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Crystal
Student
Sparks, Nevada
1
Question
Updated
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What is the greatest reward in becoming an ultrasound technician and what is the hardest part when it comes to entering in the field to become a technician ?
I will be entering into an ultrasound program in August 2025 and any advice that anyone in the field can give would be appreciated.
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1 answer
Evangeline Watkins
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
36
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Evangeline’s Answer
I'm at the end of my sonography program and will graduate with my associate's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in May. The best part so far is how much your mind will expand throughout your schooling and this process. There is a lot needed to be employed in this field, and the hardest part by far is the registry process.
Registy:
Most jobs in highly competitive areas like big cities will not hire you without being registered with the ARDMS. The ARDMS is the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. It is an exam that consist of physics, anatomy, and pathology of your chosen specialty. There are multiple specialty exams you can take under ARDMS. The main ones are abdomen (liver, kidneys, spleen, etc), vascular (arteries and veins), OB (pregnant women) and others like musculoskeletal, breast, echo (the heart), and pediatrics (children), as well as countless others. Ask your program what will be taught at your school. You will also have to take your SPI, which is a physics exam under the ARDMS, before you take your specialty exam. Ask your school if the cost of any of these test is included in tuition. (SPI was paid for my mine, but not ARDMS). If your school is not CAAHEP-accredited, then you will not be eligible to take your ARDMS right away. (ASK IF IT IS) You will either need a bachelors or need to work in the field for a year. I will say the pay will be lower once you start working if you haven't passed your registry exams. You could also take the ARRT, which is another exam that covers abdomen, OB, and physics right after graduation and this will also allow you to take your ARDMS after graduation. Make sure to develop a good study routine because any sonography program will be highly intensive, and your registry exams will be killer. [Studying for mine right now :')]
Internship:
Typically sonography schools will have an internship period. This is important for on the job training and may lead to potential employment opportunities. During internship, don't shy away from exams your not comfortable with. The only way to learn it is to do it. Ask for help when needed, but try your best.
Be Aware of the Risks:
Sonographers are at high risk for workplace injury. Performing an ultrasound exam puts a lot of strain on your wrist, arms, and shoulder. Many sonographers will end their career or transition into teaching sonography (this still pays really well) after a few years due to these injuries. Some people will experience pain after performing exams back to back all day, but most companies have mandated breaks for sonographers in between exams or will hire two sonographers who switch off. Some patients are harder to scan than others. For example, a larger patient may require you to use more force to get a good image which could hurt more. I know for myself I've been scanning daily for over a year now and there are days where my arm gets sore. Your specialty can also affect this. If you work out your arms well and take breaks you should be fine, but it is something to be aware of.
I wish you the best of luck, and if you have any other questions feel free to reach out. If you have other questions, you can check out the podcast Sonographers in the City. They have a few episodes on what to expect.
Registy:
Most jobs in highly competitive areas like big cities will not hire you without being registered with the ARDMS. The ARDMS is the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. It is an exam that consist of physics, anatomy, and pathology of your chosen specialty. There are multiple specialty exams you can take under ARDMS. The main ones are abdomen (liver, kidneys, spleen, etc), vascular (arteries and veins), OB (pregnant women) and others like musculoskeletal, breast, echo (the heart), and pediatrics (children), as well as countless others. Ask your program what will be taught at your school. You will also have to take your SPI, which is a physics exam under the ARDMS, before you take your specialty exam. Ask your school if the cost of any of these test is included in tuition. (SPI was paid for my mine, but not ARDMS). If your school is not CAAHEP-accredited, then you will not be eligible to take your ARDMS right away. (ASK IF IT IS) You will either need a bachelors or need to work in the field for a year. I will say the pay will be lower once you start working if you haven't passed your registry exams. You could also take the ARRT, which is another exam that covers abdomen, OB, and physics right after graduation and this will also allow you to take your ARDMS after graduation. Make sure to develop a good study routine because any sonography program will be highly intensive, and your registry exams will be killer. [Studying for mine right now :')]
Internship:
Typically sonography schools will have an internship period. This is important for on the job training and may lead to potential employment opportunities. During internship, don't shy away from exams your not comfortable with. The only way to learn it is to do it. Ask for help when needed, but try your best.
Be Aware of the Risks:
Sonographers are at high risk for workplace injury. Performing an ultrasound exam puts a lot of strain on your wrist, arms, and shoulder. Many sonographers will end their career or transition into teaching sonography (this still pays really well) after a few years due to these injuries. Some people will experience pain after performing exams back to back all day, but most companies have mandated breaks for sonographers in between exams or will hire two sonographers who switch off. Some patients are harder to scan than others. For example, a larger patient may require you to use more force to get a good image which could hurt more. I know for myself I've been scanning daily for over a year now and there are days where my arm gets sore. Your specialty can also affect this. If you work out your arms well and take breaks you should be fine, but it is something to be aware of.
I wish you the best of luck, and if you have any other questions feel free to reach out. If you have other questions, you can check out the podcast Sonographers in the City. They have a few episodes on what to expect.
Evangeline, thank you so much for all the amazing information! I will definitely be looking into these exams to see if the school I’m planning on attending covers any exams and if they are CAAHEP certified for sure! Also thank you for the podcast recommendation I will definitely check that out as well. All the information you gave is very helpful since it’s the first I’m hearing of any of this. Google can only give you so much and I’m happy to connect with someone like you. I’ll definitely be taking you up on reaching out in the future. Good luck on your exams!
Crystal
Crystal
I did find out that it’s not CAAHEP-accredited, but they will have me take the ARRT exam. It sounds like I’ll be taking three exams since I do want to specialize in OB. Is that correct? Or is it just two?
Crystal
Yeah, more and more sonography programs are being created that aren't CAAHEP, but they don't tell you how important it is until after you enroll. The ARRT isn't too bad, though. Most sonographers say it was fairly easy. From online, it seems the people who struggle with it are probably radiology techs getting cross-trained, and as long as you know ultrasound physics, you'll be okay. You'll need to take 1. the SPI (under ARDMS, covers ultrasound physics), 2. the ARRT (under ARRT, covers abdomen, OB, and physics), and 3. the OB ARDMS specialty exam (under ARDMS, covers OB).
Evangeline Watkins
That's 3 exams at the minimum, but honestly, if you're already taking the ARRT, I'd take the Abdomen ARDMS specialty exam too, since you'll already be studying abdomen for the ARRT. It's only one more exam that you know the content for, and it means you get 2 licences and look like a better candidate for hiring managers. That's what I plan on doing after I take the ARRT.
Evangeline Watkins
Thank you! Evangeline. Now I can be mentally prepare and look into pricing for at least two of them. I also want to thank you for recommending Sonographers in the City. I have been listening to it none stop and have learned so much! Such a great resource. Thanks for everything!
Crystal