How do you start your career as a Ultrasound tech?
Asked by jodes
How do you become an ultrasound tech? How many years of schooling do you have to go through? Whats the pay like out of school?

Best Answer:
When thinking about entering an ultrasound program, you need not be concerned so much about certificate vs. degree. What is important is that you go to an ACCREDITED program, whether it is college or hospital based. An accredited program allows you to take your registry (licensing) exams upon graduation. Once you get licensed, you will never be asked about your schooling again. An employer does not care what route you take to get licensed, they just want you to have that license. Don't waste your time or money on a NON-accredited program. Upon completion and graduation from a NON-accredited program, you must work in the field of sonography for a full year prior to taking your licensing examinations. But, you will have a hard time finding an employer to hire you, unless you are licensed. I would suggest you observe an imaging department to get an idea of what ultrasonographers do daily. There is much more to it than scanning pregnant women. Most people have no idea how much is involved in this career! You can find a list of accredited schools in your area, by searching "diagnostic medical sonography" and your state at the following site. There are links provided for each program, which will give you additional information (including course duration): http://www.caahep.org/Find_An_Accredited_Program.aspx Many people, myself included, go to school to become a radiologic technologist, before continuing to ultrasound school. In fact, it can be difficult to get into u/s school without the RT license. There are many more choices for schools for x-ray in most states. You can find them here, by searching “radiography“ and your state: http://www.jrcert.org/cert/Search.jsp The pay for ultrasound technologists will vary, depending on experience and geographical location. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists just did a large salary survey. You can see how much a RT and/or ultrasound technologist averaged, per year, in your state here: https://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/research/wss2007/wss07annualcompensation.pdf
I am a RT and sonographer....
Answered by Lissacal

Ive been looking into this myself...you can look at your local college and see if they have sonography tech (same thing) classes...I think depending on how often you do this can be done in 18 month...don't quote me on the time its a round about...this is not a degree so it shouldn't take much longer...the pay (depending on your location) go to www.salarywizard.com is anywhere from 45k to 75k obviously experience and location meaning hospital or medical center, will make a difference...but I will tell you this with most people steering away from xrays (because of the risks) ultrasound careers are starting to boom. it has a great future forecast. good luck!
Answered by LiaP

google
Answered by Jessica

The correct title is diagnostic medical sonographer. Make sure that the school you choose is accredited so that you are eligible to take the national registry exam after you graduate. Check out these links for information: https://www.asrt.org/content/abouttheprofession/_AboutTheProfession.aspx http://www.jrcdms.org/ http://www.sdms.org/
Answered by RadTech

First look on this website & find a school near you that is *CAAHEP accredited*: (Select Diagnostic Medical Sonography under profession) http://www.caahep.org/Find_An_Accredited_Program.aspx Then contact the schools you are interested in. Speak to someone who is familiar with the DMS program(s) and they can give you all the necessary info for getting started. You will want to know: - What type of program they offer (associate's, bachelor's degree) - How long the program is (usually 18 months-2 years for associate's degree) - What the requirements are to apply to the program (including pre-req courses you need to take) - How long the waiting list is (usually very competitive) - When the deadline is to apply (may only accept applicants once per year) How long it takes depends on the school and the degree type. I will be in an 18 month associate's degree program, but many are 2 years long. Average salary is about $57,000. Check this website for salary info for your state: (Look under Sonography) https://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/research/wss2007/wss07annualcompensation.pdf Good luck with everything!
Answered by sunflower16