Ultrasound technicians perform sonograms for pregnant women to ensure the baby is healthy and developing correctly.
Ultrasounds are used in medical facilities to check the health of a baby during pregnancy as well as diagnose diseases and health problems in adults and children. Performing ultrasounds on patients is often the responsibility of an ultrasound technician, who earns an average salary of $61,000 per year as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With the job opportunities for individuals in this field expected to grow 18 percent between 2008 and 2018 according to the BLS, now is a great time to consider starting a career in ultrasound technology.
Instructions
1. Find an accredited program. Visit the website of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to find an accredited ultrasound technology program in your state (see Resources). It's important to attend an accredited program, because this allows you to become registered or certified. Narrow down the list of accredited schools to only a few, and then visit the campus of each school before choosing the one that's right for you.
2. Complete your degree. Attend classes for two years to earn an associate's degree, or spend an additional two years if you want to receive a bachelor's degree in ultrasound technology. Use clinicals and internships to gain experience performing ultrasounds on real patients.
3. Earn certification. Most states don't require a license to become an ultrasound technician, according to the BLS, but certification is available from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS, see References). While certification isn't required, it is beneficial, because some hospitals and medical facilities require applicants to be certified if applying for open ultrasound technician positions. To earn certification from ARDMS, applicants must pass an exam that ensures they know properly perform ultrasounds.
4. Apply for jobs. Browse the job listings available from hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities in your community via their website or popular job websites such as Monster and CareerBuilder. Network with doctors and nurses to learn of openings at physician offices. See what career opportunities are available for ultrasound technicians across the U.S. by viewing career listings through the professional associations such as Ultrasoundjobs.com (see Resources).
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