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How do I get into being an ultrasound technician as a senior in high school? #Fall24
Should I begin volunteering in healthcare places or begin taking any prerequisites somewhere?
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Yisel’s Answer
Hey Tammy,
Wow, you're exploring such a fascinating area! Being in California opens up a world of opportunities for you, especially with vocational programs tailored to your career interests.
No matter where you live, you can balance high school education with vocational training in the area that piques your interest. Here's a handy website to kickstart your research and see if it's something you'd like to pursue further.
You might also want to explore colleges and universities where ultrasound technicians are trained. They work in diverse environments, from law enforcement to hospitals, which makes this career path even more exciting. I hope this information helps you out!
Check out this link: https://www.gurnick.edu/campus-locations/san-jose-ca/
Wow, you're exploring such a fascinating area! Being in California opens up a world of opportunities for you, especially with vocational programs tailored to your career interests.
No matter where you live, you can balance high school education with vocational training in the area that piques your interest. Here's a handy website to kickstart your research and see if it's something you'd like to pursue further.
You might also want to explore colleges and universities where ultrasound technicians are trained. They work in diverse environments, from law enforcement to hospitals, which makes this career path even more exciting. I hope this information helps you out!
Check out this link: https://www.gurnick.edu/campus-locations/san-jose-ca/
Thank you so much!! This is very insightful!
Tammy
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
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James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Tammy!
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician as a Senior in High School
Becoming an ultrasound technician, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a rewarding career path that involves using specialized equipment to create images of the body’s organs and tissues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pursue this career while still in high school.
Step 1: Research the Profession
Understanding what an ultrasound technician does is crucial. They perform ultrasound examinations, assist physicians in diagnosing medical conditions, and may specialize in areas such as obstetrics, gynecology, or vascular imaging. Familiarize yourself with the daily responsibilities and work environment by visiting websites like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Step 2: Focus on Relevant Coursework
While still in high school, take courses that will prepare you for further education in this field. Focus on subjects such as biology, anatomy, physics, and mathematics. These subjects provide foundational knowledge that will be beneficial in your future studies.
Step 3: Volunteer or Gain Experience
Volunteering at healthcare facilities can provide valuable experience and insight into the healthcare environment. Look for opportunities at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes where you can observe healthcare professionals at work. This experience not only enhances your resume but also helps you build connections within the industry.
Step 4: Explore Educational Programs
After graduating from high school, you will need to enroll in an accredited ultrasound technology program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools and usually take about two years to complete. Some programs offer associate degrees while others may provide certificates. Ensure that any program you consider is accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Step 5: Complete Prerequisites
Many ultrasound technician programs have specific prerequisites that must be completed before admission. These may include courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and basic math skills. Check with your chosen program for their specific requirements.
Step 6: Obtain Certification
After completing your educational program, obtaining certification is often required to work as an ultrasound technician. The ARDMS offers certification exams that demonstrate your competency in various areas of sonography. Preparing for these exams during your studies can enhance your job prospects significantly.
Step 7: Seek Employment Opportunities
Once certified, begin applying for jobs as an ultrasound technician. Networking through internships or volunteer experiences can help you find job openings more easily. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations such as the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) for resources and networking opportunities.
In summary, starting your journey to become an ultrasound technician involves researching the profession, focusing on relevant coursework during high school, gaining volunteer experience in healthcare settings, enrolling in an accredited educational program post-graduation, completing necessary prerequisites, obtaining certification through recognized bodies like ARDMS, and actively seeking employment opportunities once qualified.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): This organization provides information about certification processes and resources related to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary expectations, and detailed descriptions of various occupations including ultrasound technicians.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): CAAHEP accredits educational programs for health professions including those for ultrasound technology ensuring they meet established standards.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician as a Senior in High School
Becoming an ultrasound technician, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a rewarding career path that involves using specialized equipment to create images of the body’s organs and tissues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pursue this career while still in high school.
