Ultrasound technician schools come in all sizes and shapes. The technology of ultrasound is fast becoming a career path that is finding wide acceptance. It is being taught by a number of educational institutions. In many ways, this is great news because in case you are thinking of a career as a medical sonographer, you will find many options.
Before you look around for ultrasound sonography schools, you will have to ask yourself if you want to undergo training for 4, 2 or 1 year. Would you feel at home in a conventional academic college environment or would you like a technology oriented setting? You might probably like to experience life working in a hospital prior to starting work as a professional. Because of the huge range of schools options it would be to your advantage to consider these issues of preference before you enroll for any type of educational sonography program. The usual attributes such as program prerequisites, program duration and cost would vary. Besides the fact that all these are ultrasound technician schools, you have to consider the differing aspects. Let us look at the varieties of attributes of education with regard to ultrasound.
When it comes to the duration of the programs there are three primary options – programs that last 1 to 1.5 years, those that span 2 years and those that are 4 years long. The one-year programs are usually certificate courses. This is in no way comparable to a degree but is sufficient to get a position as a sonographer at the entry level. Whether this option is ideal or not would depend on your ambition. If you were keen on starting work as soon as possible, a certificate would be your cup of tea. These credentials would not make you eligible to take the state certification exam. Many employers do not prefer certificate courses, as the short duration is not considered sufficient to make a sonographer skilled enough. The associate degree that lasts 2 years is a very common option. You are then qualified to take the ARDMS. Most employers accept these credentials. The bachelor degree in sonography lasts 4 years. These courses are comprehensive. They are an excellent choice provided your goal is to begin as a diagnostic sonographer and then advance to related fields like becoming a supervisor in the ultrasound imaging department at any hospital, teaching ultrasound technology or going into related sectors.
The kind of schools that have sonography courses are junior/community colleges, technical/vocational colleges, teaching hospitals, career schools, universities and colleges. Associate degrees or certificates are given by community colleges. Technical and vocational schools focus on technology. They offer bachelor or associate degrees. Dedicated institutions like career schools tend to focus on few areas. They usually award associate degrees or certificates. The 4-year universities and colleges have various educational facilities. They offer bachelor degrees or associate degrees. Practical experience is given to students in teaching hospitals. They offer 4-year or 2-year degrees. You would have to look for ultrasound technician schools as per your requirements.
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