Ultrasound technician schools play a vital role in the development of new sonographers who will do their jobs efficiently and effectively. Several ultrasound institutions such as community colleges, schools and universities are now offering programs regarding medical sonography. The number of schools is growing parallel to the growth of employment in the field of ultrasound sonography. And because there are budding schools for sonography, prerequisites and requirements are now becoming stricter. Here are the things a student should expect in the different ultrasound tech schools.
Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs Offered
There are at least three popular degree programs that can be acquired from the different ultrasound schools. One-year certificate program in ultrasound technology is the shortest period. Many of the schools that offer this certificate program are strict regarding prerequisites. Since this one-year certification is not suitable for all ultrasound students, only medical professionals are allowed to enroll in this program. National certification examination is not applicable with a certificate unless you are a physician who wishes to add expertise. Physicians are normally given the credential called the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI).
Associate degree course that can be completed in two years is one of the common options for students when choosing a career to become ultrasound technician. This degree is intended for high school graduates who want to acquire entry-level jobs as sonographer after two years. Although this is not the best degree to consider, it can promise stability of employment and high pay rates when compared to certificates.
Four-year bachelor degree course in ultrasound sonography is the best option that can promise a successful career as ultrasound sonographer. If you want to have an edge over the other technicians, better opt for this degree. Medical employers prefer those technicians who have completed bachelor degree since four years in training schools mean that the technician is equipped with the right skills and expertise.
Specializations For Ultrasound Sonography
Ultrasound training schools offer students the choice of what sub specialties they want to take. The most common sub-field of ultrasound technology is the obstetrics and gynecological sonography. Contrary to the belief of others that ultrasound is just for pregnancy and fetus gender detection; there are other important uses of ultrasound. Students can opt to concentrate in the ultrasound tech specialties such as abdominal sonography, vascular ultrasound, echocardiography, neuro sonography and ophthalmologic sonography.
Sonography Internship
Associate and bachelor degree students whether online and in real school are obliged to take internships. Sonography schools usually coordinate with hospitals for the on the job training of their students. A professional ultrasound technician administers this training. He is the one to supervise the students to perform their on-the-job training. Students are expected to be exposed with patient communication and interaction, ultrasound machine operation and management. With this training, the students are able to picture out of the jobs they will be doing after graduation.
Credentialing Examinations
After graduation from ultrasound tech colleges, the technicians can opt to seek for license or credentialing examination from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Though license is optional for sonographers, medical employers prefer licensed technicians. There are also states requiring for licenses including Michigan and New Mexico. The technician’s title after passing the examination is Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
When you decide to pursue a career as ultrasound technician, the first thing you must do is to verify the standard of education and accreditation of the ultrasound technician schools, which you listed in your options of where to take your training.
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