How To Earn Your Ultrasound Technician Degree

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How to Get Into an Ultrasound Tech Degree Program

Do you want to know how to become an ultrasound technician? The first step is finding the right program. With certificate, Associate, and Bachelor's degree options available, you'll need to look around. Also, the field of sonography includes many areas of specializations for you to focus on.

Diagnostic medical sonographer education requirements will vary, depending on the type of program you choose. Bachelor's and certificate programs in ultrasound may require you to have a current job, and current certification in this practice. This will allow you to use your knowledge-based coursework in your professional role as you learn.

During your ultrasound technician training, you have the ability to earn a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree. In addition to on campus options, you also have the ability to choose from online ultrasound tech schools to complete your desired degree. Each degree will train you for similar but different career paths. The higher the ultrasound technician education you receive, the more responsibility you may have within your job and most likely the more pay you will receive. Let us help you take your first step toward this career path!

Ultrasound Technician Education Requirements

Ultrasound technician schools require that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Depending on the level of degree you are studying for, you may need to take a year of basic courses such as communications, logic and mathematics, psychology, biology and chemistry. During this time, you must maintain a certain grade point average in order to continue with the ultrasound technician program. Additionally, schools may require admissions essays or interviews prior to admitting a student to the ultrasound degree program.

In addition to meeting academic standards, you should be in reasonably good physical health, able to stand for prolonged periods, and able to routinely lift weights of 50 pounds or more, as is it often necessary to position patients and maneuver heavy equipment. Other desirable skills include technical aptitude, the ability to keep calm when confronted by an anxious or angry patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately.

Let UltrasoundTechnicianSchools.com help you decide which degree and specialty is the best fit for you! We have done all the research for you, as well as found schools across the country that offer the specific programs and degrees you are looking for. Take a look and pick your ultrasound technician school today!

Prerequisites For an Ultrasound Tech Degree

To get into most schools you will have to meet some minimum requirements. For Associate's programs offered at vocational schools or community colleges, you might just need a high school level education to get started. If you are aiming for a university or college that offers Bachelor's or graduate level certificates, be sure to check the G.P.A. requirements. Some schools may even have GRE requirements, depending on the kind of program you are going for.

How Long Does an Ultrasound Technician Education Take?

Of course, the answer to that question will depend on the kind of degree program you choose. If you already have healthcare training, you can probably qualify for a 12-month certificate program. For students just starting out, an Associate's degree will likely take two years, or less in some cases. You can find Bachelor's programs in ultrasound, which follow a standard four-year track. However, you would be able to get your certification before completing your Bachelor's degree.

How Much Does Ultrasound Technician Training Cost?

The cost for sonography programs can vary greatly. Certificate programs can cost around $5,000, while an Associate's degree could run around that same cost, or could cost thousands of dollars more.

By the time you complete your Bachelor's level education in sonography you could spend almost $50,000. That's why you need to shop around and compare all your options for training.

Once you find schools with curriculum that could lead to your desired specialization, check out the cost and financial aid options. Many schools have financial aid advisors who can help you map a strategy to afford your education, with as little stress as possible.

We also offer a $1000 scholarship for ultrasound training that you can apply for now!

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

When you review the requirements for any ultrasound technician education program, make sure you choose a school recognized by CAAHEP. They are the number one accrediting body for top healthcare education programs.

Even if your state does not regulate the field of sonography, your employer will likely want to know you went to a CAAHEP approved school. This is also essential for qualifying for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exam.

If you are ready to search for ultrasound technician degree options, use the search tools on this page to narrow your options by state or specialization.

Now we'll take a look at what it's like to work with an ultrasound degree.

Regardless of the degree you earn, everyone who would like to work as an ultrasound technician must be aware of the licensing and credentialing requirements for each state. Make sure to check out the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examinations and certification requirements so you have the best opportunity in your career.

Specialty Areas You Can Enter With an Ultrasound Tech Major

As an ultrasound technician, you can advance in your field by becoming an educator or manager/administrator. If you are interested in technology, you may also pursue a career in research or in marketing new equipment. There are different specialty areas you can go into within the imaging field. With an ultrasound tech degree, you have the ability, you have the ability to specialize in:

Cardiac Imaging

Cardiac imaging, also known as cardiovascular imaging, is a specialty area that requires specialized training and a certificate after obtaining an Associate's Degree in an applied medical field. While there is not a specific degree required to qualify for cardiac imaging training, helpful fields include medical assisting, cardiovascular technology or radiologic technology, or a medical degree that requires anatomy and physiology. Cardiac technologists earn an average mean salary of $57,250 in the U.S. (BLS, 2017)

Some cardiac imaging techniques include coronary catheterization, echocardiogram and intravascular ultrasound. Additional training outside of the regular degree curriculum ensures accurate diagnoses and treatment for patients undergoing these types of procedures. Cardiovascular imaging can be used to view the heart muscle and tissues, as well as the areas surrounding the heart, to diagnose disease and complications and treat heart and blood vessel problems. As a cardiovascular imager, you will work closely with physicians in the diagnoses and will be a crucial part of the treatment team.

