Updated: Feb 25
A Comprehensive Guide to Education, Certification, and Clinical Experience for Prospective Ultrasound Technicians.
Ultrasound technology allows for safe and non-invasive imaging of the abdomen, providing valuable diagnostic information for healthcare providers.
Ultrasound technology is a rapidly growing field in the medical industry, with increasing demand for qualified ultrasound technicians. These professionals use specialized equipment to create images of internal organs and tissues, assisting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. If you're interested in pursuing a career as an sonographer, there are some important steps you'll need to take, including passing the ARDMS exam.
Clarifying the Terminology: Sonographers vs. Ultrasound Technicians
In the field of medical imaging, the terms "sonographer" and "ultrasound technician" are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are important differences between the two.
Sonographers are healthcare professionals who use ultrasound technology to create images of the human body. They have specialized training in anatomy and physiology, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, and patient care. Sonographers also have a thorough understanding of how to optimize ultrasound images for diagnostic purposes, and they work closely with physicians to help interpret and analyze the images.
Ultrasound technicians, on the other hand, may refer to anyone who operates an ultrasound machine, regardless of their level of training or expertise.
As healthcare professionals who specialize in the use of ultrasound technology to create medical images, we are sonographers.
Step 1: Education and Training
To become an ultrasound technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs are typically offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and universities. Some programs may also offer specialized tracks, such as abdominal sonography or obstetric and gynecologic sonography. Coursework typically covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, patient care and communication, and image interpretation.
There are many colleges and universities across the United States that offer accredited programs in diagnostic medical sonography, which is the field that includes ultrasound technology. Here is a list of some of the colleges and universities that offer diagnostic medical sonography programs:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Oregon Tech
Adventist University of Health Sciences
University of Missouri-Columbia
Seattle University
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center