Ultrasound tech colleges and universities are available all throughout the country, with over 200 schools accredited by the CAAHEP and ARRT in 2013. More schools are predicted to open in 2014 because of the upward trend in salaries and overall job outlook for sonographers in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) actually predicts a 45.3 percent increase (over 20,000 jobs) between 2010 and 2020 for sonographers. This has contributed greatly to increase in educational opportunities for people who want to become sonographers.
Getting started with sonography
The first step in becoming a sonographer is applying to colleges for sonography study. Sonography is a medical technician program known as the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program in most schools. There are three types of the DMS program available: certificate, associate, and baccalaureate. Certificate programs are usually found in community and technical/vocational colleges. This type of program is completed in 12 months. The most common is the 2-year associate program, found in most colleges across the state. The last is the regular baccalaureate program which is completed in 4 years.
Distance education
A lot of factors have made it possible for students to get tertiary education – financial aid, academic scholarships, and even government loans. However, beyond the finances needed to study in college or university, some students still have problems with class schedules and commuting to the campus. To solve this, the concept of distance education is being offered by a number of colleges. Distance education allows students to complete all class online or through the internet.
There are only three ultrasound tech schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The complete school directory has over 200 accredited schools listed.
1. Adventist University of Health Sciences
Off-site Admissions Center
2145 MetroCenter Blvd, Suite 400
Orlando, Florida
32835-7632
2. Jackson Community College
Central Campus
211 Emmons Road
Jackson, Mississippi
517-787-0800
3. Washburn University
1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, Kansas
785-670-1010
There are only three ultrasound tech schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The complete school directory has over 200 accredited schools listed.
1. Adventist University of Health Sciences
Off-site Admissions Center
2145 MetroCenter Blvd, Suite 400
Orlando, Florida
32835-7632
2. Jackson Community College
Central Campus
211 Emmons Road
Jackson, Mississippi
517-787-0800
3. Washburn University
1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, Kansas
785-670-1010
Get certified by the ARDMS
Once a program is completed, a student is eligible to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification exam. In the absence of a formal licensing body in the country, the ARDMS gives out an exam for sonographers to become certified. Graduates from accredited schools easily complete the requirements for the exam compared to non-accredited schools. Students who plan to start careers in sonography should enrol in accredited ultrasound tech colleges for the best training in the country. More details on sonography here.