Ultrasound technicians, or diagnostic sonographers, use high frequency sound waves to generate an image for medical diagnostic purposes. Ultrasound technology does not carry the risks of other diagnostic methods such as radiation. Because of this, the use of ultrasounds is growing.
The demand for ultrasound technicians is increasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to increase 19 percent by 2016. The average salary of an ultrasound technician in the United States is approximately $50,000 a year. However, this can vary based on certification, experience and location.
There is no standard level of education required to become an ultrasound technician. The most common duration of an ultrasound technician training program is two years, but four year programs and one year certificate programs are also available. Most employers prefer to hire technicians who have trained at an ARDMS or CAAHEP accredited ultrasound educational institution.
Ultrasound Tech Online Classes
There are over 200 accredited programs to train ultrasound technicians in the United States. Many of these programs even allow students to become an ultrasound tech online. Ultrasound tech online classes provide flexibility and convenience in the educational process.
Once you complete your education, ultrasound technicians can apply for certification through the Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The single most important criteria employers look for is an Ultrasound Technologist is ARDMS certification. Once you are ARDMS certified, most employers are not concerned about which Diagnostic Ultrasound program you took to get certification.
The more certifications and specialties you have, the more marketable you are and the higher your salary will be compared to industry averages. So remember, the most important thing employers look for is training from a accredited program.