Looking for a Ultrasound Technician School?

If you are looking for a career as an ultrasound technician, you need training at an ultrasound technician school. There are a number of programs for ultrasound technician training. You can enroll in a 1- to 1.5-year certificate program, a 2-year associate’s degree program, or a 4-year bachelor’s degree program. Choosing a particular training program often depends on cost, program duration, and prerequisites.

What Do Ultrasound Technician Schools Teach?

Training programs for ultrasound technologists often include theoretical and hands-on training. You will learn about human anatomy, physiology, physics, medical ethics, etc. You will also gain experience in handling ultrasound equipment to conduct abdominal, obstetric, pelvic and vascular sonography scans. The time you spend at an ultrasound technician school will help you build personal and teamwork skills to prepare you to work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Clinical rotations and externship provide real-life experience in dealing with patients and working with professionals in the field.
Program Duration

Ultrasound technician schools offer three basic programs:

• 1 to 1.5 years program. A year-long sonography program results in a certificate which is often enough for an entry-level ultrasound technician’s position. This is a good option if you need to start working right away. However, you will not be able to take the national certification exam for sonographers with this credential. It will be difficult to find a high-paying ultrasound technician job, or even an employer willing to hire you.

• 2-year program. You can get an associate’s degree if you enroll in a 2-year program at an ultrasound technician school. An associate’s degree qualifies you to take the accreditation exam given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. This credential is generally acceptable by most employers.

• 4-year program. If you want to go far in the field of sonography, you will have to complete a 4-year program and get a bachelor’s degree in sonography. A bachelor’s degree will also allow you to advance and specialize in related fields or become a supervisor at ultrasound departments at a hospital.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Schools

You can get sonography training from the following types of schools: career schools, community or junior colleges, vocational and technical schools, teaching hospitals, and colleges and universities.

Career schools are educational institutions that focus on a few areas. They offer certificate programs as well as 2-year associate’s degree and 4-year bachelor’s degree programs on sonography. Community colleges often give 2-year associate’s degrees. Vocational and technical schools offer associate’s or bachelor’s degrees and focus on hands-on training. Likewise, teaching hospitals offer 2- or 4-year degree programs and provide students with hands-on experience in a hospital environment. Colleges and universities also offer associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in sonography and related fields.

Accreditation

Accreditation is very important in the medical field. When choosing an ultrasound technician school, make sure it is accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates of accredited schools are preferred by employers, and is a requirement if you plan to take the national board exams for sonographers.