Considerations for Choosing an Ultrasound School

The health care industry is one of the few employment sectors that continues to expand.

Medical professionals are in demand, especially in the fields of radiology and medical imaging. Ultrasound careers are becoming increasingly popular due to growing employment opportunities and ease of entry into the field.

Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers or sonographers, typically participate in one to four years of formal study at an accredited ultrasound school before entering the field. They may also choose to become licensed by taking a national registration exam to certify that their skills meet national standards.

Entry-level technicians find work in hospitals, radiology labs and private medical clinics. They earn an average starting salary of $30,700 according to a survey conducted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. But with more experience, your salary will rise to the $60,000 range.

Choosing an Ultrasound Degree Program

While the length and depth of ultrasound degree programs vary, depending on the degree and institution, all programs will cover college-level course work in biology, math, physics, written and oral communication, as well as clinical training in ultrasound equipment and techniques. Depending on your previous education and experience, you may be able to complete your ultrasound technician training in four years or less. Most ultrasound schools offer 1-, 2- and 4-year training programs.

Ultrasound Certificate Programs

The 1-year certificate program is designed exclusively for students who have experience and education as certified allied health professionals in other fields but are looking to move or expand into diagnostic medical sonography.

Ultrasound Associate's Degrees

The associate's degree is the most popular training program for professional ultrasound technicians. Students must be high school graduates to be considered for enrollment in this 2-year training program.

Ultrasound Bachelor's Degrees

A 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited ultrasound school will provide students with a well-rounded liberal arts education in addition to the clinical training needed to be successful as an ultrasound technician. A bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography also allows students to sit for advanced certification exams, giving them a competitive edge over other applicants when seeking jobs.

Attending an Accredited Ultrasound School

Students who attend accredited ultrasound schools and degree programs are assured that they are receiving an education that meets the highest standards in the industry. Many employers prefer to hire graduates of accredited institutions because they know that these graduates meet national standards of quality.

Ultrasound schools are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), a national organization that sets the standards for training in the allied health professions. CAAHEP requires schools to adhere to a rigorous curriculum and stay current in teaching the most advanced techniques in ultrasound imaging.

Becoming a Licensed Ultrasound Technician

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers exams in 10 clinical areas of expertise and issues up to four credentials for successful completion of the exams.

Ultrasound Exams

• Abdomen
• Adult Echocardiography
• Breast
• Fetal Echocardiography
• Neurosonology
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatric Echocardiography
• Vascular Technology
• Physicians' Vascular Interpretation
• Sonography Principles and Instrumentation

Ultrasound Credentials

Depending on your field of study and interests, you can apply for the following ultrasound licensure.

• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
• Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
• Registered Physician Vascular Interpretation (RVPI)

Read more about ultrasound technician careers, or take the first step toward becoming an ultrasound technician by finding an ultrasound school near you.