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There are always jobs for people who enter the ultrasound technology field. You do not have to be a technology expert, but you should want to work in a medical setting. Ultrasound technicians associate with doctors, nurses and patients. You will find them working in clinics, hospitals and medical imaging centers. The main duty is using special equipment to capture images of a person’s internal body parts, which are analyzed to make medical diagnoses. If this field interests you, learn about the education requirements that come with working as an ultrasound technician.
Training
It is important to choose a specialty in sonography. Gynecologic professionals look at images of female reproductive parts and unborn fetuses. Neurosonographers look at images of the brain and other neurological parts. There are also specialist sonographers who look at ultrasounds of abdomens or hearts. To work in this field, choose a specialty first. After you finish schooling, become certified by taking an exam approved by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
Getting a degree is required by many healthcare employers. Review the different two-year and four-year degree programs offered at different colleges. If you want to accelerate your studies, enroll in an accelerated program. Enroll full time to earn your bachelor’s degree in three years. Otherwise, finish a non-degree program in less than a year.
Classes
From the very beginning, excel in all of your ultrasound-related courses. Start by taking math, science and English classes in high school. In college, you are likely to enroll in classes like biology, human anatomy, sonography and ones related to your specialty. In addition to reading books, work in the laboratory to gain hands-on experience. As you study, benefit from the wide range of internships and externships available.
Schools
There are too many schools to count when it comes to ultrasound programs. Choosing the right school depends on the costs, location, environment and types of programs that suit you. If you need a very convenient schedule, study at an online school like Everest Institute or Sanford Brown College. However, you still should apply for an internship that provides hands-on experience. No matter what school you choose, make sure that it is accredited.
When you enroll in a sonography program, you lay the foundation for a steady career in the lucrative medical industry. There is never any end to people who need healthcare services. You deal with various patients like women who need to monitor their pregnancies and neurological patients who need diagnostic ultrasounds. Without the proper training, you cannot become a proper technician. The extent of your success depends on the educational foundation that you set.