Magnetic Resonance (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is known commonly as an MRI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technicians operate MRI scanners, using radio frequencies and magnetic fields to create 3D images of the body to assist medical professionals with diagnoses and identifying injuries and illnesses in patients. MRI techs earn an annual mean wage of $60,070 (BLS, 2017)

As an MRI technician, you must be able to pay attention to detail, be a team player and have good social and communication, skills as you will be working closely with patients and other medical professionals. You will also need to be physically fit to stand on your feet the majority of your shift, as well as maneuver the machinery and assist patients in moving into position for the scan. Organization will be another important skill as it will be your job to keep records of the results of the MRI's of which you scan.

Radiology

As a Radiological Technician, you are responsible for taking x-rays and performing duties such as administering dye for diagnostic purposes and preparing patients for x-ray procedures. Radiological Technicians are also responsible for organizing and maintaining patient records, as well as managing x-ray, or radiological, equipment. The annual mean wage for X-Ray techs in the U.S. is $60,320 (BLS, 2017)

Not only do Radiological Technicians administer x-rays, but you would be responsible for administering mammograms, computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. As a Radiological Technician you will need to have good communication skills as you will be working directly with patients, preparing them for procedures and administering procedures, and you will be working with other medical staff as a valued team member.

Sonography

A sonogram technician, also known as an ultrasound technician, is a radiological technician who has specialized in the field of ultrasounds. The sonogram equipment uses sound waves to create an image of the tissues inside the body. The sonogram technician administers ultrasounds to help physicians diagnose and screen medical conditions.

Most commonly we know ultrasounds to be used in pregnancies, but they can also be used to the diagnoses of heart disease and cancer. If you want to become a sonography technician, you will need to have strong communication and relational skills as you will be working with patients and medical professionals throughout your shift. You will also need to be in good physical shape as most of your day will be spend on your feet and helping patients. Sonography technicians are also responsible for maintaining patient records and providing physicians with timely ultrasound results. According to the BLS, in 2017 the mean annual salary for Medical Sonographers is $73,200

Vascular

A cardiovascular technologist is primarily involved with assisting physicians in diagnosing heart and blood vessel problems and illnesses by administering tests of the heart and circulatory system. Cardiovascular technologists can specialize in three areas which include: invasive cardiology, cardiac sonography and vascular technology/sonography. Cardiovascular technicians administer electrocardiograms (EKG's) and stress tests and play a key role in assisting patients with heart monitors.

Specializing in more than one field expands your knowledge base and makes you much more marketable in the job field. The more education you earn, the more likely you will increase your salary as well. The average salary for Cardiovascular Techs is $57,250 (BLS, 2017)

Working With an Ultrasound Degree

As we mentioned above, there are many types of jobs you can pursue within the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Even though you may focus on a different area of the human body, or work with a specific population in your ultrasound role, there are many similarities across-the-board with these positions.

First of all, you need to be a caring and empathic individual. There is so much more to ultrasound than the science behind it, and the skills required to work the equipment. You will be the one who makes patients feel at ease during procedures.

Like radiology techs, medical assistants, nurses, and other essential roles in healthcare, sonographers are on their feet throughout the day. You will also have to help position patients, which adds a bit of physical activity to your job.  So it helps to be in pretty good shape, and enjoy interacting with others.

Physicians will expect you to be highly organized and accurate when taking patient histories and recording information. These are things you should keep in mind when determining if this is the best career path for you.

Where Do Ultrasound Technicians Work?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics breaks down the work environments that are most common for ultrasound techs:

• Hospitals; state, local and private – 68%
• Offices of physicians – 20%
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories – 7%

The BLS also states that most sonographers work full-time, and some nights, weekends, overnights and holidays. This is par for the course in many healthcare settings, such as hospitals, which run 24/7.

When you contact the ultrasound technician schools in your area, ask which healthcare facilities they can connect you with. You might even want to visit some offices and speak with hospital staff before you enroll. Talking with current professionals is a great way to get first-hand insight that you need to make the best decision.

Differences Between Ultrasound Careers

There are differences between ultrasound jobs that are the result of the type of healthcare setting you work in, and the kind of ultrasound career you choose.

For instance, when you work as a vascular technologist, you will spend more time monitoring a patient's blood pressure and volume in their appendages. This will help you identify blocked arteries that need attentions.

When you work as a cardiac tech, or EKG tech, you will use an EKG machine to observe the patient's heart, to help ensure it is functioning correctly.

But wait…

Do you have a particular interest in working with a particular patient population, such as women needing mammograms, children, or expecting mothers? These questions will also impact what your day-to-day life looks like in ultrasound.

People go into healthcare for many reasons, including personal experiences that made them want to help others heal. When you start planning your ultrasound technician career, review all your options, and choose the path that you will find most personally rewarding.

Show me all the Ultrasound programs in:

In addition to the campus based programs, there are a handful of online programs available for the common ultrasound/sonography degree types (Associate, Bachelors, Certificate/Diploma) and specialties. Please feel free to use the links on the left-hand side of this page to explore some of the online degree programs available. Thanks for visiting!