Ultrasound Technician

Diving Below the Surface: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

So you want to be an ultrasound technician?

Well, you’re in luck. The industry is expected to grow by 12% by 2029, so now is a good time to get started!

The medical field has a good reputation when it comes to salaries, benefits, and job satisfaction, and sonographers are not far from an exception.

If you’re interested in becoming a sonographer, here’s what you need to know to get started!

Ultrasound Technician Education

The benefits of becoming an ultrasound tech are pretty appealing. What’s more appealing is that an ultrasound technician career doesn’t require a lot of education. Actually, compared to the average ultrasound technician salary, which is over $78,000 a year, it’s hardly anything at all!

All that is technically required is a 1-year certification, but most hospitals will require at least an associate’s degree. There are many community colleges that offer sonography programs, giving you plenty of options for your education.

Even though a two-year degree meets the requirements, some hospitals will require a bachelor’s degree, and it will also help you rise above your competition, and likely offer a higher salary.

Deciding whether to take a 1-year, 2-year, or 4-year program is the first choice to make in your journey, each coming with its own risks and benefits.

Experience

While the certification or degree is all that is technically required, many hospitals will be looking for experience.

During your education, plenty of required lab hours will give you the training you need, but internships are often required for certification.

Your experience does not have to be specific to sonography. Any experience in medical technology, or working in a general hospital setting, will be a valuable addition to your resume for any facility hiring ultrasound techs.

Certification

Once you have completed your program, you’re in the home stretch. However, you aren’t quite done yet. Passing an exam and getting your board certification will still be required.

There are many factors to keep in mind. Depending on your level of education, your state or locality, your specialization, and even the hospital where you intend to work, certification requirements can vary.

If you’ve completed the course, this shouldn’t be too difficult for you. Check out the ultrasound registry review for more information and resources.

How to Get Ahead

Certification will get you qualified, but is it enough to land you an ultrasound technician job right away?

Even in a growing field, there’s always going to be competition. Taking steps to get ahead can make the difference between getting the job you want and settling for the one you don’t.

Now that you know the basic requirements, let’s talk about a few tips on how to stand out to recruiters.

Emergency Medical Services

If you’re planning to go to school to become an ultrasound tech, taking a course to be an EMT and working your way through school in a related field is an excellent, affordable way to get ahead of the competition.

If you were planning to work at school, why not work a job that will help you down the road?

This plan also provides a lower-risk way to see if the medical technology field is right for you, as these courses typically only last 6-8 weeks and are often very affordable.

Not only that, EMTs don’t have to ride in ambulances. There are always hospitals looking for EMT-certified staff to work in various positions. This gives you the chance to work in a hospital that may need an ultrasound technician or intern when the time comes for you.

Take an Internship

While some certifications will require this, others won’t. Regardless, an internship will offer you not only valuable experience but references and connections.

An internship can lead to a full-time promotion within the facility or a great reference for the job you want to get.

Depending on your needs, an unpaid internship may not be right for you, so take the extra time to look around while you’re in school for an opportunity that works for you.

Specializations

Other than your board certification, there are plenty of other valuable certificates you can get to help you get a boost on your career.

While this isn’t a requirement in any US state, hospitals and doctors are looking for certifications in these specialized fields more and more.

These certifications can be in abdominal sonography, breast, OB/GYN, and cardiac. Having one of these demonstrates your competence and expertise in the area in which you intend to work.

Future Education and Career Path

Once you’re certified, it is not a life-time guarantee for a job. Like most medical careers, there are requirements that need to be fulfilled throughout your entire career to maintain your certification and keep your job.

This varies between certifications, but most will require you to complete and submit a certain amount of continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, while some will require one smaller credential every 9-12 months.

On top of that, there will likely be a practical qualification requirement to complete every 10 years to keep sonographers up to date on the ever-changing field as well as testing their skill retention.

Get Started Today!

Now that you know what it takes to become an ultrasound technician, why wait? Sonography is a growing and promising field with a lot to offer, and if it seems right for you, then start building your career today!

If you’re not sure about it and you’re reading this during the pandemic, then check out some other accelerated online courses to get you ready for the post-pandemic world!

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About Ambika Taylor

Myself Ambika Taylor. I am admin of https://hammburg.com/. For any business query, you can contact me at [email protected]