How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

The field for Ultrasound Technicians has increased due to advances in diagnostic science utilizing sound waves.
There are now a number of fascinating specialities technicians may go into. Ultrasonographers may specialize in neurosonography (brain), echocardiography (heart), abdominal (kidney, liver, spleen, pancreas), OB GYN (female reproduction), and opthalmalogy (eye). This field also comes with fewer risks than using X-ray for diagnosis.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

1. Study math, English, computer science, health, and both physical and life sciences in high school.

2. Get to know medical terminology.

3. Complete an accredited vocational or community college 2-year degree program for Ultrasound Technology.

4. Check to be sure your program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, www.caahep.org.

5. Register as a professional Ultrasound Technologist with the American Radiological and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) Association once you've graduated.

6. Apply for positions within hospitals and private practice physician offices.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact www.ardms.org to verify current prerequisite standards in order to become certified, once you've completed your education.
• It is important you choose an educational program with enough scanning hours in a hospital setting, in order to qualify to sit for the certification exam.
• If you are credentialed in more than one type of imaging technology, such as nuclear medicine and radiography, you will increase your employability.
• For more career information, contact the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 12770 Coit Rd., Ste. 708, Dallas, TX 75252.