They work alongside doctors and other medical professionals to help diagnose diseases and other health conditions through precise imaging. Employment opportunities for ultrasound technicians are growing across the U. With a promising outlook for the future, a great salary and the ability to help others, choosing a diagnostic ultrasound technician career is rewarding. Becoming an ultrasound technician requires you to first complete high school and receive your diploma.
A proper ultrasound technician program will also prepare you for the voluntary registration examination for certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography ARDMS. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints throughout the body.
It is used to help diagnose sprains, strains, tears, and other soft tissue conditions. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation.
Scores for each windowed examination period are available approximately 60 days after the testing period ends. Physicians and advanced care providers are eligible to earn the RMSK certification.
The MSK examination requires applicants to be licensed, practicing physicians or advanced care professionals who have clinical musculoskeletal ultrasound experience. Please consult the full list of prerequisites to see if you qualify to apply for the musculoskeletal ultrasound certification. The MSK examination takes four hours to complete and contains questions. In order to earn your MSK ultrasound certification, you need to demonstrate that you have basic competency of the subject.
Scores for each examination period are available approximately 60 days after the testing period ends. Javascript is required to properly run this website. Please enable Javascript in your browser for best browsing experience. Toggle banner. Benefits of Certification Benefits of Certification. Armed Forces Veterans. Knowledge Confirmation Knowledge Confirmation New!
Clearly Connected. What is sonography? What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do? What is the difference between a sonographer and an ultrasound technician?
Why become a sonographer? What are the education requirements to enter the sonography field? Ultrasound technician programs may convey a certificate or an associate degree.
Applicants need a high school or GED diploma. Coursework covers topics such as biology, anatomy, and applied sciences. Learners complete a clinical experience in a medical setting. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school. These titles are interchangeable. Both sonographers and ultrasound technicians use ultrasound technology to diagnose or track medical conditions. Learners can earn an associate degree in two years.
Students can explore accelerated ultrasound technician programs to graduate sooner. Ultrasound technicians need a degree or certificate in ultrasound technology, sonography, or vascular technology. Most schools offer these programs as associate degrees.
Students who earn a sonography degree online or on campus can pursue a career in a growing field. Many schools offer sonography training programs online. Learners can complete coursework from anywhere. However, most programs require onsite clinical experiences. The cost of an ultrasound tech degree varies by school and program. Students can save money by enrolling in online ultrasound tech programs.
Online enrollees do not need to relocate to attend the most affordable school. Most programs allow online students to complete clinical requirements locally. Salary varies depending on many factors, including professionals' specialty, employer, and geographic location. Professionals who work at outpatient care centers typically earn more than those at hospitals or physicians' offices.
Most employers prefer to hire sonographers with a degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Many employers also prefer candidates certified in sonography and CPR. Students can also pursue certification through Cardiovascular Credentialing International or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Ultrasound technician programs cover applied sciences, biology, and anatomy. Classes vary depending on students' specialization. See below for common courses in ultrasound technician programs. Keep in mind that course titles and descriptions vary by school. Aspiring ultrasound technicians need a degree or certificate from an accredited program. Many employers prefer candidates with professional certification. These certifications typically require a degree from an accredited program.
Candidates must also pass an exam. Candidates can pursue certification in several specialties. Sonographers can obtain more than one certification to boost their knowledge and job prospects. Ultrasound technicians perform various duties depending on their specialty. For example, cardiovascular technologists take images of the heart and blood vessels. OB-GYN sonographers use ultrasound technology to monitor a baby and mother's health. Not all states require ultrasound technician licensure. Typically, earning a license requires an application and exam.
ARDMS offers professional certifications in many areas, including pediatrics. Candidates must pass an exam and fulfill prerequisites. ARDMS offers exams throughout the year at various locations.
Applications typically cost a few hundred dollars. FSU's College of Health Professions offers an ultrasound technician program comprising credits and leading to an associate of applied science degree in diagnostic medical sonography DMS.
The curriculum includes introductory courses in diagnostic medical sonography, sonographic imaging, ultrasound physics, and obstetrics and gynecology imaging. Enrollees also study pathophysiology of abdominal organs, hemodynamics and doppler principles of sonography, and sonographic cross-sectional anatomy.
To graduate, students must not receive a grade lower than C in any required courses. The DMS program requires candidates to complete a five-credit clinical internship experience prior to graduation. The credit associate degree in diagnostic sonography accepts only 15 students per year to ensure personalized attention.
Students must complete 27 credits of general education coursework, which makes up the program's pre-professional phase. Learners need a grade of C or higher in all general education classes and a minimum 3. It is common for schools to include an Observational Hours verification form as part of their application packet.
Many require a minimum of 30 observational hours in a Diagnostic Medical Sonography setting. Review each schools requirements prior to applying. This also gives you an opportunity to talk with a working sonographer, ask questions, and find out if you can see yourself as a licensed sonographer. For those who are already working as sonographers, they can choose to complete advanced ultrasound technician courses to further specialize and advance their careers.
Those who are certified through the ARDMS American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography , a credential which is recommended and in many cases essential for successful employment, are required to complete 30 CME continuing medical education credits related to the ultrasonography within three years of certification.
Some ultrasound degree programs allow students to specialize or concentrate in a particular area of ultrasound through extended coursework and focused clinical rotations. Some examples of common specializations are:. There are also a variety of non-clinical career paths available to working sonographers. Electives also allow students to gain experience and knowledge of different expertise, from areas in science to humanities.
Ultrasound techniques and equipment continue to become more advanced, just as the demand for sonographers continues to increase. Not only can professional development help an ultrasound technician become more specialized and advance their career; to maintain certification such as through the ARDMS or CCI , continuing medical education CME courses must be completed.
It is important that the certifying agency approves of the institution offering the courses for it to count, but luckily numerous institutions and organizations offer advanced ultrasound courses are recognized.
Here are some great questions to ask a rep when researching a school or program:. Q: What are the requirements for being admitted into the sonography program? Being eligible for an ultrasound program will vary by school and degree level.
Some might only require a High School diploma; others the completion of a few college courses in areas such as Biology, Physics, Math or Medical Terminology; while some may prefer students who have already completed a two-year allied health or health science program. Q: Does your school offer several options, like a degree and a certificate program?
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