Ultrasound Sonography Training
An ultrasound is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of tissues, organs or blood flow. An ultrasound or sonogram is a procedure that records the echoes transmitted from the sound waves. Ultrasound sonography training can be done on the job or through formal education. Training programs typically last one to four years.
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Job Description
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Medical professionals that perform ultrasounds are called diagnostic medical sonographers. They are trained to operate imaging equipment by collecting sound waves which can produce photographs or videotapes. These images can also be transmitted to physicians for evaluation. Sonography training also involves maintaining and troubleshooting problems with imaging equipment. Sonographers often explain diagnostic procedures to patients and guide them to the correct position to perform a diagnostic test.
Types of Training Programs
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A variety of training programs are available to learn ultrasound sonography. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most common type of program for this field is an associate degree. Training programs are available in universities, hospitals, vocational-technical schools and community colleges. Four-year programs also are available, leading to a bachelor's degree. People already employed in health care are sometimes able to learn sonography through one-year programs.
Considerations
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Training in ultrasound sonography typically involves both classroom study and lab work. Academic studies include anatomy, physiology, patient care, medical ethics and physics. In laboratory settings, students learn how to perform basic ultrasounds, including how to examine different areas of the body, such as blood vessels, heart, abdomen and reproductive system. Other qualities needed to learn sonography include communication skills, hand-eye coordination and the ability to explain complex procedures to patients.
Certification
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Professional sonographers are not required to be licensed, but many employers prefer candidates who have obtained certification. Certification is available through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Achieving a certificate demonstrates your commitment to the profession and offers documentation of competence.
Specialization
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Since sonograms can be used to perform diagnostic tests on different parts of the body using different techniques, diagnostic medical sonographers often receive advanced training in a particular specialty. The most familiar specialization is obstetrics, which is the evaluation of the fetus during pregnancy. Some sonographers specialize in abdominal ultrasounds, which involve examining abdominal organs such as the spleen, liver and pancreas. Echocardiography is a specialty that examines the heart and blood vessels. Other specialties include breast, eye, brain and spinal cord.
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