An ultrasound is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images for diagnostic purposes. In order to become an ultrasound technician, students must take an assortment of required courses. These courses vary depending on the institution at which the student is taking classes.
Required Courses
Bachelor's degrees can be obtained at a four-year institution. For those who prefer a two-year program, students can earn their associate's degree.
Topics covered in ultrasound programs focus on medical ethics, anatomy, physics, physiology and procedures. Core focus is placed on the student's choice of specialty and the use of the equipment for that area of medicine. Heavy emphasis is placed not only on use the equipment, but also on read the images produced by the equipment.
A standard ultrasound technician course curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, effective communication, physics and instrumentation, algebra, basic scan techniques, general pathology, scanning the abdomen, scanning the neck and duplex imaging, female reproduction, obstetrics, male reproduction and pediatrics.
Clinical
Students also are required to complete clinical hours at a health care facility to fulfill externship requirements.
Testing
Before being deemed a professional ultrasound technician, students must pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
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