Ultrasound technician requirements are the prerequisites or conditions, which should be able to be accomplished in order to be employed in the best ultrasound technician jobs. Every profession in the medical field specifically in the allied health services industry has their own requirements per state. Sometimes, states have similar requirements and will vary with what medical employers will require the sonography applicants. Here is an overview of the different requirements in Pennsylvania.
1. Educational Requirements
Becoming an ultrasound technician needs formal education and training because there are specific skills and knowledge, which could not be learned by students in one sitting. The fastest way to become a diagnostic medical sonographer is the one-year certificate program. However, the certificate program is only intended for medical professionals who are currently employed in the field of allied health services and are interested to learn the basic medical sonography techniques and principles. High school graduates and young professionals who are interested in pursuing an sonography career can become one by accomplishing either the two-year associate degree or the four-year bachelor degree programs. Most medical employers prefer bachelor degree holders but there are some employers who consider associate degree holders provided they have the right skills and knowledge. Usually, the higher the degree that is finished by the professional, the higher is the tendency that he is offered higher salary.
Ultrasound technician formal education and training is the most important requirements, which should be completed by each aspiring sonographer.
2. Certification Or License
Ultrasound technician license is optional. This is applicable to all regions or areas in the US except for Michigan and New Mexico. Michigan and New Mexico have their own state rules which strictly require all sonographers to be licensed and registered with the ARDMS before working as diagnostic medical sonographer. The ARDMS or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an independent professional organization, which offers registration and license to qualified ultrasound experts. Accomplishing the associate degree program in one of the CAAHEP accredited schools entitles the graduates to become qualified in taking the registry exam administered by the ARDMS.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends ultrasound sonographers to be licensed even if it is only optional. This is because there are a lot of medical employers who give more preference to licensed technicians over the non-registered ones. Higher salary is even awarded for those who have licensed when compared to the non-licensed ones.
3. Sub-specialization And Other Requirements
Sub-specializations in the ultrasound field are important for medical employers who are categorized to offer highly specialized services in ultrasound procedures. Further studying after the basic courses is not required but it can be a way to have a higher income.
There are still other ultrasound technician requirements which the state or the medical employers can require and should all be accomplished in order to have a better and brighter future in the field of diagnostic medical sonography.
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