what course should i take to become a ultrasound technician

Q. How much does an Ultrasound Technician make?

In the United States, an Ultrasound Technician can make around $74,000 a year. When just starting out, it is likely that you’ll make around $64,000...

Q. What does an Ultrasound Technician do?

The main goal of an Ultrasound Technician is to get a clear picture of what is going on inside their patient’s body. They do this by putting a wand...

Q. How long does it take to become an Ultrasound Technician?

The length of time that it takes to become an Ultrasound Technician can vary, depending on which type of school you attend. Those that attend certi...

Q. Is there a demand for Ultrasound Technicians?

Yes, there is a high demand for Ultrasound Technicians. It seems that more and more doctors are using ultrasounds to help diagnose illnesses. They...

Q. How much does it cost to become an Ultrasound Technician?

It can cost a bit of money to become an Ultrasound Technician. A typical Associates degree can cost around $10,000 depending on the college you att...

How to become an ultrasound tech?

Becoming an ultrasound technician requires you to first complete high school and receive your diploma. Once complete, you’ll need to attend a formal education program at an accredited college or university to receive an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

What is ultrasound technician?

Ultrasound technicians use specialized equipment to examine parts of the human body, including the abdomen, breast, thyroid, heart and more. They work alongside doctors and other medical professionals to help diagnose diseases and other health conditions through precise imaging.

How long does it take to become an ultrasound technician?

Being an ultrasound technician may seem like a daunting job, but it only takes a minimum of two years to complete the schooling necessary.

What degree do you need to become a sonographer?

A specialization in sonography requires only an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in science and a certification from the ARDMS. Sonographers are in high demand in 2021. You’ll have a salaried job in the medical workforce in no time.

What is an ultrasound used for?

An obstetric sonogram is a procedure we are most familiar with, but an ultrasound can be used to examine the internal workings of pretty much any part of the human body.

Where do ultrasound technicians work?

Ultrasound technicians, or sonographers, work mostly in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and diagnostic laboratories. They specialize in operating an ultrasound machine to produce images that a physician can use to diagnose a patient.

What is the purpose of an ultrasound machine?

You can use a sonogram machine to analyze breast tissue, examine the brain and spinal cord, and examine organs in the abdominal cavity.

How much does an ultrasound technician make?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the median annual salary of an ultrasound technician at $75,920 as of May 2020. The top 10% of ultrasound technicians make a salary of over $105,340. Sonographers hold one of the top-paying jobs you can get with just a four-year degree.

How much does a nurse make in 2020?

According to the BLS, the median yearly salary for a registered nurse was $75,330 in May of 2020. This is about $600 less than the median wage for sonographers during that same time. Like an ultrasound technician, an RN has to earn either a bachelor’s or associate's degree.

How long does it take to become an ultrasound technician?

Attend an accredited ultrasound program. Two to four years. Students can opt for certificate programs, associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees in ultrasound technology. Associate degrees are the most popular option for this career. Choose a program accredited by the CAAHEP.

What is the purpose of the ultrasound exam?

The exam ensures the test taker possesses the minimum level knowledge and skills to complete their job duties for the typical entry-level position. Major topics covered by the exam include the scientific principles of ultrasound technology and specific ultrasound procedures for certain types of patients.

What is the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®) is a leading provider of certifications for professionals who work with ultrasound in the medical field. ARDMS® administers a wide range of ultrasound specialization certifications and also provides volunteer opportunities and networking opportunities for ultrasound professionals.

How many credits do you need to become an ARRT certified?

Every two years, certification holders must complete at least 24 continuing education credits, or the holder may meet all 24 credit requirements by passing an additional ARRT® approved certification exam. More information about meeting the continuing education requirements can be found here.

What is RDMS certification?

Overview: The RDMS certification is a generalized credential that certifies a sonographer has general knowledge of diagnostic medical sonography and can provide services safely. Ultrasound professionals who want to work in specialty areas will be most interested in this certification.

How long does ARRT certification last?

An ARRT® certification lasts 10 years. This means all certification holders must be recertified 10 years after their original certification. This CQR process consists of creating a professional profile, going through a self-assessment process and taking additional continuing education credits. The CQR process is still being developed, with more information available at the ARRT®’s website.

What is SPI exam?

The SPI exam is the cornerstone test for the various ARDMS® certifications available to ultrasound technicians. Professionals who plan in specializing in a particular area, such as pediatrics, cardiac care or obstetrics, will need to pass this certification exam.

What degree do you need to be an ultrasound technician?

Depending on where you want to work, most employers require at least an Associates’s degree or a Bachelors’s degree in order to work as an Ultrasound Technician. It may also be possible to earn a certificate through a university or technical school in order to complete this requirement.

How long does it take to become an ultrasound technician?

A certificate program to become an Ultrasound Technician can take from one year to two years. While an Associates’ degree takes around two years to complete. With a Bachelors’s degree, you can expect to be in school for at least four years.

What is an ultrasound technician?

An Ultrasound Technician works with patients as well as doctors to create images of the insides of people. These images are taken by placing a small sound wave on the patient’s body, which resonates throughout the body and onto a screen in the doctor’s office. The purpose of the images is to diagnose medical conditions or to see a fetus ...

How much does an ultrasound technician make?

In the United States, the average salary for an Ultrasound Technician is around $76,000 a year. Those that are just starting out in the career can expect to make around $69,000 a year. After much experience, education, and specializations, it is possible to make up to $84,000 a year as an Ultrasound Technician.

What degree do you need to become an ultrasound sonographer?

Although it's possible to enter the ultrasound profession with only an associate degree, ambitious sonographers often opt for the better-rounded education offered by a four-year baccalaureate. Bachelor's degrees provide two full years of basic science education, as well as additional courses and electives in communications, management and information technology. The third and fourth years involve classroom and clinical instruction in all the major specialties within the profession, such as neurosonography, echocardiography, and obstetric and gynecological sonography. A bachelor's degree can make sonographers more attractive to employers, and improve both advancement prospects and income.

How long does it take to get an associates degree in sonography?

An associate degree in sonography typically takes two years. The first year of a two-year program ordinarily includes math, written communications and a selection of science courses including physics and biology. The second year covers human anatomy and physiology, the physics of ultrasound and an introduction to several disciplines within ...