The First Step on how to become an ultrasound technician is to graduate with the appropriate degree. Ultrasound technicians are the layman’s term for diagnostic medical sonographers. If you were lucky, the company or institution you’re applying for would be fine with a high school diploma, preferably with a focus on science or math. But, it’s most likely you’ll be asked for more. Degrees that are directly related to diagnostic sonography may usually be completed in 2 to 4 years, depending on their scope and where you are taking them. They are most likely to involve both classroom instruction and laboratory work before proceeding to internship programs so that students would have an actual opportunity to put their skills and knowledge to the test. In any case, it would be best if you receive education from a school or program that’s been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
The Second Step on how to become an ultrasound technician is to get certified. The best way to obtain certification is to approach the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). People who pass their tests can have the title of registered diagnostic medical sonographer. If you want additional certification, you could go to The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists next. This would give you specialized training in using not only ultrasound equipment, but other sonographic devices that help in diagnosing breast or vascular conditions.
The Final Step is to get even more credentials. As with most occupations in the medical field, learning how to become an ultrasound technician is an ongoing process. Sometimes, there’s a need for recertification. Other times, you’ll be asked by your company to pursue continuous education. And, of course, you need to enroll in additional programs and obtain more training if you want to specialize in a particular field. Consider, for example, ultrasound technicians who want to specialize in using abdominal sonography and working in obstetric cases. There’s no limit to the number of credentials you can get. You can work on becoming a registered sonographer for diagnostic cardiac procedures even though you are already a registered sonographer for diagnostic medical procedures.