Ultrasound technologists provide imaging services for physicians for preventative and diagnostic medicine.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field of medical sonography (ultrasound) can expect better than average job growth through 2018. Ultrasound technologist programs vary by institution, but most colleges offering the program require many of the same basic courses and have many of the same admissions standards. Schools in Colorado offering degrees in the field are primarily community colleges with extensive training programs in this field.
Admission Requirements
Because ultrasound technologist program require that students either hold a bachelor's degree or a two-year degree or a program certificate in a related field. Some of these fields include physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy and nursing. Other admission requirements include submitting undergraduate transcripts and taking an Accuplacer test, an exam designed to help colleges properly asses your education level in fields like science, math and English. Most ultrasound technologist programs require students to have completed prerequisite courses in areas such as biology and human anatomy and physiology. Students who complete an ultrasound technologist program usually receive an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
Curriculum Requirements
Curriculum requirements tend to vary among schools but have some general similarities. For instance, the A.A.S. degree from Red Rocks Community College requires 83.5 credit hours for completion and takes about four semesters to complete. Most associate degree programs require about 75 credit hours (more if prerequisite courses need to be taken). Courses required include various areas of study such as OB/GYN ultrasound, multiplanar sectional imaging, survey of general sonography, abdominal ultrasound, ultrasound physics, vascular ultrasound, small parts ultrasound, cerebrovascular sonography, advanced obstetric sonography, pediatric echocardiography and vascular anatomy and physiology and fetal echocardiography.
Clinical Education Requirements
Student pursuing a degree in ultrasound technology should be prepared to pursue hands-on training through a number of clinical lab courses as well as various internship programs. Red Rocks Community College requires students to participate in clinical observation and three internship sequences. Internships require students to spend 30 hours per week at an ultrasound clinic. Pueblo Community College also requires students to complete three clinical internship sequences as well. In addition to clinical training, students complete a capstone course designed to sum up the entirety of their education and assess the students' competency in the field.
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