In the modern world, technology has become an important part in every field of life. Use of technology in health sector has been there for long time. Ultrasound technology is what is widely used to examine developing fetuses in the womb and health of organs. With the increasing use of this technology, there is demand of more and more ultrasound technicians. By becoming an ultrasound technician, you can have a happy living. Human anatomy is what you need to study so as to become ultrasound technician. Of course, you also need to get training of using this technology. If you want to be an ultrasound technician, then you are on the right page, as here, I’ll explain in detail about how to become so.
Ultrasound Technician Requirements
Education Requirements
Of course, you must meet the education requirements in order to become an ultrasound technician.
High School Diploma
Before joining any program to become an ultrasound technician, you need to have high school diploma or GED with you. In the diploma, the subjects you must read are : Computer Science, Math, English, Health Physical and life sciences. The high school diploma is your first step towards your goal of becoming an ultrasound technician.
Accredited Ultrasound Technician Program
The next step for you to do is to find out a course which is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Now, you should either complete postgraduate certificate program or complete your Associate’s Degree. Below provided points will clear the confusion in most effective manner.
- For those who are high school graduate, or are shifting careers in the health care industry, one-year program is meant to be taken.
- Associate’s degree can be earned by completing two-year course.
- What most people do is they opt for six month or even shorter period course. Don’t do this mistake. You won’t feel yourself prepared for opting for ultrasound technician line, and moreover, you won’t find a a good job as ultrasound technician, as the competition heat is too high.
- In some colleges, there may be requirement of completion of Certified Nursing Associate (CNA) course, so as to get admission in Diagnostic Medical Sonographer course.
- For those who have already Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree, I believe opting for any diploma course is best available choice.
- If you get a Master’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, it may result in opening of many other career options for you. 12-15 months is time this course’s completion takes.
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Clinical Training
During your course time, you can opt for clinical training which will help in building up your confidence to achieve your goal of becoming an ultrasound technician. Moreover, in clinical training, you can give a practical shape to whatever you learn.
Getting Certified
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams are what I’d suggest you all to opt for. No, it’s not any necessary step to be an ultrasound technician, but still, with it, you can clear the heat of competition and can have a high paying job.
The aforesaid exams have two parts : sub-specialty of your choice and general physics section.
Finding Job
The last, but most important step is to find job. Since you are done with all required steps, the last is to get a job. You’re now a registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, and are eligible to apply for jobs. Do check out the job openings near around you, take the help of your friends, relatives, and of course, of internet, too. Just a little hard work and you will eventually be an ultrasound technician.
