What Degree do you Need to Become an Ultrasound Technician?
Are you interested in a career as an ultrasound technician? If you are, you might be wondering what the educational requirements are for a medical sonography practitioner. These requirements can vary by state. Be sure you check your state’s requirements while researching programs. Let’s take a look at some of the requirements for ultrasound technicians.
What is Medical Sonography?
Medical sonography is the use of imaging techniques to take pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures help doctors and other medical professionals diagnose illness or injury. The information is also used to determine a treatment plan, or to track the progress of babies in utero.
The images are collected using focused sound waves. As the waves pass through the body, they bounce signals back to the machinery. From these signals, the display monitor is able to create a picture.
Medical imaging makes diagnosing internal illness easy and non-invasive. It provides a painless way for doctors to make diagnoses with a high degree of accuracy. Sonographers are needed in every medical specialty, from the offices of general practitioners to physical therapy practices.
What Does a Sonographer Do?
The primary function of a medical sonographer is to obtain images that a doctor can use to make diagnoses. But, like most allied health positions, the sonographer’s daily duties include communicating with other patients and other professionals, solid procedural habits, and supporting high medical standards. Sonographers are responsible for:
- Obtaining, reviewing, and integrating patient history and clinical data with their imaging techniques to provide a more accurate diagnosis.
- Recording data accurately.
- Using their knowledge of anatomy and medical conditions to obtain the most useful images possible.
- Communicating professionally with colleagues and patients.
Sonographers are an important link in the healthcare chain. As with all health professionals, their first duty is to do everything they can to heal the patient.
Educational Requirements for Ultrasound Technicians
To be hired as a medical sonographer, employers require applicants to show proof training in the basic knowledge, skills, and procedures needed to provide accurate and professional images. The training material is equivalent to a 2-year associates degree. However, the coursework does not have to be completed in a traditional 2- or 4-year college. Accelerated training programs cover all the required subjects in less time.
During the coursework, students generally learn:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
- How to operate imaging equipment
- Patient care and procedures
- Ethics
Coursework may include other classes for those seeking certification in specialized imaging. Most training programs include a period of hands-on training in the academic setting.
Only four states require medical sonographers to hold a state-sanctioned license to practice: Oregon, North Dakota, New Hampshire, and New Mexico. Certification can be obtained by testing with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RDMS) or American Registry of Radiological Technologists (AART). Those who concentrate on cardiac imaging can seek certification through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Even if your state does not require it, certification is a way to prove your skills to potential employers and gives you an extra edge over the competition during the hiring process.
Are you interested in the vast field of medical sonography? If you want to earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, consider ECPI University for your education. With year-round classes and an accelerated schedule, students can earn their degrees in as little as 18 months. For more information, connect with a friendly ECPI University admissions representative today.
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Gainful Employment Information – Sonography - Associate’s
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