Sonography Training Schools
Sonographers use high-frequency sound (ultrasound) technology to produce images of internal body parts. Ultrasound images are helpful in identifying and treating problems with abdominal organs, fetuses and blood vessels. According to the Mayo Clinic, 49,000 medical sonographers were employed in the U.S. in 2008, and that number is expected to grow rapidly through 2016. Qualified sonographers earn about $66,750 per year, as of this writing.
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Specializations
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Diagnostic medical sonographers can choose several specialization options for study. Abdominal sonography covers disorders of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas. Obstetric and gynecological sonography focuses on the female reproductive system and pregnancy. Neurosonography involves the brain. Breast, vascular and cardiac sonography specializations are also available.
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Education
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No specific level of education is required to become a sonographer, and people with varying levels of experience can find jobs in the field. Training programs are available in several venues, including vocational or technical schools, hospitals, universities and the Armed Forces. Students may need to have a background in science or health care, but this is not always the case.
Training
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The most common type of training program is a two-year course that leads to an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Some colleges and universities offer a four-year bachelor's degree program. Course work will include anatomy, physics, patient care and physiology. Occasionally, one-year programs are available, mostly for health care professionals who wish to augment their skills with additional training.
Professional Registration
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Sonographers are not required by law to hold a license in sonography. However, professional sonographers can boost their credentials by registering with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. To register, sonographers must pass exams covering general knowledge, equipment and specialty fields. They also must complete a minimum number of continuing education hours to remain registered.
Fees
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Tuition for sonography training programs varies depending on program length, type of qualification and type of school. If a student is a resident of the state where he or she is studying, fees likely will be cheaper. The cost of a one-year certificate program at a state university ranges from $3,000 to $15,000, as of this writing. Training for 16 to 30 months at a private school can cost more than $32,000. Financial aid and scholarships often are often available for students wishing to study in this field.
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