The first step in choosing sonography as an occupation is enrolling in ultrasound technician classes. A number of programs that vary in length and specialization are available in most schools throughout the US, the most popular being associate programs. If you decide to become a sonographer, you will have to take the ARDMS exam to become a certified sonographer after graduating from an undergraduate program.
The job description of a sonographer
Sonographers are diagnostic technologists. They work with a machine called a sonogram that sends high frequency sound waves through the body. When these waves bounce back from internal structures such as bones and organs, they create images. Sonographers are able to analyze these images and make reports on any structural or possible functional anomalies.
Applying to a sonography school
Because the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a large improvement in employment for sonographers within the next eight years of as much as 46 percent, there has been an increasing number of schools offering sonography in the US. In 2014, there are more than 200 schools that offer accredited programs in sonography. Accredited programs meet the curriculum standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
|
If a student has problems with scheduling or can’t study on campus due to financial or commute difficulties, distance education is an option. There are currently three accredited schools that offer online sonography programs. Be sure to enrol in an accredited school because they offer the best training programs.
Choosing a sonography program
There are three program lengths that courses are offered: 12 months for certificate programs, 2 years for associate degree programs, and 4 years for bachelor degree programs. Associate degree programs are by far the most popular offered by technical and vocational colleges. Associate degree programs require students to complete all general education classes before application because they focus on major sonography subjects and clinical training.
The curriculum in an associate degree program
- An associate program can have been 70 to 100 total credits, depending on the number of classes and clinical training. You can find schools that offer ultrasound technician programs through this link.
- Major subjects are typically spread throughout each semester, with minor subjects interspersed. However, during the last one or two semesters, students are completely focused on major sonography subjects and clinicals, or even just clinical and specialty training.
- Students can choose a sonography specialty they want to train in. The most common programs are focused on general and cardiovascular sonography. However, other specialties are also available like pediatric sonography, obstetrics and gynecologic sonography, and neurosonography.
Skills developed during training
Sonographers are highly specialized technicians who develop a lot of skills during clinical training in a sonography program. Because most of the work is very technical, even involving troubleshooting of the machine or finding the right position to get an image, sonographers are expected to develop a number of skills. Sonographers are expected to have:
- Orientation to detail
- Hand-eye coordination
- Interpersonal skills
- Physical and mental stamina
- Technical knowledge