Overview
Ultrasound training is necessary for people who wish to work as diagnostic medical sonographers or vascular technologists, health occupations that involve the use of the ultrasound machine. Because ultrasound equipment uses sophisticated technology, ultrasound training gives technicians the specialized knowledge they need to operate equipment properly and create ultrasound images.
Education and Training Institutions
Higher education ultrasound training programs range from one to four years in length. Associate degree programs, which last two years, are the most common degree programs for ultrasound technicians, but one-year vocational certificates at technical colleges and four-year bachelor degree programs related to ultrasound imaging also exist.
Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or CAAHEP, is the accrediting body for ultrasound technology education and other health occupations education programs. The CAAHEP does not accredit any one-year certificate programs for ultrasound technicians and instead views these programs as supplementary professional development for existing health occupations workers rather than a starting credential. Only graduates of an accredited program are eligible to take certification examinations and become registered.
Certification
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that no states require licensure for ultrasound technicians following the completion of their ultrasound training, but that ultrasound technicians who are registered in specific areas of ultrasound technology are more desirable to employers. Certifying boards include the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
Continuing Education
Registered ultrasound technicians must also maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits, which are available through private education providers and professional organizations. Each certifying organization issues their own continuing education requirements.
Career Paths
Ultrasound training prepares students for a range of medical technician careers that use the sonogram. Diagnostic medical sonography is one career path for registered ultrasound technicians, which involves using the ultrasound machine in obstetrics and gynecology. Other medical specializations for registered ultrasound technicians vascular technology for use diagnosing lung conditions and echocardiography for diagnosing heart conditions. The Mayo Clinic reports that the salary range for diagnostic medical sonographers starts around $48,000 and peaks just under $84,000 for the highest earners, with an average hourly rate of $32 per hour.
About this Author
Lesley Graybeal has been writing articles for internet content since 2006. Her work can be found on a range of hobby and business resource web publications, including Trails.com and Business.com, as well as several academic journals. Lesley earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from the University of Georgia, and is currently completing her dissertation in Social Foundations of Education.
