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Ultrasound Technicians


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  What is Ultrasound?  
Ultrasound is a form of non-invasive medical imaging, which uses transducers and high-frequency sound to image a patient's internal organs, tissues, and blood flow for the purpose of diagnosis. Diagnostic ultrasound is also referred to as sonography or ultrasonography.
 

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Ultrasound Technician Certification

As with any job in the medical field, ultrasound technicians must undergo a formalized process of certification. Many schools offer courses that will lead to ultrasound certification, providing students with both academic and clinical training. Achieving ultrasound technician certification is efficient and convenient, and a great way to get started on a brand-new career path.

What does ultrasound certification involve?

  • Earning a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree with a focus in ultrasound/sonography. (Typically, certificates require one to two years of full-time study after high school. Associate degrees can be completed in two to three years, while bachelor's degrees take four years.)
  • In addition, ultrasound technicians can register with the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonographers (ARDMS).
  • To be eligible for ARDMS registration, students have two choices: attend a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Canadian Medical Association (CMA); or attend a program without CAAHEP or CMA accreditation and then undergo one year of work study in a clinical setting under the auspices of the Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS).

What will I learn?

  • Students receive training in ultrasound instrumentation, anatomy, physiology, physics, patient care, medical ethics, and terminology. Clinical externships are also part of the curriculum.
  • Specialty training occurs, too, in areas such as obstetric and gynecologic sonography, abdominal sonography, or neurosonography.

What else should I know about ultrasound certification?

  • Registration with the ARDMS is not required, but it can increase your employment opportunities and wages.
  • Once you begin working as an ultrasound technician, it's advisable to participate in continuing education and/or recertification.
  • Although some ultrasound certification programs prefer previous experience in the medical field, most require only a high school diploma or GED.