How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Technician?

If you’re considering a career in ultrasound technology, you might be wondering how long it takes to complete the training and become a qualified ultrasound technician. Here’s a look at the education and training requirements, as well as what you can expect in terms of job outlook and salary potential.

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How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, are medical professionals who specialise in using imaging techniques to produce diagnostic images of patients’ internal organs and tissues. The majority of ultrasound technician programs are two-year associate’s degree programs, but some certificate and bachelor’s degree programs are also available.

Associate’s Degree

It typically takes two years to earn an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. During the first year, you’ll likely take courses to build a foundation in math, English and sciences. In the second year, you’ll complete more specialized coursework in sonography principles and practices. You may also have the opportunity to participate in an internship or externship at a hospital or other medical facility.

Bachelor’s Degree

Those who want to become ultrasound technicians will need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in sonography. There are several schools across the country that offer such a program. The length of time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree program varies depending on the school, but most programs can be completed in four years.

Professional Certification

To work as an ultrasound technician, you must have professional certification. Certification shows that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform ultrasound scans correctly.

There are two main organizations that offer certification for ultrasound technicians: the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). To be eligible for certification, you must first complete an accredited ultrasound technician program.

The ARDMS offers two main types of certification: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) and Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS). To be eligible for RDMS certification, you must have completed a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). To be eligible for RCS certification, you must have completing a CAAHEP-accredited cardiac sonography program.

The NBME offers two types of certification: Certified Ultrasound Technician (CUT) and Certified Allied Health Professional (CAHP). To be eligible for CUT certification, you must have completed an NBME-accredited ultrasound program. CAHP certification is open to professionals who have completed an accredited allied health program in a field other than ultrasound.

Once you have completed an accredited ultrasound technician program, you can register for the ARDMS or NBME certification exam. The ARDMS exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The NBME exam consists of a written exam and a clinical skills assessment.

After passing the examination, you will be awarded your professional credential. You will then need to renew your credential every four years by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.

What Are the Education Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, use special equipment to create images or conduct tests. The length of time it takes to become an ultrasound technician depends on the level of education you pursue. Some ultrasound technicians may only need a certificate or an associate degree, while others may need a bachelor’s degree.

Associate’s Degree

Most ultrasound technician programs last between two and four years, although some certificate programs can be completed in as little as one year. The majority of ultrasound technicians have an associate’s degree, although some have a bachelor’s degree. There are also a few specialized programs that offer a master’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in ultrasound technology is the most common credential needed to start a career in this field. These programs typically take four years to complete, although some schools offer accelerated tracks that can be completed in as little as three years. During their studies, ultrasound tech students take classes in anatomy and physiology, physics, and medical ethics, as well as completing clinical rotations.

Professional Certification

In order to become an ultrasound technician, you will need to complete a professional certification program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools, and they take anywhere from one to two years to complete. Once you have completed a professional certification program, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

What Are the Job Duties of an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a health professional who uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasound technicians use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body, which are then interpreted by a physician.

Perform diagnostic imaging examinations

An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, performs diagnostic imaging examinations using special equipment that directs sound waves into patients’ bodies to create images of internal organs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The images are used by physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Prepare patients for procedures

Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use high-frequency sound waves to capture live images of the inside of patients’ bodies. The pictures produced by an ultrasound machine are also called sonograms. The physicians who interpret these sonograms are called radiologists.

The duties of an ultrasound technician may vary depending on his or her place of employment, but most technicians perform the following tasks:
-Prepare patients for procedures
-Explain the procedure to patients
-Position patients on examination tables
-Apply gel to patients’ skin
-Operate ultrasound machines
-Produce sonograms
-Take measurements
-Maintain equipment

Operate ultrasound equipment

Operating ultrasound equipment is the primary job duty of an ultrasound technician. Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, use special equipment to create images or conduct tests. The images produced by ultrasound waves can be used to diagnose various medical conditions.

An ultrasound technician must be able to operate the equipment in order to produce high-quality images. In addition, they must be able to explain the procedures to patients and answer any questions they may have. They must also be able to communicate effectively with doctors and other members of the healthcare team.

What Are the Career Opportunities for an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians use sound waves to create images of the inside of the human body. They are also known as diagnostic medical sonographers or ultrasound technologists. An ultrasound technician typically works in a hospital or a diagnostic imaging center.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly trained professional who uses special equipment to create images (sonograms) of structures inside the human body. These images are used by physicians to make diagnoses.

Sonographers are found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and research facilities. They may specialize in a particular area of ultrasound, such as obstetrics or cardiology.

Most sonographers have at least an Associate’s degree from an accredited program, although some have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program. In addition, most sonographers must be certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

The job outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is very good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026—much faster than the average for all occupations.

Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular technologists are responsible for operating machines that diagnose heart conditions and blood vessel disorders. They may also assist physicians during surgeries. Most cardiovascular technologists have an Associate’s degree, but some jobs may require a Bachelor’s degree. The median annual salary for a cardiovascular technologist is $60,530.

Radiologic Technologist

A radiologic technologist is a medical professional who uses imaging technologies to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. A wide variety of imaging modalities are used in diagnostic radiology, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound.

Radiologic technologists typically complete a two-year associate’s degree in radiologic technology. Some technologists may choose to pursue additional education and training to specialize in a particular area of diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography or MRI.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of radiologic technologists will grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will be driven by the aging Baby Boomer population, who will require more diagnostic imaging procedures as they age. In addition, advances in technology are leading to the development of new diagnostic procedures that will require the services of trained radiologic technologists.