (12–18 months) and focus solely on sonography skills and clinical training.
- Some states or institutions may offer online or hybrid programs if there are limited schools in your state.
3. Check Accreditation and Program Requirements
- Make sure any sonography certification program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This ensures you meet the standards required to become certified.
- Check if the program requires any specific prerequisites, such as anatomy, physiology, or physics courses. Your health science degree may cover some of these.
4. Obtain Certification
- After completing the sonography certificate program, you’ll need to get certified. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) has the most recognized certifications. You’ll need to pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and a specialty exam (e.g., abdominal or obstetric sonography).
5. Gain Clinical Experience
- Many sonography programs include clinical rotations, but you might also consider internships or volunteering in hospitals or clinics to gain hands-on experience.
6. Continuing Education and Specialization
- Consider further specializing in certain areas of sonography (e.g., cardiac or vascular sonography) after gaining experience, which can open up more job opportunities and advancement.
Alternative Pathways:
If you can't find a sonography program in your state, you could consider:
- Online Programs: Some schools offer accredited online sonography programs with clinical components completed in your local area.
- Relocation or Out-of-State Programs: Explore programs in neighboring states or schools that offer flexible scheduling for out-of-state students.
By following these steps, you can build a solid path toward becoming a sonographer with your health science degree as a foundation.
Best wishes!
Good question! You can still become a sonographer even with a degree in health science. Here are steps you can follow to transition into a sonography career:
1. Complete Your Health Science Degree
- Earning a bachelor's degree in health science will provide a strong foundation in healthcare knowledge. While it's not specific to sonography, many healthcare principles overlap.
2. Research Certification Programs for Sonography
- After completing your health science degree, look for post-graduate certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs are often shorter (12–18 months) and focus solely on sonography skills and clinical training.
- Some states or institutions may offer online or hybrid programs if there are limited schools in your state.
3. Check Accreditation and Program Requirements
- Make sure any sonography certification program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This ensures you meet the standards required to become certified.
- Check if the program requires any specific prerequisites, such as anatomy, physiology, or physics courses. Your health science degree may cover some of these.
4. Obtain Certification
- After completing the sonography certificate program, you’ll need to get certified. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) has the most recognized certifications. You’ll need to pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and a specialty exam (e.g., abdominal or obstetric sonography).
5. Gain Clinical Experience
- Many sonography programs include clinical rotations, but you might also consider internships or volunteering in hospitals or clinics to gain hands-on experience.
6. Continuing Education and Specialization
- Consider further specializing in certain areas of sonography (e.g., cardiac or vascular sonography) after gaining experience, which can open up more job opportunities and advancement.
Alternative Pathways:
If you can't find a sonography program in your state, you could consider:
- Online Programs: Some schools offer accredited online sonography programs with clinical components completed in your local area.
- Relocation or Out-of-State Programs: Explore programs in neighboring states or schools that offer flexible scheduling for out-of-state students.
By following these steps, you can build a solid path toward becoming a sonographer with your health science degree as a foundation.
Best wishes!