An ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer uses medical equipment to take images of the human body without using radiation. These images are used for a variety of medical purposes from diagnosing injuries to monitoring the development of a child in its mother's womb. Training and certification in this field can vary based on the type of program the future ultrasound technician chooses to enter: a community college, four-year university or certificate program.
On-the-Job Training
Formal training through college or technical school is not required to become an ultrasound technician; some hospitals elects to train professionals for the position while on the job. This training is usually conducted by a registered nurse in a supervisory role and covers the operation of medical diagnostic equipment, the explanation of medical procedures to patients and the communication of information to attending physicians and registered nurses on duty. The length of the training varies by hospital and medical institution, though the employee should show continued improvement in the position to secure the job in the long term.
College Programs
Hospitals and other medical institutions may not require a formal education in ultrasound technology, but they do prefer it. An ultrasound technician program taught through a community college or university takes between two and four years to complete. The curriculum gives the student an understanding of the human body, patient care, medical ethics, basic physics and teaches proper use of ultrasound equipment along with the various ways the equipment may be used to produce medical images. To be recognized as adequate training in the medical sonography field, the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Vocational Certificate
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some ultrasound technicians may elect to attend a one-year certificate program taught through a vocational or technical college. This program teaches the very basics of medical sonography and those who graduate from this program may require additional on-the-job training to fully integrate into the position. This type of program may also be attractive to a worker already employed in a healthcare field who is looking for training to make the jump into medical sonography.
Certification
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of December 2010 no state in the U.S. requires ultrasound technicians to be certified to enter the position. Ultrasound technicians may elect to take a certifying exams administered through such organizations as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Certification may make an ultrasound more attractive to an employer since she has proven her skill set before a neutral third party and therefore requires significantly less training than someone hired with no experience. Other certifying credentials may be obtained in cancer and vascular sonography through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Certification in cardiac sonography is available through Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
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