Schools

There are literally hundreds of ultrasound technician schools across the United States.  These schools offer a variety of certificate, associate, and baccalaureate programs.  There are even dozens of schools that are online that offer an ultrasound technician certificate.  The problem is that not all of these schools are created equal.  This is a brief overview of ultrasound technician schools.

The first thing you need to know about ultrasound technician schools is that not all of them are created equal.  Of course you probably know there are always some schools better than others, but in the case of ultrasound technician schools, the fact that the schools are different can mean the difference between securing a job as an ultrasound technician and having to re-take a program at a different school.

Of the hundreds of schools offering ultrasound technician curricula there are only 190 that are certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and there are only three of those 190 that offer an online educational option.  This means that the hundreds of other schools and dozens of other ultrasound technician educational online programs are not accredited by the premier accrediting agency for health training.  This means that if you attend and graduate a school that is not accredited you will be severely limiting the number of employers that will be willing to hire you.  This is not to say that those other programs are not good programs, but without accreditation, there are simply many employers that do not want to take the risk in hiring you.

It is also important to attend an accredited school because you cannot become a registered or certified medical sonographer without having graduated from an accredited program.  Once again, this means that you will be limiting your employment and advancement options because there are many employers that require all ultrasound technicians and sonographers to have certification.

The good news is that there are 190 fully accredited schools, all of which qualify you to sit for the certification exam upon graduation.  These 190 schools are located in over 42 different states and offer a tremendous variety in class schedules to accommodate almost any need.  This includes part time options as well as weekend and night class options.  There is no reason you cannot find a qualified and accredited school to fit your schedule and needs.  It simply would not be prudent to attend any other program.

You may have come across a school that is currently seeking accreditation.  You can attend one of these programs but if you graduate prior to their receiving accreditation or if they fail to get accredited, then you will have wasted those years by getting a degree that is not as valuable as if you simply chose an institution that was already accredited.  Along that same line you want to make certain whatever institution you attend is not up for recertification of their accredited status while you are attending.  You do not want to be in the middle of a program only to have its accreditation pulled in the midst of your education and then you graduate with a non accredited degree or certificate.

Educational Requirements

The educational requirements to become an ultrasound technician are different today than just a few years ago.  Even though there is no formal requirements given by the medical board or state regulatory agencies, the employers themselves are beginning to set a standard expectation by not hiring any new technicians that have not been formally trained within an education program designed for ultrasound technicians and certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Allie Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP).  These programs are primarily two year programs that are provided by colleges or vocational schools.  If the current trend continues, then it will likely be that in the future there will be a four year college requirement to become an ultrasound technician.

Certification and Licensing Requirements

While there are not any official government sanctioned licenses for ultrasound technicians there is an increasing demand by employers that the technician also be certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).  This organization issues certifications to ultrasound technicians that have graduated from a CAAHEP accredited educational program, have passed a competency exam given by ARDMS, and adhere to the ARDMS code of professional standards and ethics.

The ultrasound technician requirements within the accredited educational programs varies within each program, but certainly includes all of the related skills and information necessary to perform adequately as an ultrasound technician.  This would include mastery of all current ultrasound technology, the ability to interpret, read, and understand ultrasound images, the ability to communicate this analysis in writing and verbally, and the ability to understand all relevant medical terminology to the position.  The educational programs will also include aspects to ensure the future technician is experienced and able to follow written procedures, able to adhere to a time line and deadlines, as well as remain organized and able to complete work on an independent basis.  Of course all of this knowledge would be included and taught within any accredited educational program.

Physical Requirements

There are several physical requirements for an ultrasound technician to adequately perform their job.  The technician first and foremost needs to be able to see well.  They need to be able clearly see detail on paper, in person, and on a video screen.  The ultrasound technician position revolves around the creation of visual images and as such the technician needs to have good vision.  In addition to good vision the technician needs to be able to effective use their motor functions in order to handle the equipment and they need to be able to lift and maneuver patients in order to perform ultrasound tests.  The technician also needs to be able to transport the equipment to the patient, if the patient is not able to come to the technician.  Therefore the technician needs to be physically mobile.  The technician also needs good hearing and speech capabilities in order to effectively communicate with the patients.

Overall the ultrasound technician requirements are increasing as medical technology and diagnostic equipment advances.  The ultrasound technician needs to understand that they are entering a career path that will change over time, require constant learning, and will evolve with advancements in medical technology.