Step 1: Research the Profession
Understanding what an ultrasound technician does is crucial. They perform ultrasound examinations, assist physicians in diagnosing medical conditions, and may specialize in areas such as obstetrics, gynecology, or vascular imaging. Familiarize yourself with the daily responsibilities and work environment by visiting websites like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Step 2: Focus on Relevant Coursework
While still in high school, take courses that will prepare you for further education in this field. Focus on subjects such as biology, anatomy, physics, and mathematics. These subjects provide foundational knowledge that will be beneficial in your future studies.
Step 3: Volunteer or Gain Experience
Volunteering at healthcare facilities can provide valuable experience and insight into the healthcare environment. Look for opportunities at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes where you can observe healthcare professionals at work. This experience not only enhances your resume but also helps you build connections within the industry.
Step 4: Explore Educational Programs
After graduating from high school, you will need to enroll in an accredited ultrasound technology program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools and usually take about two years to complete. Some programs offer associate degrees while others may provide certificates. Ensure that any program you consider is accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Step 5: Complete Prerequisites
Many ultrasound technician programs have specific prerequisites that must be completed before admission. These may include courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and basic math skills. Check with your chosen program for their specific requirements.
Step 6: Obtain Certification
After completing your educational program, obtaining certification is often required to work as an ultrasound technician. The ARDMS offers certification exams that demonstrate your competency in various areas of sonography. Preparing for these exams during your studies can enhance your job prospects significantly.
Step 7: Seek Employment Opportunities
Once certified, begin applying for jobs as an ultrasound technician. Networking through internships or volunteer experiences can help you find job openings more easily. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations such as the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) for resources and networking opportunities.
In summary, starting your journey to become an ultrasound technician involves researching the profession, focusing on relevant coursework during high school, gaining volunteer experience in healthcare settings, enrolling in an accredited educational program post-graduation, completing necessary prerequisites, obtaining certification through recognized bodies like ARDMS, and actively seeking employment opportunities once qualified.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): This organization provides information about certification processes and resources related to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary expectations, and detailed descriptions of various occupations including ultrasound technicians.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): CAAHEP accredits educational programs for health professions including those for ultrasound technology ensuring they meet established standards.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Updated
Evangeline’s Answer
Hi! I'm a sonography student from Southern California.
For me, I chose to go to a private school that offered courses at an accelerated rate. (40 credits a semester) My program was 18 months--- 12 of classes and 6 months of a clinical internship. We did not get a summer break or anything like that. I took the prerequisites at school, which was included in the 12 months. I took on about 25k of student loans, but I got a grant from FASFA which covered about half of it. (I qualified for the max amount of financial aid.) There are also local community colleges that I found, but those would have taken 3 years to finish for just an associate's degree and there was a waiting list for the program. A little later, I looked into it and students in community college only paid 6k for the same degree I'm getting. If I could do it again, I would have taken my prerequisites at a community college and transferred the credits to save money. Different schools can only offer a certain kind of accreditation and you have to be careful because there are some schools that will only give you a certificate (NOT a degree). Most places will not hire you without an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Warning for California:
Finding a job: Location is everything for this job. Southern California is a really competitive area, so I will most likely go out of state to find my first job and move back once I get 1-2 years of experience. Being registered can also help you find a job faster, in fact some places will not hire you unless you are certified by at least one specialty.
Getting certified: Like I said, certification is critical for finding a job after graduating. The certification is done by the ARDMS or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. This means you can get a job in almost any state. (some states have extra state exams). There are a few routes for qualifying to take your ARDMS. 1 Get a bachelor's degree in something (healthcare or sonography). If you get a bachelor's in something other than sonography, you will also need an associate's in sonography. 2 Go to a CAAHEP-accredited school and get an associate's degree. 3 Get an associate's and work in the field for a year. This can be a little hard because most places will not hire you without certification, BUT it is possible. If you do an internship through your school, sometimes they will offer you a job after if they like you. 4 Take the ARRT. ARRT stands for AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS. This is an exam that covers abdomen procedures and pathology, OB questions, and ultrasound physics. If you pass you can sit for your ARDMS. YES the ARDSM is an exam. You have to meet the requirements before you can apply to take the exam, which is $275. You also have to take the SPI which is an ultrasound physics exam done by ARDMS before you can take the ARDMS for a specialty.
