Becoming An Ultrasound Technician
The Road To Becoming An Ultrasound Technologist
or Sonographer
There is always a continuous evolution in innovation
and equipment in the discipline of sonography. Hospitals and clinics must
consistently be updated on the latest advances in technology in order to provide
patients with the best service possible. In sonography, a newly rising
technology is known as 3D/4D ultrasound equipment.
Am I required to undergo internship or have
related experience?
In any sonography curriculum, internship is a must
in order to help students gain the necessary experience for their career.
Generally, internships can take as many as 32 hours of clinical exposure each
week. Besides this, students will also need to pass every examination in
sonography specialization in order to graduate from the course.
Do I need to pass a licensure examination before
I can become a sonographer?
In order to be granted sonography practicing license
by the ARDMS or American Registry for Diagnostic Sonography, one must be able to
successfully complete three licensure exams right after graduation from an
accredited sonography course. These 3 exams include subjects in physics abdomen,
pelvis and obstetrics. Another set of exams can also be taken in order to
specialize in other related body parts like the breast, as well as the neonatal
and vascular systems. Successful completions of the exams grant individuals the
license to conduct imaging procedures and enable them to be eligible for higher
salary thresholds. It is usually the main sonography course which prepares
students for the licensure exams, but it is firmly prescribed that a short
review course be taken as well prior to the exams. Licensure exams can typically
set you back at around $200 for each subject, for a total of $600. This is not a
very cheap figure, which is why adequate preparation is really a must.
What are the fields of specialization in
sonography and the credentials required for them?
A sonographer can specialize in cardiac, neonatal,
vascular and ophthalmologic areas. Generally, only a Registered Diagnostic
Cardiac Sonographer or RDCS and Registered Vascular Technologist or RVT are
required to possess additional credentials and pass licensure exams. In order to
acquire these credentials, an individual must complete a set of exams which are
incorporated in the on-the-job training program. A licensure exam must also be
passed in order to be granted authority to practice the said profession.
Is continuing education necessary in this
profession?
In order to keep the validity of a sonography
license, an individual must continue with his studies since there are always
changes in the technology and procedures related to this profession. An
equivalent of 30 units must be acquired, usually through online classes,
seminars and conferences. Also, besides maintaining a CPR license, the annual
registration fee must be promptly settled.
Tips to help you in your quest to
become an
ultrasound technician or sonographer:
1.) Talk to notable persons in
the field of sonography. This way, you can be able to get a preview and a better
understanding on the nature of this profession.
2.) Read information and reviews
on different sonography schools. This will help you choose a suitable ground to
develop the needed knowledge and skills to become a good sonographer. It will
also help you assess important information about the school such as program
description, tuition fees and the education quality.
3.) Completing prerequisite
subjects in advance prior to enrollment in the sonography program will help
clear up some study work. This way you can focus primarily on the sonography
course itself and the on-the-job training program.
4.) Enroll in a sonography
course in order to acquire either a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
5.) Take your studies seriously
and prepare adequately for the licensure examinations. Taking licensure exams in
other related fields such as OB/GYN can help open up wider career opportunities.
6.) After completing your
sonography course, passing the licensure exam and acquiring ample experience, it
is now time for you to find a suitable employment. Job fairs and classified ads
are your best friends when searching for great employment opportunities.
|
