Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certification in Orlando: What Does it Take?
Chances are that you have seen at least one ultrasound performed, whether in person or on a television show. The non-invasive procedure is a useful diagnostic tool, so medical facilities use them to find the best way to treat their patients. This creates a demand for skilled diagnostic medical sonographers, or those with the training and skill needed to operate an ultrasound machine. If you are interested in earning money while making lives better for others, you will want to know more about the path to becoming an ultrasound technician.
Certification and Testing Requirements
Like many careers in the medical field, diagnostic sonography positions will want a certification showing your proficiency in addition to your completed degree. Only a handful of states have laws requiring a certification, but the value of the test for ensuring that patients receive the best care encourages hospitals and doctor offices around the country to look for certifications from their applicants.
There are two organizations that offer certifications for sonographers: the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT). Both offer a variety of certifications that range from specialties to overall competency. Employers of ultrasound technicians typically require a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification from the ARDMS.
Additional certifications can help you qualify for specialty positions or add bulk to your credentials to push yourself ahead of other candidates. If you want to get a better idea of the requirements that employers in your area want, look at online job postings on a site like Indeed. For example, a potential student in Orlando, Florida could search the local area and see employers typically want the RDMS.
The search would also reveal that many employers want their technicians to have certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR from the American Red Cross. These basic certifications help the office know that you can help a patient in an emergency while they are under your care.
Educational Requirements
The minimum educational requirement for an ultrasound technician to qualify for taking the RDMS tests is an Associate's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that is typically earned over a 2-year period, although can be earned faster with an accelerated program.
No extra clinical hours are required for those who earn an associate's degree specifically covering sonography. For those with a related associate's or higher, a year of on-the-job sonography covers the gap. It can still be helpful for those who are looking to switch fields to take educational courses for sonography to prepare for the exam.
Specialties and Career Advancement
Sonographers can specialize in a number of fields, including any of the subjects covered under the RDMS test like OB/GYN sonography, breast examinations, or abdominal ultrasounds. As you gain experience, you should begin to qualify for more advanced positions in research settings or specialized wards.
One specialty showing promise for rapid development is the field of echocardiology. Advanced imaging techniques are being used to create 3-D models of the heart, making it easier for doctors to diagnose any ailments. The new methods and machines in use require more training and experience from the technicians, so be sure to hunt for classes and opportunities to learn more if it sounds like an interesting career path for you.
Preparing for Diagnostic Sonography Requirements
The first step in achieving your new career in diagnostic sonography is to find a school that gives you all of the tools that you need to succeed. If you're interested in earning an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, consider ECPI University for your education. For more information about this accelerated program, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Sonography - Associate’s
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