In the ultrasound field the professional will use high frequency sound waves in order to create diagnostic images that are used to determine the underlying medical conditions of a patient. The images are taken of several areas of the body, depending on the symptoms of a patient. While there are certificate programs available for this career field, the bachelor’s or associate’s degrees are the most sought after programs as they can provide the graduate with a higher paying salary and provide them with qualifications for supervisory positions.
Associate’s Degree Programs
This program will teach students how to provide care to a patient by explaining the procedure and answering any questions the patient may have. The program is also designed to teach a student how to read testing procedure results and how to take the best image possible. To qualify for enrollment into this type of program the student will be required to have obtained their high school diploma or GED. Once the student has completed the associate’s degree program they can take the ARDMS certification exam to obtain their license.
Courses a student can expect from an associate’s degree program are as follows: ultrasound technician basics, abdominal ultrasound, diagnostic medical ultrasound, cross sectional anatomy, medical laws and ethics, OB/GYN ultrasound techniques, ultrasound instruments, vascular sonography and cardiac sonography. This type of degree will qualify the sonographer for positions such as ultrasound sales representative, ultrasound tech and urgent care sonographer.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The available programs for the bachelor’s degree will prepare students for more advanced roles in hospitals or other large types of medical facilities. To qualify for this type of degree program the student will be required to have their high school diploma, have high standardized testing scores and may also be required to undergo a background check. Students that have obtained their associate’s degree in this field can have their credits transferred into a bachelor’s program.
In this program a student can expect to take courses in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, cross sectional anatomy, echocardiography, neurosonography, abdominal sonography, OB/GYN procedures and diagnostic ultrasound foundations basics. With this type of degree a tech will be qualified to work in medical labs, colleges, out-patient centers, cancer research centers and hospitals.
Master’s Degree Programs
A master’s degree in sonography will offer students the ability to choose to specialize in OB/GYN ultrasound, abdomen or echocardiography. This degree program will offer advanced courses in ultrasound techniques and also provides students will research courses. To qualify for a master’s program the student will need to have their high school diploma and have a background in psychology, physics, chemistry or anatomy. The student will need to have already obtained their bachelor’s degree in ultrasound and will be able to transfer their credits from that degree program.
In a master’s program the student can expect courses for such topics as the principles of ultrasound technology, pathology imaging, sectional anatomy, vascular ultrasound, cardiac principles, OB/GYN ultrasound, pediatric ultrasound and adult cardiac ultrasound. After completion of the program the student will need to obtain their certification through the ARDMS.
How Long Does It Take to Become An Ultrasound Technician?
It takes 1 to 4 Years with this type of degree the student will qualify for a career in ultrasound research, work as an ultrasound professor or they can teach courses in echocardiography at a college level. The type of annual salary for the technician that has obtained their master’s degree has the potential salary range of 65,000$ to 72,000$.