Historically there are a variety of ways in which you could have become an ultrasound technician. But with advancements in technology and laws, most employers are tightening up their requirements for those that want to apply as an ultrasound technician. For the most part, unless you have some equivalent experience or background, you need to attend an accredited ultrasound technician college or vocational program. There are some hospitals that have accredited training programs, but most technicians attend some sort of formal educational program as their path of entry into this career.
If you are planning to direct yourself toward this career and you are still in high school then you should take courses that are focused in health, science, biology, and math. You should also take any interpersonal communication courses that you find offered or available. These will all be in preparation for your entry into one of the college level ultrasound technician educational programs.
The majority of ultrasound technician educational programs are two year programs for full time students. There are part time programs available but they will take longer than two years to complete. There are some universities that offer four year full time programs, these programs are fantastic if you plan on taking your career as an ultrasound technician to the highest levels possible. It is not to say that you cannot reach the highest levels with a two year program, but you will need to take additional continuing education while working in order to reach the highest levels of this career.
Currently there are not any states nor medical boards that require specific licensing for ultrasound technicians. But as stated before, the industry is mostly self regulating itself by requiring applicants to have completed accredited ultrasound technician training programs. In addition to the college level training there are also certifying organizations that will allow the ultrasound technician to become a certified ultrasound technician. These certification programs are also called registries. The dominant registry within the United States is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), This organization will only certify you if you have passed their tests, met their requirements, and if you have successfully completed an accredited ultrasound technician educational program.
It is important to note that more employers each year are not simply seeking formally trained technicians but also technicians that are certified and registered by ARMDS. It would be a safe bet that if you plan to become an ultrasound technician you should direct your efforts toward an accredited program and then certification by the ARDMS.
For advancement within this career you can expect to take continuing education courses that will allow you to specialize in certain areas of ultrasound testing and analysis. The more specialized your skill set, the more likely you will be able to find advancement throughout your career. Continuing education will be a matter of life for all ultrasound technicians from now and into the foreseeable future because there will always be a need for the technician to be trained and understand new equipment and technological advancements.
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