Next steps: Do research on what kind of programs different schools offer. Pay attention to the fine print! (accreditation, length, how they train you, internship opportunities). Ask what prerequisites they require and take these at a community college (Make sure they accept transfer credits first!!) Continue at either community if they offer a Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree, or look into private colleges. Weigh the pros and cons like the cost of tuition and commute.
Side note: I went to Platt college, They have a few locations in Southern Califoria, but I'm not sure if they have one near you. I know some classmates who drove over an hour to attend though. Either way, I was happy with my decision to enroll and they offer good internship opportunities. They aren't a CAAHEP-accredited school, but I plan to take the ARRT after I graduate. Everything on the exam was covered in school, but because of the fast pace, it's up to you to stick with it and continue to study. (I have to relearn a few topics myself because I forgot some things during my internship.) I'm getting my associate's degree, but they also have a bachelor's program that is only a 9 addition months. (That's less 3 years in total!)
For me, I chose to go to a private school that offered courses at an accelerated rate. (40 credits a semester) My program was 18 months--- 12 of classes and 6 months of a clinical internship. We did not get a summer break or anything like that. I took the prerequisites at school, which was included in the 12 months. I took on about 25k of student loans, but I got a grant from FASFA which covered about half of it. (I qualified for the max amount of financial aid.) There are also local community colleges that I found, but those would have taken 3 years to finish for just an associate's degree and there was a waiting list for the program. A little later, I looked into it and students in community college only paid 6k for the same degree I'm getting. If I could do it again, I would have taken my prerequisites at a community college and transferred the credits to save money. Different schools can only offer a certain kind of accreditation and you have to be careful because there are some schools that will only give you a certificate (NOT a degree). Most places will not hire you without an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Warning for California:
Finding a job: Location is everything for this job. Southern California is a really competitive area, so I will most likely go out of state to find my first job and move back once I get 1-2 years of experience. Being registered can also help you find a job faster, in fact some places will not hire you unless you are certified by at least one specialty.
Getting certified: Like I said, certification is critical for finding a job after graduating. The certification is done by the ARDMS or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. This means you can get a job in almost any state. (some states have extra state exams). There are a few routes for qualifying to take your ARDMS. 1 Get a bachelor's degree in something (healthcare or sonography). If you get a bachelor's in something other than sonography, you will also need an associate's in sonography. 2 Go to a CAAHEP-accredited school and get an associate's degree. 3 Get an associate's and work in the field for a year. This can be a little hard because most places will not hire you without certification, BUT it is possible. If you do an internship through your school, sometimes they will offer you a job after if they like you. 4 Take the ARRT. ARRT stands for AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS. This is an exam that covers abdomen procedures and pathology, OB questions, and ultrasound physics. If you pass you can sit for your ARDMS. YES the ARDSM is an exam. You have to meet the requirements before you can apply to take the exam, which is $275. You also have to take the SPI which is an ultrasound physics exam done by ARDMS before you can take the ARDMS for a specialty.
Next steps: Do research on what kind of programs different schools offer. Pay attention to the fine print! (accreditation, length, how they train you, internship opportunities). Ask what prerequisites they require and take these at a community college (Make sure they accept transfer credits first!!) Continue at either community if they offer a Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree, or look into private colleges. Weigh the pros and cons like the cost of tuition and commute.
Side note: I went to Platt college, They have a few locations in Southern Califoria, but I'm not sure if they have one near you. I know some classmates who drove over an hour to attend though. Either way, I was happy with my decision to enroll and they offer good internship opportunities. They aren't a CAAHEP-accredited school, but I plan to take the ARRT after I graduate. Everything on the exam was covered in school, but because of the fast pace, it's up to you to stick with it and continue to study. (I have to relearn a few topics myself because I forgot some things during my internship.) I'm getting my associate's degree, but they also have a bachelor's program that is only a 9 addition months. (That's less 3 years in total!)