Ultrasound technologists help physicians diagnose medical conditions.
The first hospital in the United States was established in Philadelphia in 1751. Today, the "City of Brotherly Love" is a major epicenter for the medical and health care industry. In addition, Philadelphia's health care system is its largest employer. So, if you are seeking a career as an ultrasound technologist, you will have good options in "Philly."
Ultrasound technologists (sonographers) work with medical equipment that uses sound waves to generate diagnostic images. These images help physicians diagnose medical conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sonography is a rapidly growing field. And the best opportunities are for sonographers with credentials and/or a specialty.
Instructions
1. Meet the minimum the requirements. Obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. Complete courses in math, science and health.
2. Complete an accredited training program. Visit the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs website (see References). Click the "Find an Accredited Program" tab. Select "Diagnostic Medical Sonographer" from the drop-down menu. Then choose your area of concentration, such as Cardiac. Select "PA" (Pennsylvania). Then click search.
A list of accredited education facilities offering training programs in your specialty is provided along with contact information. For example, if you are specializing in cardiac sonography you will see that Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia offers an accredited training program for that specialty.
3. Register for credentials. Complete the Prerequisite and Requirement and Eligibility Program (PREP) on the Association for Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) website.
ARDMS provides certification and continuing education for sonographers. PREP is an online tool that identifies the pre-requisite education and/or experience you should have along with the required documentation you should include with your application.
4. Apply for an examination. Complete the online application on the ARDMS website. Include all the proper documentation recommended by PREP along with the application fee. As of early 2010, the application fee is $200.
5. Schedule an exam. Select Schedule an Examination tab on the ARDMS website. Click on the Schedule an ARDMS Examination link. The link takes you to the Pearson Vue website (www.pearsonvue.com). Click the "Register for Tests" link. If you have an account enter you username and password. Otherwise create an account. Pearson Vue will provide you with available test dates and test center locations. Pearson Vue is the official testing center for ARDMS.
The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam is required for applicants seeking certification as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Diagnostic Cardiovascular Stonographer (RDCS) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). Within six weeks after passing the exam, you will receive the ARDMS ID and certificate.
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