Becoming an Ultrasound Technician: Educational Requirements

Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, have a surprising amount of applications in their field. Although the most common use of ultrasound technology is for monitoring fetuses during pregnancy, this is only one use for this incredibly versatile equipment. 

Because it is safe for use on patients of all ages and health conditions, medical practitioners are constantly coming up with new uses for ultrasounds. Recent developments have even allowed ultrasounds to be taken using smartphones and other mobile devices, enabling practitioners to bring the technology to places it has never been before, including third-world countries and other remote areas.

So, just what does it take to become an ultrasound technician? Here's what you need to know to get started.

Education Requirements

In order to gain employment as an ultrasound technician, you'll need to complete the coursework for a college degree. The degree can be taken at an accelerated rate, making it possible to for dedicated students to finish in as little as 18 months.

When choosing your educational institution, it is crucial that you choose one that is accredited. Although there are schools that will say that they can provide the training you need, you will not be admitted to take the necessary certification exams at the end of the program if your school is not accredited. Save yourself time, money, and headaches by checking with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Certification and Licensing

Before you are able to get a job as a sonographer, you'll need to pass the registry examinations. These tests are administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. When you pass the test, you'll receive the designation of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, which demonstrates that you have the education and training needed to be successful in the industry.

The Learning Environment

As you progress through your degree program, you'll engage in both classroom and clinical courses. The classroom components will give you the background knowledge and information you need to progress through the program. You'll likely take classes in topics including anatomy and physiology, physics, pathology, ultrasound imaging, and ethics and protocols. These courses will provide the foundation for the rest of your education.

Once you have mastered the topics in the classroom courses, the clinical aspects will give you hands-on training in an actual medical setting. In your earliest clinical courses, you will likely spend most of your time observing experienced sonographers until you are ready to perform ultrasound examinations yourself.

The standard requirement for an accredited program is 1,000 hours of clinical education, although individual programs may require more as they see fit. You'll also need to complete additional hours for any specialties you choose to add to your education.

Personal Requirements

In addition to the formal education requirements in this field, there are also some personal characteristics that will make some individuals more suited to becoming ultrasound technicians than others. Because you will be working with people in situations that can sometimes be sensitive, you'll need to have excellent interpersonal skills. The patients you'll be working with may be upset, worried, or stressed, so you'll need to be able to keep them calm throughout the procedure. You'll also need to be willing to maintain strict confidentiality for your patients.

Sonography work can also be physically demanding. You must have good vision, keen hearing, and good motor skills. Sometimes patients will need to be lifted or positioned. Being able to stand, bend, and twist, will also be essential to this job.

Are you interested in a degree in sonography? If you would like to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, ECPI University offers this degree program on an accelerated schedule. For more information about this program, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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