Many students are interested in studying ultrasonography at ultrasound training schools, as it is the first step on the path to becoming a qualified sonographer or ultrasound technician.
Ultrasonography (also frequently called sonography) is a state of the art diagnostic technique which uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create dynamic images of internal organs, tissues, structures, or blood flow inside the body.
Many people traditionally associate ultrasound with pregnancy, but this is only one small area that diagnostic medical sonography is used for. In today’s modern healthcare arena, it’s used to scan everything from the nervous system to the digestive system, tumors, blood vessels, the eyes and much more. In addition to being a valuable diagnostic procedure, ultrasound is also used to assist with the prevention and treatment of a range of medical conditions as well.
One of the key reasons why healthcare professionals choose ultrasound over other types of diagnostic imaging techniques (like x-rays) is the safety of this non-invasive technology, together with its ability to produce high quality images in real time.
To become professional qualified as an ultrasound technician, you’ll need to complete a diagnostic medical sonography course. You can do this by attending one of the many ultrasound training schools which offer sonographer education.
Types Of Courses Ultrasound Training Schools Will Provide
Ultrasound training schools and technician programs are becoming increasingly popular as more students choose a career path in sonography. Training is normally provided by private ultrasound tech schools, public community colleges and universities. In addition, there are some excellent ultrasound training schools that now offer ultrasound courses you can complete online, and this is a great way to keep tuition costs down.
You’ll typically be given a choice of two types of courses. If you are already working in healthcare and hold a relevant degree, you may be eligible to take a one year certification program. This type of course is primarily aimed at medical assistants, physicians and healthcare doctors who are currently practicing in a health care field and want additional training so they can carry out diagnostic medical sonography as part of their skills (or improve their job prospects!) As a general rule, you’ll find that almost all ultrasound training schools can give you ultrasound technician training at certificate or diploma level.
The second form of sonographer education provided by ultrasound training schools is at associate’s or bachelor’s degree level. These two types of degree programs will give you far more detailed training than you would gain by taking the one year certificate route. As part of degree programs, you’ll study a variety of core subject areas including human anatomy, physiology, ultrasound physics, sonography theory, vascular technology, gynecology, neurosonology and obstetrics. Your ultrasound training schools will also teach you how to use ultrasound machines and instrumentation, and you’ll gain a working knowledge of medical law and ethics.
The key difference between associate’s and bachelor’s degrees is the duration of the course. An associate’s degree is generally the most popular ultrasound degree program offered by ultrasound training schools, and takes students two years to gain. In contrast, bachelor’s degrees take four years to finish and are favored by those wishing to get involved in ultrasonography research or focus on management. Most ultrasound training schools usually teach associate’s degrees, but less offer the bachelor’s degree option as it takes longer and isn’t as popular.
Not All Ultrasound Training Schools Are The Same!
Once you’ve completed your ultrasound technician training and become qualified, you’ll almost certainly want to become registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (known as ARDMS) The ARDMS is the professional organization which handles credentialing for ultrasound technicians and sonographers.
In order to qualify for ARDMS membership, your ultrasound course must be accredited and approved by a recognized organization. Currently, ARDMS only recognizes the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as the sole accrediting body for ultrasound training schools.
You should be aware that not all ultrasound training schools are CAAHEP accredited. This means that if you gain your qualification from one of the ultrasound training schools which isn’t CAAHEP approved, not only will you find it difficult to get ARDMS membership but you’ll also find it extremely hard to get a job!
So, when you are looking for ultrasound training schools in your area, always make sure that they are fully CAAHEP accredited.
The Future Outlook For Ultrasound Technicians
According to official research, the job outlook for sonographers and ultrasound technicians is expected to substantially rise by more than 18% over the next decade. This shortfall of trained ultrasound professionals is also mirrored by constantly increasing ultrasound salaries which continue to outpace inflation.
If you are looking for a job in healthcare which will give you a well above average healthcare sector income and your choice of sonography jobs, then qualifying as a sonographer with one of the ultrasound training schools is definitely a smart career move.