Ultrasound Tech Training

Education Requirements

Ultrasound technician program options include:

• 1-year certificate or diploma
• 2-year associate's degree
• 4-year bachelor's degree

Some training programs prefer applicants with a background in science or experience in other healthcare professions, but also will consider high school graduates with courses in mathematics and science, as well as applicants with liberal arts backgrounds.

Some healthcare workers, such as obstetric nurses and radiologic technologists, increase their marketability by seeking training in fields such as sonography. This usually requires completion of an additional 1-year program that may result in a certificate.

What You'll Study

Completion of courses in the core sciences - biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, physics - is often a prerequisite for ultrasound programs.

Depending your area of specialty, diagnostic ultrasound programs may offer courses in:

• Abdominal Ultrasound & Small Parts
• Obstetric and Gynecology Ultrasound
• Vascular Ultrasound
• Physics and Instrumentation
• Sectional Anatomy
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy of the Heart
• Physiology of the Heart
• Pathophysiology of the Heart
• Vascular Ultrasound
• Ultrasound Physics

You'll also gain plenty of clinical, hands-on practical training in a 3-6 month internship.